Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs
USF Health · College of Medicine
 
 

 
 

First Year Fall Semester
Foundations in Biomedical Sciences
  
8
Ethics & Skills in Research
  
2
Foundations in Biomedical Sciences
 
8
Most students select a permanent mentor at the end of the Fall semester)
All Subsequent Semesters (including Summers)
Relevant course work to research project
(as determined by mentor and student)
  
6
Directed Research
  
6
The First Year of Study

By the end of the second year, a student has usually completed sufficient course work and has met the other research requirements to take the Comprehensive Qualifying Examination. Successful completion of this examination leads to formal candidacy for Ph.D. admission.
The Second Year of Study

By the end of the second year, a student has usually completed sufficient course work and has met the other research requirements to take the Comprehensive Qualifying Examination. Successful completion of this examination leads to formal candidacy for Ph.D. admission.
Doctoral Degree Completion

The final phase of the program emphasizes research and independent study, which leads to a written dissertation. The Ph.D. degree is awarded upon successful completion and oral defense of the dissertation.  Most students complete the entire degree within 4 to 6 years.