Advancement to candidacy signifies that a student has completed certain academic requirements and is ready to move forward in their research project, focusing predominantly on writing and defending a dissertation.
Students may apply to advance to candidacy after passing the Qualifying Examination. Once the Qualifying Exam Report form is submitted to the Graduate Division, the student may begin the Advancement to Candidacy electronic form which will also require approvals from their faculty advisor, committee members and graduate group chair. In addition students must pay the $90 advancement to candidacy fee through the MyUCMerced Portal. In order to apply to graduate, students must advance to candidacy at least one semester prior to the desired graduation term.
Students must contact their Graduate Coordinator for the Advancement to Candidacy form.
