Qualifying Examination

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

• Form 1 – Proposed Committee Members and Tentative Specific Aims
• Qualifying Exam Mentor Acknowledgement Form
• Form 2 – Confirmation of Committee Members
• Form 3 – Date, Time, Location of Qualifying Exam

Resources

• NIH Guide to Ethical Writing
• Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Fellowship Application Guidelines
• Cite It Right! (A Guide to the Qualifying Exam Proposal and Thesis Dissertation Preparation)
• D. Samuel Gottesman Library
• Academic Calendar
• Download the latest version of Adobe Reader

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.