MCDB Timeline

SpinninSandlinSo, how do courses and rotations and teaching experiences add up to a successful graduate career? Below we show a sample timeline of what a typical gradate student may experience in our MCDB graduate program.

Year One

  • Three 10-week research rotations
  • Begin coursework, typically taking two of the four formal courses you need to complete
  • Participate in at least one semester of a literature review course
  • Attend weekly research seminars given by graduate students
  • Attend weekly Departmental seminars and associated journal club
  • Participate in one or two Communications workshops
  • Participate in the research ethics workshop
  • Choose a mentor in April, at the end of the third rotation

Year Two

  • Begin dissertation research
  • Complete your remaining formal coursework
  • Complete the two semesters of literature review, if needed
  • Take your comprehensive exam at the end of the spring semester
  • Attend weekly research seminars given by graduate students
  • Present a seminar in the graduate student seminar series
  • Attend weekly Departmental seminars
  • Participate in annual mentoring and advising meetings
  • Possibly serve as a teaching assistant for one semester

Year Three and Beyond

  • Finish dissertation research, ideally in year 5
  • Participate in annual mentoring and advising meetings
  • Participate in seminar series
  • Complete teaching requirement (if needed)
  • Finish teaching minor (if chosen)
  • Write thesis and defend it