Qualifying Exam

At the beginning of the sixth semester, each student will present abstracts of two study projects to the committee (abstracts = 1-2 pages). The projects must not be closely related to the student's dissertation research. The committee will declare whether the study projects are acceptable. If not, the student must prepare additional abstract(s).

After the committee chooses an acceptable study project, the student has five weeks to prepare and distribute a mock National Institute of Health (NIH) or National Science Foundation (NSF) proposal as if to fund research on the project. Either the SBIR or individual investigator format may be used.

A two-hour qualifying exam must be taken within seven weeks after the committee chooses a study project. About one hour will be a defense of the proposal. Another approximate 30 minutes will be spent discussing research to date. Breadth questions related to the student's rotations and coursework will also be asked.

Each student has two attempts to pass all aspects of the qualifying examination. The thesis advisor has no vote, but may otherwise participate fully in the exam.

Dissertation

Each student's Ph.D. dissertation must first meet the approval of his/her thesis advisor. The dissertation must be defended before the student's advisory committee with the addition of further members in accordance with University requirements.

For more information about general program requirements, please click here. For more information about specific requirements, please select one of the following:

• Lab Rotations
• Thesis Advisor and Faculty Advisory Committee
• Recommended Program Schedule
• Advanced Courses