Time to Degree Limits
The time limitation for completing all of the requirements for master’s degree programs is five years. Students typically complete the PhD program within five to six years, but can have up to eight years to complete the program, if needed.
Time is counted from the beginning of a student’s program, even if a student takes a non-medical leave.
However, if a student takes a medical leave, "then the clock stops" for the program. In other words, the time taken off for the medical leave is added to the length of the program for that particular student.
PhD Program Time Limits and Milestones
General Guidelines
- All required coursework and the comprehensive exam are expected to be completed within two calendar years from admission for full-time students, and four calendar years from admission for part-time students.
- The dissertation proposal development, review, and hearing are expected to be completed within one calendar year after #1.
- The dissertation is expected to be completed and defended within two calendar years after #2.
These guidelines are not intended to restrict the pace at which any student proceeds in the PhD program. Rather, they articulate the expected pace that most students should follow.
Time Limit in the PhD Program
The maximum time limit for completion is 8 years from entry into the program, 10 years for part-time students (subject to any relevant accommodations as mentioned below). There will be no possibility for reinstatement after the maximum time limit has been reached, unless there is an approved accommodation.
- Full-time students must defend their dissertations no later than 7½ years (before March 1) from entry into the program.
- Part-time students must defend their dissertations no later than 9½ years (before March 1) from entry into the program.
If a student’s dissertation committee requires changes, whether major or minor, the student has no more than 6 months to make minor changes or successfully re-defend his or her dissertation for major revisions:
- Full-time students must successfully defend their dissertation proposal, including minor or major changes, within 6 years (before August 31) from entry into the program.
- Part-time students must successfully defend their dissertation proposal, including any minor or major changes, within 8 years (before August 31) from their entry into the program.
Failure to successfully defend either the proposal or the dissertation within these time limits will result in termination from the program, unless there is an approved accommodation. Brandeis University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and to the protection and equal treatment of pregnant students and students with pregnancy related conditions. Students requiring reasonable accommodations based on a documented disability or pregnancy-related conditions may be entitled to an extension to any time limits. Students who believe they may require a disability accommodation should contact Student Accessibility Support who will consult with the student and conduct an individualized assessment to determine whether and what accommodations may be necessary. Pregnancy accommodation requests may go through Student Accessibility Support or the Office of Equal Opportunity, or both offices may be involved, depending on the nature of the request.
Actions to Monitor Progress
Although students are responsible for ensuring that their progress is satisfactory and timely, the PhD program will contact students in writing each year after successful completion of the comprehensive exam to ensure that students are fully aware of their progress and of the policies and expectations. Students who are not achieving satisfactory progress may be asked to leave the program.