Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD program requires a minimum of 12 credits completed in a single minor or supporting field, 24 thesis research credits, and a written thesis. There is no minimum number of course credits outside the minor that must be taken. All students must pass a written exam, a preliminary oral exam, and a final oral exam (the thesis defense). The written preliminary examination should be taken no later than 2.5 years after beginning the program. The preliminary oral examination should be taken within the first semester after passing the written examination. Preliminary examinations should be taken before significant time has been spent on thesis research. (PhD students are required to take the core courses which amount to 10 credits (includes 3 CB seminars and prelim seminar).

The heart of graduate education for the PhD in CB is extensive research under the supervision of one or more members of the graduate faculty. This research will be guided to promote submission of manuscripts to peer reviewed journals. Examples of PhD dissertation topics are on the CB program website. A thesis defense is required for completion of the degree. Generally a PhD should be completed in 3-5 years.

General requirements for the PhD are explained in the Graduate School Bulletin.