Milestones/Timeline-Ph.D. in Biomedical Science

The following provides a brief synopsis of some of the milestones and requirements of Ph.D. students in Biomedical Science. All forms referred to in this document are available as PDF files on the Student Services website. All official paperwork should be filed through the Registrar's Office on the Health Center Campus, Room LM035, MC-1827, regardless of the address on the forms.

1. You must register each Fall and Spring semester. At least six credits are required for full time status for students holding graduate research assistantships. Nine credits are required for full time status for students not on graduate assistantships. Typically during the first year students will take at least 8 to 10 credits per semester.

2. Prior to September of the second year you will select a major advisor for your thesis and affiliate with one of the seven Areas of Concentration. You must complete a Change of Advisor Form (Part I and Part II) and obtain the appropriate signatures. Also, you must meet with your advisor and committee and complete and submit a Plan of Study by January of Year 2 (this form must be submitted and on file prior to taking the General Exam).

3. The General Exam, also known as the qualifying exam, should be taken no later than the end of the second semester of Year 2. Many Areas of Concentration conduct this exam in January or February. At least five faculty members must be present at the oral portion of General Exam. You must submit the Report on the General Examination form detailing the results of the examination immediately following the examination.

Formats for the General Examination differ by Area of Concentration, so students should consult the Area Program Director for details well in advance of the exam.  The General Examination must be completed eight months prior to completion of all degree requirements.

4. You should have a meeting with your thesis committee at least once per year, and ideally once per semester, to discuss your progress. It is to your advantage to meet with your committee members frequently to discuss your work.

5. Your Dissertation Proposal should be completed by the end of the third year of study.

6. Completion of the Ph.D. thesis and the associated Oral Examination have a number of requirements, which are outlined in the  Dissertation Guidelines. The Final Examination/Thesis Defense must be listed on the UCONN Events Calendar at least two weeks prior to the defense (for details, please see http://www.grad.uconn.edu/announcing.html).

Forms that can be found online include the  Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation Tentative Approval Page which must be submitted, along with a working copy of your dissertation, at least seven days prior to the date of your oral defense. Additional forms not found online can be obtained from the Registrar's Office (LM-035).

7. Upon completion of the Oral Exam, you will need to submit the Report on the Final Examination, along with all other necessary paperwork, including applying for graduation online through your PeopleSoft account, by December 18 for Fall graduation, August 24 for Summer graduation, or 13 days prior to commencement for Spring graduation.

8. You will also be required to make an appointment with Human Resources (HR) to schedule an Exit Interview and complete any paperwork required by HR. You can make an appointment by calling HR at 860-679-2115.

rev. 6/09