Below is information on GABG degree milestones. This page is currently a work in progress.
Information regarding Preliminary Exams
Applicable only to PhD students enrolled prior to Fall 2025
Present at GABG Colloquium
Information regarding Qualifying Exams
The primary purpose of the Qualifying Examination (QE) is to validate that the student is academically qualified to conceptualize a research topic, undertake scholarly research, and successfully produce the dissertation required for a doctoral degree. The QE must evaluate the student’s breadth and depth of knowledge in the field and must not focus exclusively on the proposed dissertation research.
QE applications are due to Graduate Studies at least 30 days prior to the expected exam date. To allow for sufficient time for review, it is recommended that students submit their application at least 40 days in advance.
Ph.D. Committees can be found in our degree requirements here for current PhD students-2024
Ph.D. Committees can be found in our degree requirements here for incoming PhD students- 2025
Nomination Form to Propose QE Members
Complete this form with the assistance of your mentoring committee and submit it along with a one page summary of your research proposal and an updated Animal Biology PhD Mentoring Form by email to your Graduate Coordinator, by February 15th to take your exam during your 7th quarter.
Doctoral Qualifying Examination Website - This provides the most up to date information as well as a link to GradSphere to complete the QE Application
Doctoral QE Policy Information regarding QE policies and resources
- Animal Biology QE Guidelines
- Animal Biology QE Depth Subject Areas: (An extensive but not exhaustive list)
Candidacy
Master students - Advancement to to Candidacy should take place immediately following your 3rd quarter. This requires that you have your coursework plan completed, at least half of your courses completed, no incomplete grades, and secure members for your thesis committee. Use your Mentoring Form as a guide for which coursework should be submitted.
PhD students - After successfully passing your QE, you will submit your candidacy form during that same quarter. This requires that you have completed all coursework, you have no incomplete grades and you have your dissertation committee selected.
Submitting the Candidacy Form
The candidacy application is done as a smart-form in GradSphere. It's a comparatively simple process - inputting an individual's email address should prompt the rest of their information to auto-fill in the form.