For the advancement to candidacy for the PhD Degree
Students in the PhD and MD-PhD program 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 Qualifying
Examination
consists of a
written proposal and an oral exam. Students in the PhD program take the exam in the second year;
students in the MD-PhD
program take the exam in the third year.
The Qualifying Examination is administered by the Graduate Division each academic year.
PREPARING FOR THE QUALIFYING EXAM
The Qualifying Examination process, requirements, and format are outlined in the
Qualifying
Examination
Policies and
Guidelines
.
Preparing
the Qualifying Exam Proposal Prep Course Schedule - A course aimed at guiding students
on
how
to craft the
written proposal. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory as part of the Qualifying Examination
process.
Forms
Resources
AFTER THE QUALIFYING EXAM
Students who successfully complete the Qualifying Examination are awarded the degree of Master
of
Science in Biomedical
Sciences. The following are due immediately after successful completion of the exam:
- MS
Diploma Form (provide how you want your name printed on your MS diploma)
-
PhD Learning Environment Survey (mandatory survey; link to the survey will be emailed to
students
directly)
Student Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting:
Following the exam, each student must identify their Student Advisory Committee and schedule a
meeting
prior to the next
fall registration period. If a student has a SAC meeting prior to taking the exam, the next
meeting
should be held
within one year of the first meeting. Reference the Student
Advisory Committee (SAC) Guidelines for
more
information.
Qualification Jubilation:
The annual Qualification Jubilation is held in recognition of the students who have successfully
completed the
Qualifying Examination and are recipients of the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
degree.
