Curriculum
Ph.D. students are expected to enroll as full-time graduate students. Initially students take formal course work and become familiar with current research topics through seminars, discussion groups and lectures by distinguished scientists. Students will also rotate through a minimum of three research laboratories to decide their preferred laboratory and dissertation research. Once a match has been made between the student and the faculty advisor they will begin their dissertation research.
The total number of credit hours required for graduation will vary depending upon the qualifications of the student on entering the program, the nature of research being conducted or in the funding status of the student. Further information can be found in the graduate bulletin. Many students often end up taking more than the minimum number of hours required for their degree program.
Professional Development
Students will get experience in writing and submitting NIH personal fellowships. They will give an annual oral presentation in our Research in Progress lunchtime series and a poster presentation at our annual research day. In addition, all students will attend at least one national conference to present their work.
We offer an individually tailored Research Skills and Career Development course. Working with your research mentor you will complete myIDP, an online tool to help you identify future career options. You will then work with the course director to access and develop skills that you may need to pursue your career.
We offer two personal development fellowships and one research day award that you can use to further your career. These can be used to attend workshops, professional courses or conferences.
Students can also avail themselves of the many professional development opportunities offered by the VCU Graduate School and have the option of enrolling in the Broadening Experiences for Scientific Training Program to explore their career options. Students interested in an academic career can enroll in the Preparing Future Faculty Program.
Further details can be found in the graduate bulletin.