In addition to requirements directly related to awarding of a degree, all students are required to maintain standards of academic integrity (see Academic Integrity section of this Web site). Regulations concerning registration and changes of academic program also apply to all students across degree programs and disciplines.

The only doctoral degree offered by The Graduate School is the doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree. In some cases, this degree is offered in conjunction with another degree, whether from another program administered by The Graduate School or from another school at Northwestern University (see Interdisciplinary Program Overview). Professional degrees, such as the doctor of medicine (MD), doctor of music (DM), doctor of laws (LLD), and doctor of audiology (AuD), are offered through professional schools at Northwestern University, such as the schools of medicine, music, law and communication. These schools should be contacted directly concerning study toward these degrees.

The doctor of philosophy degree is oriented toward research that will advance knowledge. Study for a specified time and accumulation of credit toward residency for courses taken are not by themselves sufficient to earn the PhD degree. A student must demonstrate scholarly distinction and the ability to advance knowledge through independent research by achieving admission to candidacy and writing a dissertation.

Each doctoral student must complete all requirements for the PhD by an established deadline. Graduate Faculty legislation states the following: All requirements for the doctoral degree must be met within nine years of initial registration in a doctoral program.

• MSTP students will not follow this timeline. Please see website for information on MSTP program completion.
• Students who are granted residency credit from another institution or from a previously completed Master's degree will not complete as many units of coursework as outlined below and should contact Student Services for information on course registration.