Molecular Biology, Ph.D.

The Ph.D. is a research-intensive degree. The student conducts a guided research project in the laboratory into which they have been accepted. The faculty research adviser is responsible for financial support of the student. A student will conduct a research project that is expected to result in multiple publications in research journals as well as presentations in the department and at scientific meetings. Student performance is monitored by a dissertation committee that will evaluate a student’s research proposal, preliminary examination, seminar presentations, written dissertation, final public seminar, and final oral defense of the dissertation. In consultation with the faculty research adviser, a student may elect to be a teaching assistant. Students pursing the Ph.D. degree in Molecular Biology usually complete their program in about five years.