After the Candidacy Exam

Apply for Candidacy through the Graduate School

It is recommended that candidates apply for candidacy within 2 weeks of completion of the candidacy exam.

Register for dissertation credits

The Graduate School requires you to register for *99W courses until you complete the degree. If you do not register for dissertation credits, the Graduate School will charge you for them anyway, and you will have to pay for these additional credits out of pocket. You must register for a minimum of 3 dissertation credits during spring and fall semesters. This means you can register for CHE 399W, a three-credit organized course, CHE 185, and 2 credits of research in a semester. Continuous registration is required during long semesters (fall and spring), not summer.

Continue Your Career Management

Visit the Engineering Career Assistance Center website (you will need to log in to ENGRDirect)
Learn more about Career Services provided by the Graduate School
Consider pursuing additional certification through UT such as
- Graduate Portfolio Programs
- Graduate Certificate in Engineering Education
- Prepare for Future Faculty through the Supplemental Instruction program through the Sanger Learning Center and through the Faculty Innovation Center
- Student Employee Excellence Development
- Take advantage of UT programs like Texas Venture Labs or other courses outside the department
- Compete in the Three Minute Thesis
Check out books from the Graduate Office Library
Complete your Individual Development Plan

Recommended Timeline

Year 3: develop network and career documents; publish and present

Year 4: publish and present; revise career documents; begin applying for jobs in the fall

Year 5: complete research; interview for jobs; complete and defend dissertation