Candidates should expect the dissertation to take at least the equivalent of one year of full-time work. An overall time limit of seven (7) years for completion of degree requirements and the dissertation is set from the date of first registration following admission into the doctoral program. This limit applies to both full and part time students. Students may request a leave of absence from their department. Leaves of absence must be approved by both the department and Dean of Students. Periods during which the student is formally granted a leave of absence will not be counted in the seven year limit.

The student with support from his or her sponsor may request from the director of doctoral studies and the Dean of Students an annual extension of the seven-year time limit. Such extensions will not automatically be granted, but will be looked upon favorably if the candidate can demonstrate that progress is being made towards completing the dissertation.