So, 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