The typical PhD student takes four years to complete all degree requirements:

• Course work: Course work takes approximately two years to complete.
• Written preliminary examination: Taken after you have finished all course work on your plan of study, this examination covers only your major field. The exam is offered twice each year.
• Oral preliminary examination: As an immediate follow-up to the written preliminary examination, your oral exam will cover the major field, minor field, and research methodology. This examination typically occurs during the same quarter as the written preliminary examination.
• Dissertation: The typical PhD student in the Department of Management finishes his or her dissertation between 12 to 17 months of completing the oral exam. Dissertation proposal guidelines are available.