Source: Becca Lensing

PhD Students

This page and the academic progress flow chart may not apply to all MBIO students.
Current students are asked to refere to co-hort relevant resources on the MBIO intranet.

Academic Progress Flow Chart
  • Year 1

    Fall

    - Interim Committee Meeting

    - MBIO 603*

  • Year 1

    Spring

    - Begin Forming Committee

    - MBIO 604*
  • Year 2

    Fall

    - Annual Progress Report due Sept. 1

    - Finalize 5-member PhD Committee and submit roster to MBGP

    - Write Proposal

  • Year 2

    Spring

    - Hold Committee Meeting and submit report to MBGP

    - Continue to write/revise proposal

  • Year 3

    Fall

    - Submit Annual Progress Report by Sept. 1

    - By end of this semester, set date for your Comprehensive Exam (must be taken before end of 6th semester, i.e., spring)

    - Committee Meeting: Usually to discuss dissertation proposal

    - Make a public presentation sometime this academic year

  • Year 3

    Spring


    - Take and Pass Comp Exam

    - Proposal Approved by Committee

    - File Form 2 - Advance to Candidacy

  • Year 4

    Research

    - Submit Annual Progress Report by Sept. 1 to MBGP and committee

    - Enroll in MBIO 800

    - Hold Committee Meeting and report results to MBGP

    - Write Dissertation

    - Make a public presentation of your research this academic year

  • Year 5

    Graduate

    - Enroll in MBIO 800

    - File an Application for Degree with Graduate Division

    - Submit Annual Progress Report by Sept. 1 to MBGP and committee

    - Make a public presentation sometime this academic year

    - Committee Meeting

    - Set the date of your defense in collaboration with committee and MBGP (must be announced on the University calendar)

    - Defend your dissertation through public presentation announced to all MBGP faculty and students

    - File Form 3 - Dissertation Evaluation

    - Finalize Dissertation

    - File Form 4 - Dissertation Submission

    - Upload dissertation

    - Submit Survey of Earned Doctorates (SED) certificate

    - Complete MBGPʻs Exit Survey (and optional exit interview)

    - Graduate!

Program Requirements

These are required of all PhD students who are admitted into the Program.

  • Complete Form 1 (Pre-Candidacy Progress)
    By the end of the first week of classes, students should meet with their interim committee and discuss the student's preparation and path forward. (Fall 2021 cohort members: The Program completed Form 1 on your behalf)
  • * MBIO 603 and MBIO 604
    All students entering the program are required to enroll in and successfully complete the MBIO 603 and 604 courses in their first year of study. (Fall 2021 cohort members took a combined 603-604 as part of the August course; they do not need to take 603 and 604 separately)
  • Other required courses: Students who enter the PhD program without a completed life-science masters will have to take certain Content courses and a Statistics course.
  • Teaching Experience: Teaching experience is required of all PhD students and usually takes the form of a TAship of at least one semester.
  • Exit Interview: All students are required to submit a written exit survey with the option to meet with the Directors. Request the link to the survey from the Program Coordinator during their semester of graduation.
Important Deadlines

PhD students should adhere to these dates & deadlines to ensure successful progress.

  • Form Dissertation Committee
    The 5-member roster must be repoerted to MBGP by the end of the 3rd semester. At least 3 members must be MBGP graduate faculty (2 must be Regular/Cooperating MBGP graduate faculty, and the third may be Regular, Cooperating, or Affiliate Graduate Faculty).
  • Oral Comprehensive Exam: Your exam must be SCHEDULED by the end of the 5th semester and shared with the Program Coordinator. The exam must be taken and passed by the end of the 6th semester.
  • Form 2 - Advance to Candidacy
    Upon passing your exam and having your dissertation topic approved, submit a completed and signed Form 2 - Advance to Candidacy. This is required to register for MBIO 800 and advance to candidacy.
  • Register for MBIO 800
    All PhD students MUST register for at least one credit of Dissertation 800 during the final semester of their graduate study.
  • Form 3 - Dissertation Evaluation
    Students must successfully defend their dissertation in an oral defense open to the public and announced to all MBGP faculty and students, and have this online form approved by their committee, the co-Directors, and Graduate Division.
  • Submit the SED Certificate of Completion
    Complete the form online when you have submitted your dissertation.
  • Form 4 - Dissertation Submission
    A final, approved version of your dissertation must be uploaded to ETD Proquest and this online form completed
Annual Requirements

All students must meet the following requirements each year.

  • Annual Progress Report
    Progress reports are due every year by September 1. Email your report and CV to your committee.
  • Committee Meeting and Report
    Students must meet with their committee at least once every year. Submit a signed summary report of your meeting to the program coordinator as soon as possible after each meeting (but no later than May 15).
  • Graduate Seminar: Starting with the Fall 2020 cohort, at least one seminar must be taken every academic year.
  • Continuous Enrollment: Students must be continuously enrolled in at least 1 credit per semester (excluding summer). International students must be enrolled full-time in order to maintain visa status. GAs require at least 6 credits during each semester that the award is effective. Some financial aid awards require a minimum of 8 credits per semester of award.
  • Research Presentation: After the 4th semester, all students are required to make an annual public presentation on their thesis or dissertation research.

Additional Links

MBGP Resources

UH Manoa Resources

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