Advancement to candidacy for the doctoral degree is a judgment by the faculty of the student’s potential to successfully complete the requirements of the degree program.
It is a formal Stanford University process that requires successful completion of coursework, research papers, and field exams, and a vote by the faculty in support of the student’s candidacy. Students must also designate a principal faculty advisor at the time of candidacy.
Upon approval of doctoral candidate status, the student has a maximum of five additional years in which to complete the degree requirements.