PhD Research Checklist
30+ essential tasks for a successful doctoral journey
From proposal to final submission — track your progress with our comprehensive PhD checklist.
30+ Actionable Tasks
Complete checklist from start to finish
Year-by-Year Timeline
Track progress across 3-5 years
Printable Format
Print and check off tasks as you go
Checklist Preview
Year 1: Foundation & Proposal
- ☐ Attend orientation and meet advisor
- ☐ Complete required coursework
- ☐ Form dissertation committee
- ☐ Conduct preliminary literature review
- ☐ Identify research gap
- ☐ Develop research questions
- ☐ Write and defend proposal
- ☐ Obtain ethics approval (IRB)
Year 2: Research & Comprehensive Exams
- ☐ Complete comprehensive exams
- ☐ Finalize research methodology
- ☐ Develop data collection instruments
- ☐ Pilot test instruments
- ☐ Begin data collection
- ☐ Write literature review chapter
- ☐ Attend conferences
- ☐ Submit first publication
Year 3: Data Analysis & Writing
- ☐ Complete data collection
- ☐ Perform data cleaning
- ☐ Conduct statistical/qualitative analysis
- ☐ Write methodology chapter
- ☐ Write results/findings chapter
- ☐ Write discussion chapter
- ☐ Submit second publication
- ☐ Present at international conference
Year 4+: Completion & Defense
- ☐ Write conclusion chapter
- ☐ Complete full draft
- ☐ Incorporate advisor feedback
- ☐ Submit to committee for review
- ☐ Schedule defense
- ☐ Prepare defense presentation
- ☐ Complete final revisions
- ☐ Submit final dissertation
Ongoing & Career Tasks
- ☐ Maintain literature review database
- ☐ Network with peers and faculty
- ☐ Apply for grants and funding
- ☐ Update CV and LinkedIn profile
- ☐ Apply for postdoc/industry positions
- ☐ Convert dissertation to publications
- ☐ Prepare teaching portfolio
- ☐ Attend career development workshops
Download Your Free PhD Research Checklist
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Tips for Using This Checklist
Print and Display
Print the checklist and keep it visible on your desk. Check off tasks as you complete them for a sense of progress.
Set Deadlines
Assign realistic deadlines to each task based on your program's requirements and personal timeline.
Share with Your Advisor
Review the checklist with your advisor to ensure alignment with program expectations.
Review Regularly
Review your progress monthly and adjust your timeline as needed.
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