Career & Professional Development Matrix

Use the C&PD Matrix to plan a successful graduate school experience and your career.

¹EARLY STAGE

• Master & Doctoral students: Course work
• Doctoral Students: Completion of qualifying exam (where applicable)

 MIDDLE STAGE

• Doctoral Students
  • Year 2- Initiate execution of activities outlined in research proposal ; make satisfactory progress toward completion of courses outlined in degree plan; acquire skills necessary for advancement with degree program and transition into a postdoctoral or teaching/research professorship
  • Year 3- Completion of pre-luminary exam; PhD candidate; Satisfactory progress activities outlined in research proposal; acquire skills.....

 LATE STAGE

• Master students: Satisfactory progress execution of activities outlined in research proposal; completion of Thesis; defense
• Doctoral Students
  • Year 4- Satisfactory progress execution of activities outlined in research proposal ; begin publication of research results, as appropriate; acquire skills and strengthen networks necessary for advancement within the degree program and transitioning into postdoctoral or teaching/research professorship
  • Year 5- Completion of dissertation; defense; transition to academic positions, competitive post docs, or industry