1. USEK doctoral studies curriculum framework must enable the PhD student to develop her/his knowledge and skills. It is composed of a minimum of 60 credits divided as follows:

Doctoral Program	Number of credits
Thematic Courses managed by schools/faculty	9
Common courses dealing in general with multidisciplinary themes managed by the CDC	6
Qualifying Seminar (4)	0
Thesis and defense (including scientific activities and publications)	45 CRs

2. The minimum duration to achieve the doctoral studies is six semesters, as from initial registration. A term-based extension, prorogation of maximum four consecutive semesters, even if the student changes her/his research topic, may be granted by the dean of the Doctoral College following a favorable Doctoral Year Review.

(4)The qualifying seminar is to determine whether a student is ready to defend his/her thesis by attending webinars, seminars, conferences, meeting in synchronous or asynchronous learning modes. Only students in their fifth semester can register in this seminar.