Candidates for the PhD degree must satisfactorily complete a Qualifying Examination, the purpose of which is to ensure that students have a general understanding of the biomedical sciences and sufficient knowledge of their chosen area of thesis research to proceed towards the PhD degree in a timely manner. The Graduate Division administers the Qualifying Examination in the fall of each year.
Qualifying Exam Guidelines And Forms
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Timeline To The Qualifying Examination
Qualifying Exam Student Guidelines
Qualifying Exam Committee Chair Guidelines
Qualifying Exam Proposal Prep Description and Schedule
Form 1a – Proposed Committee Members
Form 1b – Tentative Specific Aims and Title for Qualifying Exam Proposal
Form 2 – Confirmation of Committee Members
Form 3 – Date, Time, Location of Qualifying Exam (No exams are to be scheduled on official school holidays)
Form 4 - Chair's Summary Evaluation
Granting of the MS Degree
Students who successfully complete the Qualifying Examination are granted the Master of Science degree
After the Qualifying Exam
MS Diploma Form
Advisory Committee Guidelines
Student Advisory Committee Summary Report Form
Resources
NIH Guide to Ethical Writing
Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Fellowship Application Guidelines
Academic Calendar
Cite It Right! (A Guide to the Qualifying Exam Proposal and Thesis Dissertation Preparation)