Ph.D. degree requirements

In preparation for the demands of academia, you must meet a set of coursework requirements, pass a written qualifying examination, write and present a research paper (proposal), and complete a dissertation.

Each program determines the curriculum and monitors your progress toward the degree. You must satisfy additional requirements, such as annual research presentations, teaching and research assistance, and other requirements determined by each program found within the Program Guidelines.

Kellogg's Ph.D. programs fall under the oversight and administration of The Graduate School (TGS) at Northwestern; therefore, Kellogg's Ph.D. students also adhere to TGS's Ph.D. requirements and deadlines.

Academic progress

Each year Kellogg students must make continuous academic progress and satisfy degree milestones that are outlined in their PhD program’s Program Guidelines. Students are reviewed annually to assure that they remain on track. Continued financial support is also contingent on maintaining good academic standing. 

Coursework requirements

As a student you will complete your coursework in eight quarters, or two years of study. You must maintain full-time registration and an overall 3.0 grade point average ("B").

Residency requirements

Doctoral students are expected to be on campus full time and engaged in research throughout the year, including summers, to qualify for continued funding. Students who are conducting field research off campus or who are hired as interns are required to receive approval from their advisor and director of graduate study before leaving campus or signing contracts.

Research and teaching assistants

To promote engagement with faculty and integration with the intellectual life of the department, students serve as research assistants and teaching assistants during years two, three, and four, for approximately 10 hours per week (100 hours maximum per quarter).

Qualifying examination and candidacy

A written qualifying examination in the major field is required. This exam is focused on the coursework taken in the student’s field of study and measures the student’s knowledge of the field as a whole. The structure and timing of the exam are determined by each program. Passing the qualifying exam, in addition to any other program-specific requirements, such as a research paper, will advance doctoral students into candidacy. 

Proposal (Prospectus)

After completing the coursework and the written qualifying examination, students form a dissertation committee and take an oral examination in which they propose a dissertation topic or other substantive piece of research, discuss its significance, and explain the research methods to be used and any preliminary results of the paper(s).

Timelines and proposal requirements differ among Kellogg programs. Students should refer to the Program Guidelines and consult with their director of graduate study and dissertation chair to determine expectations.

Dissertation and final examination

Each candidate must complete a dissertation demonstrating original and significant research and must pass a final oral examination on the dissertation. Most students complete their degree in 5.5 years.

Parental accommodation policy

Graduate students of all gender identities who become new parents, whether through childbirth or adoption, are provided with a parental accommodation for approximately three months or one quarter. You may qualify for continued funding and your Ph.D. degree requirements and deadlines will be extended.