A complete copy of the student's dissertation must be submitted to each member of the doctoral committee approximately four weeks before the defense. It is understood that this copy of the dissertation given to committee members will not be the final copy, and that the committee members may suggest changes in the text at the time of the defense. This examination may not be conducted earlier than three quarters after the date of advancement to doctoral candidacy. Acceptance of the dissertation by the Office of Graduate Studies and Research and the university librarian represents the final step in completion of all requirements for the Ph.D. Ph.D. Time Limit Policy. Pre-candidacy status is limited to four years.
Doctoral students are eligible for university support for six years.
The defense and submission of the doctoral dissertation must be within seven years. In the spring of each year, the faculty evaluate each doctoral student's overall performance in course work, research, and prospects for financial support for future years. A written assessment is given to the student after the evaluation. If a student's work is found to be inadequate, the faculty may determine that the student cannot continue in the graduate program. Graduate Courses Academic Programs Click on the mailbox to send comments or questions on UCSD's Department of Structural Engineering.