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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    Graduate Research Assistant or RA need to sign up for a minimum of 9 to a maximum of 11 credit hours for Fall/Spring Semester. They are eligible to sign up a maximum of 3 credit hours for Summer Semester. (Please note signing up for Summer is not mandatory). After completion of didactic coursework RAs need to enroll in 3 thesis-credit hours per semester. 

    All students are required to complete the Core Sequence of classes listed below, unless instructed by the Graduate Program Coordinator.

    Required Coursework (didactic: 26 hours; total hours: 30)

    Core sequence (PHCEU 7011, 7020, 7030, 7040 and PHCEU 7021) - 15 cr

    Electives - at least 4 elective courses that total to a minimum of 8 credit hours

    Journal Club (PHCEU 7975) - 1 cr per semester for 4 semesters

    Core sequence is taught annually. 

    Comprehensive exam must be taken within six months of completing the core sequence.  The comprehensive exam is offered autumn and spring semesters annually.

    Students must take 4 journal club courses starting their first semester after matriculation. The sequence should be taken without interruption.

    Department Seminar

    All graduate students are expected to attend department seminar each week. In addition, they are required to present at least two seminars prior to their Ph.D. defense. These will be presented to the Department in their second and fourth year. 

    First you will need to acquire a Campus Order form from the secretary who handles your advisor's accounts. Take this campus order to Linen Services on the lower level of the School of Medicine (AA120 SOM) and place your order there.

    Before your thesis defense you must:

    • Complete two publications where you are the first author from your thesis research
    • Complete two Seminars as outlined by our instructions
    • Complete a T.A. Position
    • Complete your Qualifying Exam
    • Complete the Defense Clearance Form

    According to the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Stipends, Tuition/Fees and Other Budgetary Levels Effective for Fiscal Year 2022 = $26,352.