The coursework is diverse and provides challenging and contemporary study for a broad range of interests. Doctoral students should expect to complete their graduate work in about five years. The first year is devoted to coursework, laboratory rotations, choosing a mentor, and initiating an original research project. During the second year, students generally complete their coursework and their qualifying examination. During the remaining years, research is the primary focus, and students also attend seminars, participate in journal clubs, and attend regional and national conferences as they participate in the scientific community.
Students complete the doctoral program by completing an original body of work that is publishable in peer-reviewed research journals, writing a dissertation on this body of work, and defending this work in an oral examination. Our departmental philosophy emphasizes completion and publication of original research.
Our Department believes that teaching is an invaluable part of a graduate education. Therefore, students are required to serve as teaching assistants for two semesters during their graduate career, usually during their first or second years. This opportunity allows the students to further their knowledge in their field of study, and also allows them to gain experience for the future.
Our department offers a limited number of Francis H. Snow Scholar Awards to the most outstanding incoming doctoral students. These students have the opportunity to postpone their teaching requirement until their second year. All other incoming students are required to complete their teaching in the first year.
Upon completing their degrees, our graduates go on to successful careers in academia and industry.
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