Degree Requirements

Graduate students in immunology are required to maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 (4.0 scale) throughout their graduate studies. All students are expected to attend research seminars related to the field and to attend events organized by the graduate group.

Procedures:

Setup MS Oral Examination    Setup Ph.D. Qualifying Examination    Setup Thesis Committee    Setup Exit Seminar

Forms:

Qualifying Exam

M.S. DEGREE: There are two plans under which a student may pursue a master’s degree in Immunology. Students are required to be in residence a minimum of three quarters, but often even a minimal program requires a longer time to complete.

PLAN I: Requires completion of course work and a written thesis. A minimum of 30 units of course work is required of which at least 15 must be in graduate level (200) courses with not less than 12 units in graduate research (courses numbered 299). The written thesis must satisfy a thesis committee composed of three faculty members (at least two from the Graduate Group in Immunology) appointed by the dean of Graduate Studies on recommendation of a Graduate Adviser in Immunology.

PLAN II: Requires 36 units of upper division and graduate course work; at least 28 of the 36 units must be earned in graduate courses in the major field; however, no more than 9 units may be in research courses. A comprehensive final examination is required of all students in PLAN II.
M.S. students will select course work in consultation with a faculty adviser (PLAN I and II) and a major professor (PLAN I only). All students must participate in the Seminar in Immunology (PMI 291) and Current Immunology (MMI 209).

PH.D. DEGREE: The Doctor of Philosophy in Immunology is awarded after completion of three phases of study: (i) course work; (ii) an oral qualifying examination, and (iii) the conduct of original and independent research of significance as is evident by the written dissertation. There is no specific requirement of units; however, selection of course work by the student will be such as to provide general background, preparation for the oral qualifying examination, and preparation for the research on which the dissertation is to be based. The selection of appropriate course work must be made by consultation with the major professor and faculty adviser.

The oral qualifying examination is administered by a committee composed of five members appointed by the dean of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the graduate adviser. The examination should be taken during the first two years of residence. The student will be examined in general knowledge of immunology as well as in two specialized areas of immunology (e.g., immunochemistry, immunogenetics, cellular immunology, tumor and transplantation immunology, developmental immunology, and molecular immunology). In addition, the student will be examined in one outside area usually related to the student's area of research. The student should have preparation equivalent to an upper division course in the outside area.

After passing the Qualifying Examination the student advances to candidacy. The student then works toward completion of the research and dissertation. The student's major professor is also the Chairperson of the Dissertation Committee, which will have two additional members nominated by the graduate adviser and approved by the dean of Graduate Studies.

The Ph.D. student is expected to present the significant research findings in a formal seminar.