Course of Study: Overview

In your first year you will concentrate on your core coursework and three laboratory rotations. By the end of your first year (summer) you should have chosen a mentor for the beginning of the second year. In your second year you will concentrate on the advanced courses relative to your thesis research. At the end of the second year (June) you will take the written qualifying examination. After passing this exam, you must take your oral examination within six to nine months. To become a Ph.D. candidate, it is the student's responsibility to apply for candidacy through the Graduate School. Once you are officially admitted to candidacy by the graduate school, you must complete your thesis defense within four years. Prior to your thesis defense, it is a requirement of the Program that you present a seminar of your dissertation to the members of the Department.