Timeline to PhD

Below is a typical timeline to completing a PhD in Biomedical Data Sciences. Each student’s background and interest area is unique so some variability within this progression can be expected

See the program requirements and the BDS Handbook for more details. Questions can be directed to the BDS Coordinator.

YEAR 1

Fall semester

  • Core Course work
  • Research rotation #1
  • December: Rotation presentation

Spring semester

  • Core Course work
  • Research rotation #2
  • May: Rotation presentation

Summer

  • Research rotation #3
  • August: Rotation presentation

YEAR 2

Fall semester

  • Core Course work
  • Elective Course
  • Scholarly Literature seminar 1

Spring semester

  • Core Course work
  • Elective Course
  • Scholarly Literature seminar 2

Summer

  • First committee meeting

YEAR 3

Fall semester

  • Core Course work
  • Professional Skills seminar 1

Spring semester

  • Core Course work
  • Professional Skills seminar 2
  • Ethics seminar

Summer

  • Oral Prelim Exam

YEAR 4 & 5

  • Dissertator thesis research work
  • Courses: Independent research credits
  • Prepare and defend dissertation
  • Graduate!