FAQ

Graduate Research Assistant or RA need to sign up for a minimum of 9 to a maximum of 12 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 should 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 Director of Graduate Studies. 

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. 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.