Below you will find approximate timetables for the PhD and MS degrees, intended to convey the overall progression of the degree programs. While some of the milestone deadlines are set and enforced by the graduate school, you can petition for waivers (and these are most frequently granted if there is sufficient reason). Failure to hit a particular milestone by a certain date does not mean that you are necessarily behind in your degree progress, and does not mean that you will take longer than average to graduate. The Graduate School Provides additional information at: https://gradschool.cornell.edu/academic-progress/
All students must maintain enrollment every term that they are on campus (including summers).
PhD
The average time to PhD in the Sibley School is 9-10 terms (4.5 – 5 years). Terms refer to academic semesters (spring and fall). You may also be registered as a student during summer terms, or may be doing something else (internship, etc.). The typical PhD program looks approximately as follows:
- Term 1: Register in MAE 6949, and other classes that may help you in preparing for your Q exam
- By end of term 1: Match with your primary advisor, and set them as your committee chair in Student Center
- By end of term 2: Complete the Q exam
- By end of term 3: Select your special committee
- At least two terms before graduating, and typically by end of 6th term (3rd year): Complete your A Exam
- At least two terms after the A exam, and typically in the 9-10th term (5th year): Complete your B Exam
- Within 60 days of your B exam: Submit your final dissertation
- Celebrate!
Throughout this schedule, you will also be taking classes, as well as TAing twice.
MS
The average time to MS in Mechanical Engineering is 4 terms (2 years). Terms refer to academic semesters (spring and fall). You may also be registered as a student during summer terms, or may be doing something else (internship, etc.). The typical MS program looks approximately as follows:
- Term 1: Register in MAE 6949
- By end of term 1: Match with your primary advisor, and set them as your committee chair in Student Center
- By end of term 2: Select your special committee
- Typically in the fourth term (second year): Complete your M Exam
- Within 60 days of your M exam: Submit your final thesis
- Celebrate!
Throughout this schedule, you will also be taking classes.