Getting Started

Following your acceptance into the IDPhD Program, the first step to building your program of study is to meet with your supervisor and committee members and fill out the Graduate Student Program Form [PDF - 28kb].

This form is a 'map' for your degree, including general components and specific details. Both you and your supervisor must sign the form and submit it to the IDPhD Graduate Secretary who will then enter the data into the Graduate Student Information System (GSIS) where you will be able to access it at any time for your records. It is recommended you keep a copy of the form for your files. This form must be submitted before the end of your first month of the program.

For more details, see: Quick Start Guide for Incoming Students [PDF - 603kb].

Although each IDPhD program is unique, a program typically resembles the following:

Year 1: Courses (4-6 half-credit courses)

Year 2: Comprehensive Exams, Thesis Proposal Preparation

Year 3: Thesis Proposal Defence, Research & Analysis/Thesis Preparation

Year 4: Thesis Completion, Thesis Defence

Please review our Program Details page for more information on how the IDPhD Program is structured.

Making changes

If you wish to make a change to your program of study, you are required to submit a Graduate Student Program Update Form [PDF - 160kb]. Changes may involve new coursework, a change of supervisor, or a change of committee members. You and your supervisor must sign the document and submit it to the IDPhD Administrative Secretary, who will enter it into the Graduate Student Information system (GSIS) for your approval.