All Ph.D. students are expected to complete the first-year curriculum of the Graduate Programs in Molecular Biosciences and the requirements of the CDB Program. These requirements include completing a series of core/elective courses and laboratory research (totaling a minimum of 72 credits), passing parts I and II of the qualifying examination, and writing and defending a research dissertation.
Credit Requirements
Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 72 credits is required for the Ph.D. degree. This is to include a minimum of 32 credits of coursework at the 500 or greater level and at least 24 credits of Research in Biology (16:148:701(Fall); 16:148:702 (Spring)). In special cases, and with the approval of the Program Director, some course credits will be accepted at the 300-400 level. A maximum of 6 credits of Laboratory Rotation in Molecular Biosciences or Cell and Developmental Biology may be used to fulfill the coursework requirement for the Ph.D.
All students are required to maintain continuous registration until the completion of the final examination. Students will have to re-apply for admission if there is a lapse in matriculation.
Transfer of Credit
See information on transfer of credits in the Academic Standards section.