A PhD program in a laboratory setting can take anywhere between 3 to 6 years to complete depending on the field, program, and dissertation requirements. Generally, students spend the first two years of their program working to complete their coursework, passing their qualifying exams, and selecting a research advisor. The remaining years are largely spent collecting data, writing, and ultimately defending the dissertation which demonstrates the student’s abilities as an independent researcher. Doctoral programs can also include internships or time spent working in a professional laboratory setting. This period of time usually makes up the student’s third and fourth year in the program, and is a great way to gain real-world experience that can be applied to their research. Overall, most students will graduate with their doctorate in 4 or 5 years, although some may finish earlier or take longer than that. The exact length of your program will depend on your course load, your research progress, and the requirements of your school. Some students may need to extend their timeline due to unforeseen circumstances or lack of progress, while others may find ways to expedite their degree.