By Year Programs of study are tailored to the needs of individual students, based on their prior training and research interests. Progress to degree is generally similar for all students. Beginning the first summer , the emphasis is on research, although courses of special interest may be taken at UCSD or SDSU throughout a student's residency. In the second year , students take a Departmental Examination, which includes critical discussion of a recent research article. In the third year , students advance to candidacy for the doctorate by defending the topic, preliminary findings, and future research plans for their dissertation.
Subsequent years focus on thesis research and writing the dissertation.
At UCSD, An individualized course program is designed for each student in conjunction with his or her adviser. Other course work may be prescribed by the First-Year Thesis Adviser based on the results of the Placement Examinations and the student's research concentration. Attendance at talks is voluntary for JDP students. This is usually the full academic year following admission. All students must enroll in a minimum of 12 units each quarter. .