Foreign Language/Research Tool Requirement Each student must demonstrate competence in one of three areas pertinent to his or her research interests: statistics, computer science or a foreign language. Selection of the appropriate area is made in consultation with the student's faculty advisor. Statistics and computer science requirements may be fulfilled by obtaining a grade of B (3.0) or higher in specified courses. The foreign language requirement is fulfilled by passing the standard Graduate Student Foreign Language Test with a score of 500 or better. This requirement must be fulfilled before the qualifying examination.
Course Requirements A minimum of 60 units of course credit is required for the Ph.D. Course requirements vary according to the specific needs of each student. Course work other than departmental offerings is encouraged and may be required by the student's guidance committee. In most instances a program will include extradepartmental courses such as physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology. A grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) must be maintained in both departmental and overall course work.
The department considers teaching experience to be an important part of graduate education. Students in the Ph.D. program are encouraged to serve as teaching assistants during at least one semester of their graduate training.
Screening Procedure The Graduate Affairs Committee conducts a screening for each student at the end of one full year in the program. The committee reviews thoroughly all facets of the student's performance in the graduate program. The student's progress must be judged satisfactory before a guidance committee can be formally nominated.
Guidance Committee Students are expected to select a general area of research interest and a dissertation advisor by the end of their first year. The dissertation advisor and the Graduate Affairs Committee consult with the student to select a guidance committee. After the student has successfully completed the first-year screening, the guidance committee's nomination is forwarded to the Graduate School.
Qualifying Examination Before the end of their fifth semester of graduate standing, students in the Ph.D. program must pass both the written and oral portions of a qualifying examination. The examination is designed to reveal the student's insight and understanding of general concepts and the ability to design and defend a dissertation research project. The examination is administered by the student's guidance committee.
Dissertation and Oral Defense After the student has passed the qualifying examination, a dissertation committee (commonly comprised of the former guidance committee) is appointed to advise the student regarding the research project and to supervise writing of the dissertation. The dissertation must be an original contribution giving evidence of the student's ability to perform independent and innovative research. The final oral defense shall be open to the public and the dissertation advisor will entertain questions from the dissertation committee and assembled audience.
Produced by the USC Division of Student Affairs, Office of University Publications, May 1, 1995