Timeline of Studies

In order to receive the Ph.D. degree, students must pass a set of required courses, pass the qualifying examinations, conduct original research, and then write and defend a thesis. The average time to complete this work is five years. 

For most students, time in the first year of graduate school will be divided primarily between satisfactorily completing required and elective courses and making an informed choice of mentor for dissertation research. 

The department recommends that students assemble a thesis committee within six months of joining the program, and complete their qualifying examinations no later than the fall of their third year.

Registration

You must register for more than 9 credit hours (but not more than 16 credits) each term to be considered a full-time graduate student. The typical minimum load is 12 credits. Depending on your background and interests, your own course work in the Physiology and Pharmacology Program (PH2) will differ significantly. PH2 curricular requirements are set to assure the maximum flexibility to tailor a training program specific to your personal research needs and interests. Please check the latest Graduate Medicine Basic Sciences Course Schedule at the Registrar's Office. A balanced 16-credit example is listed below. Note that between Year 1 and Year 2, students matriculate into individual program of focus and courses selected to fulfill PH2 Program requirements.

First Year

Fall

Winter

Spring

Second Year

Fall

Winter

Spring

Qualifying Exam:  Spring of Second Year to Fall of Third Year