CMB Ph.D. student training programs are individually developed according to the student's research program and scientific interests. A typical Ph.D. timeline in CMB is as follows.
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1st-Year PIBS or MSTP Student in M2/Rotation Year - Pre-Candidate
- Lab rotations (at least 2; additional possible) - From Summer before to end of year
- Course work - Fall & Winter semesters
- Training in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) - Fall semester (within PIBS)
- Selection of Dissertation Advisor - By end of 1st year
- Student Seminar (CMB 850) if interested in CMB - Fall and/or Winter semester
- For the most recent PIBS Curriculum and Rotation Information, visit the PIBS website.
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2nd-Year PIBS/G1 MSTP - Pre-Candidate (First Year as a CMB Student)
- Course work - end of Fall semester 2nd year recommended
- Student Seminar (CMB 850) - attend throughout graduate training
- Presentation of first seminar for CMB 850 - By end of 2nd year
- Short Courses (CMB 630) - May begin taking short courses
- Preliminary exam - Winter of 2nd year
- Advancement to Candidacy - End of 2nd year
- Assembly of Dissertation Committee - Immediately after passing prelim exam
- Attend Dissertation Defenses - Attend 4
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3rd Year and Later in PIBS/G2+ MSTP - Candidate (CMB Student)
- Dissertation Committee Meetings - By 6 mo. after candidacy, every 6 mo. thereafter
- Student Seminar (CMB 850) - Attend throughout graduate training
- Short Courses (CMB 630) - Attend at least 4 total
- Teaching (one term) - During 3rd & 4th year
- Attend Dissertation Defenses - Attend 4 each year
- Write & defend dissertation, complete Ph.D. requirements - Target end of 5th year (PIBS students)
(CMB Average Time to Degree: 5.6 years; Attrition Rate: 10%)
More details are available in the CMB Handbook, or the CMB Candidate Timeline.
For MSTP fellows, CMB recognizes the contribution of some medical school coursework to their graduate education and individualizes their curricula accordingly.
Additional Information: