For Students Entering Fall 2007–Present

Students’ status in the program will be reviewed each year (described below under Annual Reviews, page 25).  During the first two years in the program, a student is referred to as a “Ph.D. student.” Upon successful completion of the research progress report and oral exam, a student advances to candidacy, which designates completing a major portion of the requirements for the Ph.D. The student may then refer to him/herself as a “Ph.D. candidate.”

Completion of the following requirements will mark attainment of the status designated All But Dissertation (ABD) by Carnegie Mellon:

• Attainment examinations or approved coursework
• Selection of a Research Advisor
• Selection of an Advisory Committee
• At least four graduate courses in chemistry or related fields with an average grade of B (3.0 or better)
• Formal Seminar
• Research Progress Report
• Original Research Proposal
• Satisfactory teaching for two semesters as a Teaching Assistant
• English Language Proficiency at the level of Category 3 on the ITA test (if a non-native speaker of English).

In accordance with university policy, ABD students must complete the appropriate form (36K pdf) to declare their intention to complete their dissertation in residence (on campus) or in absentia (off campus).

Students meeting the normally expected deadlines reach candidacy by the end of the second year and ABD status by the end of the third year. ABD students must complete their remaining degree requirement, namely produce and defend publicly an approved dissertation, within seven years of achieving ABD status. Extraordinary circumstances may necessitate the department to seek an extension of the candidacy status. An extension, however, requires approval by the Dean. Additional information about ABD policies, leaves of absence, and in absentia status is available in the Graduate Studies Office.