Ph.D. Program
Ph.D. students must complete a core sequence of four courses and a selection of other courses relevant to their degree program within the first two years of study.
Candidates for a Ph.D. degree must also demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of their major area by satisfactory performance on a written comprehensive examination (in physical chemistry) or by a series of written cumulative examinations (in the other areas). All degree candidates must present at least three research-based seminars to the department as part of their degree program, one of which is usually on a literature topic.
The final stage of the graduate degree program involves the writing and defense before the degree committee of dissertation describing the original research project that was completed by the student.
Please refer to the Graduate Handbook for more detailed information regarding the PhD degree program.