Prospective student resources

A research project culminating in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree typically takes 3-6 years from time of enrollment depending on transferred credits, prior completion of a MS degree, and pace of research. Graduate students who enroll without previously completing a MS will often complete the requirements and earn an MS degree on the path to their PhD.

Although PhD degree programs are more varied in schedule in comparison with MS programs, this document provides a Gantt chart illustrating one example of a research timeline in which the student also completes a MS degree. Note that thesis and graduation deadlines are approximate, and you are responsible for knowing and meeting deadlines specific to your degree.

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An undergraduate research project typically takes 1-2 semesters and follows a similar trajectory regardless of the research topic. This document provides a Gantt chart illustrating a "typical" research timeline for either an undergrad hourly researcher or independent study (ME 491) project.

A research project culminating in a Master of Science degree (MS) typically takes 18-24 months from time of enrollment and follows a similar trajectory regardless of the research topic. This document provides a Gantt chart illustrating a "typical" research timeline for a model-focused project. Note that thesis and graduation deadlines are approximate, and you are responsible for knowing and meeting deadlines specific to your degree.

Additional resources are available from the graduate school (https://grad.wisc.edu/current-students/masters-guide/#what-you-need-to-do).

This document provides details on the expectations incumbent upon both student and advisor lab members. This is a statement of our expectations regarding culture, workload, contribution, and interaction among lab members. This version is currently shared among several affiliated energy-related labs in the ME department including the ESOLab.