Timetable toward the PhD

Students should aim for finishing the Ph.D. in 5-6 years.  Described below is a typical timetable with major events of each year toward the Ph.D.

Year 1:  Devoted mainly to laboratory rotations and coursework.  Students do 3 rotations during the academic year in any of the labs in the MCGD track or in the wider BBS program.  Some students occasionally elect to do a 4th rotation during the summer.  Usually all students will have fulfilled the Cell Biology course requirement (p. 4) at the end of this year.  By the end of the year, students choose a lab in which to carry out thesis research.

Year 2:  Begin thesis research.  The qualifying exam (p. 5) is taken during the fall semester.  The first thesis committee meeting is held in the spring.  Admission to candidacy (p. 9) usually occurs by the end of this year.  Students may teach during this year.

Year 3: Thesis research.  Teaching (some students complete the requirement for 2 semesters of teaching this year or next).  Some students are already writing a manuscript of their work to be submitted for publication.

Year 4-5: Thesis research.  Manuscript writing.  Teaching.

Year 5-6:  Finishing thesis research, manuscript and dissertation writing, and graduation!

Students requiring additional time beyond the 6th year to complete the dissertation will only be allowed to register (and thus to receive financial aid and to use University facilities) with permission from the Graduate School.  See registration beyond the 6th year for more information.