Biology Ph.D.

Candidates for the Ph.D. must satisfy the requirements of the graduate evaluation committee (GEC), pass the qualifying exam, and pass a candidacy exam. The latter consists of a written and an oral portion, and should usually be taken during the second year of full-time study. A degree candidate also must submit a dissertation based on an original research project. The GEC requires a high level of performance in selected courses and research, and reports its findings each year of full-time study. Additionally, all doctoral candidates are required to participate in teaching for one academic year under the supervision of a faculty member. The student thus gains experience teaching should he or she select an academic career. Sixty credit hours past the M.S. degree are required.