Ph.D. Transitions FAQ

As we await final approvals for the newly-proposed Ph.D. programs, please refer to this list of Frequently Asked Questions for faculty and students. It will be updated frequently.

What is the timeline for students who want to transition to the newly-proposed Ph.D. programs?

We hope that approvals (MDHE and HLC) will be finished by April.

SGS will then send out a survey for current Interdisciplinary Ph.D. students to let us know if they want to switch into the new program in their area or stay within the current program.

We will not be able to complete Declaration of Major forms for the official switches until August 2024 when the Fall semester starts.

New students admitted in Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 will also have the option to switch to the new program or remain in the current program.

After approvals are finalized, we will prepare to transition the admissions process so that all new applications are for the newly-proposed Ph.D. programs starting with the Fall 2025 application cycle.

What if my plan of study or exams have already been approved?

If you switch into the newly-proposed Ph.D. program in your area, we plan to simply re-approve your existing Plan of Study or passed Comprehensive Exams. Your faculty may propose a committee change at this time. These re-approvals and small changes will happen on an individual basis.

What if my Plan of Study is due in Spring 2024, but I think I would like to switch into the newly-proposed program in Fall 2024?

If you and your advisor agree that the Plan of Study (or Comprehensive Exams) should wait until the transition is completed in the Fall, we simply need documentation of this request to make it happen. Your advisor should email SGS with the request for an extension to Fall 2024 instead of the current Spring 2024 deadline for your documents.