Qualifying exam:

Before advancement to candidacy, students must complete both parts of a qualifying examination. Part I,  will consist of the preparation of a research proposal written in the format of a NIH NRSA fellowship application. This proposal will include a literature review, description of methods and experimental plans. It will outline the student's research program, describe his/her progress to date and delineate the research aims and objectives planned for the dissertation. Part II, consists of an oral comprehensive examination and defense of the written research proposal administered by a committee of five faculty members, at least one of whom is from outside the program.

Following advancement to candidacy, the student will form a Dissertation Committee that will continue to advise and critique the student’s annual progress. The student's major professor again serves as chair of this committee, which will help guide and evaluate the student's research. While this committee may meet more than once a year, it is mandatory that each student meets with their dissertation committee at least once a year.

Dissertation Exam:

A dissertation acceptable to all committee members must be submitted, based upon independent, original research. Before the dissertation is approved, the student must present his/her research at a thesis defense seminar, which is advertised to the campus community and open to all who wish to attend. Following the seminar the student will answer questions from the committee on the thesis research and on topics within the general field of the thesis research.