Degree Requirements
Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy degree is awarded in recognition of proficiency in research and scholarship relating to a specific field. The candidate must demonstrate his/her ability in a field by passing preliminary examinations in both general and specialty areas, and by preparing a doctoral dissertation. This dissertation must demonstrate the student’s ability to master the literature, to do independent research and to make an original contribution in his/her chosen field. To receive the Doctor of Philosophy degree, a student must complete the following:

1. A minimum of three academic years of full-time graduate study

2. A minimum of 60 units of graduate course work

3. A minimum of 75 units of research credit

The above specifics are subject to change or superseded by the Graduate School guidelines.

If the advisor and the advisory committee feel that additional courses will benefit the student, the student is advised to take them. It is anticipated that most students complete their studies within five years. A minimum of two academic years’ full-time residence at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is required.

The first year of graduate study combines course work, seminars, journal club, and laboratory rotations. Three laboratory rotations are required, beginning the Winter Quarter of the first year, providing the student’s grades are adequate. During the first year, prior to the selection of a permanent advisor, the chairman or a member of the Graduate Program Committee aids the student as a temporary advisor. A student should select a member of the department's faculty as an advisor, and the student should select a topic for thesis work in the laboratory of that faculty member, preferably before the end of the first year of residence. The student and faculty advisor, in conjunction with a “Graduate Advisory Committee,” plans a schedule of courses, both in microbiology and immunology and in related fields, to fulfill course requirements and to accommodate the student's individual interests and needs and plan a research program.

In the second year, advanced courses are taken and dissertation research begins. Before the end of the second year, all candidates are expected to take the comprehensive qualifying examination , which consists of a written proposal in the format of a NIH grant application and an oral presentation to defend the proposed studies. A successful passage of this qualifying exam advances the candidate to the status as a Ph.D. student. A thesis committee will be formed at that time and chaired by the faculty member of concern to formulate the research programs for the student leading to a Ph.D. degree. The programs will consist of course work and laboratory/field research under the supervision of the responsible faculty member.

Succeeding years are devoted primarily to dissertation research. Progresses of the students will be subjected to annual evaluation by the thesis committee. Ph.D. students are expected to complete the programs by defending the thesis research. The final thesis may consist of a brief introduction followed by multiple chapters in the format of manuscripts accepted for publications in relevant journals.

andidates for the doctoral degree in microbiology and immunology are required to be proficient in the use of statistics and computers. There are no foreign language requirements.

Last updated 06-28-07.