Program Tracks

Students can undertake thesis work in a variety of disciplines. These include:

• Evaluating risk factors and interventions for disease using modern concepts in quantitative methods and clinical study design.
• Exploring the molecular basis for a disease from the laboratory standpoint.
• Investigating the biochemical, physiologic and genetic basis for disease in the setting of a Clinical Research Center.

The minimum overall course requirements for the program are nine courses. Full-time course work will extend for 12 months, starting in July. Students must enroll in a minimum of two courses in each of the first three terms: summer, fall, and spring. The majority of the course requirements are to be completed by the end of the first year of study. Electives are often taken in the second year, with the expectation that they will be completed by the end of the second year. Electives are chosen in consultation with the student's advisor. To be eligible to take the comprehensive qualifying examination, students must achieve the grade of Honors in two courses, have a minimum grade average of High Pass, and have completed a minimum of seven courses. When requirements are met (typically by December 31 of the second year), students submit their thesis proposal and undertake the comprehensive qualifying examination. To be admitted to candidacy, students must pass both the written and oral comprehensive qualifying examinations and submit a thesis prospectus which has been approved by their qualifying committee. The remaining degree requirements include completion of the dissertation project, writing of the dissertation, and its oral defense.

• Minimum of 2 elective courses
• Meeting of Thesis Committee at least every 6 months
• Dissertation
  
  Students can undertake thesis work in a variety of disciplines. These include:

• Evaluating risk factors and interventions for disease using modern concepts in quantitative methods and clinical study design.
• Exploring the molecular basis for a disease from the laboratory standpoint.
• Investigating the biochemical, physiologic and genetic basis for disease in the setting of a Clinical Research Center.