To help prospective and current students better understand the path of a graduate student in our program, we have put together an example timeline that represents most students’ experiences.
See the program requirements and the MDTP Handbook for more details. Questions can be directed to the MDTP Coordinator.
YEAR 1
Fall semester
- Course work: MDTP seminar; Current Issues in Microbiology; plus additional didactic course work, including Independent Research credits.
- Research rotations, 3 minimum.
- December: placement in thesis lab.
Spring semester
- Course work: MDTP seminar; Current Issues in Microbiology; plus additional didactic course work, including Independent Research credits.
Summer
- Coursework: Independent Research credits.
- First committee meeting.

YEAR 3
Fall semester
- Advance to dissertator status.
- Research Professional Development Opportunities
- Continue thesis research.
- Course work: MDTP seminar; Independent Research credits.
- Be prepared to make a 30-minute research presentation in MDTP seminar.
Spring semester
- Continue thesis research.
- Course work: MDTP seminar; Independent Research credits.
Summer
- Continue thesis research.
- Course work: Independent Research credits.
- Annual committee meeting.


YEAR 2
Fall semester
- Continue thesis research.
- Course work: MDTP seminar; Independent Research credits, and/or other coursework.
- Complete teaching practicum (Fall OR Spring semester).
Spring semester
- Continue thesis research.
- Course work: MDTP seminar; Independent Research credits, and/or other coursework. Complete major and minor course requirements.
- Complete teaching practicum (Fall OR Spring semester).
Summer
- Continue thesis research.
- Course work: Independent Research credits.
- Prepare thesis proposal and pass prelims (must be held prior to first day of classes of the fall semester).

YEAR 4 AND BEYOND
- Continue thesis research.
- Course work: Independent Research credits.
- Complete Professional Development.
- Be prepared to make a 45-minute research presentation in MDTP seminar.
- Present written progress report to thesis committee for annual committee meeting.
- Hold prospectus committee meeting six months ahead of proposed defense date.
- Prepare and defend dissertation.
- Check out postings on the job opportunities page.
The average time to graduation is between 5-6 years.