Application/Admissions Info

During the first year, students work closely with two or three faculty members on research projects in their laboratories. Such "rotations" serve to acquaint the students with the people in the various labs and enable the students to gain experience in a variety of experimental techniques. After the first year, students select the lab in which they will do their thesis research. Students usually complete their course requirements within the first two years, after which their efforts are focused primarily on research, leading to the Ph.D. degree. Students can expect to spend, on average, four to five years in residence at the University.

The faculty considers teaching experience to be an essential component of graduate education. The ability to communicate one's work to the academic and research community is also a key requirement for success in a scientific career. Seminar courses and journal clubs provide ample opportunities for students to hone their communication skills. In addition, during their first two years in the graduate program, students will typically participate in two 1-semester courses as a laboratory teaching assistant.

The department guarantees full support for Ph.D. students in good standing for the duration of their graduate studies. This support comes from departmental Teaching Assistantships, Training Grant Fellowships, and individual Research Grants. All Ph.D. students are supported by full tuition remission as well as a stipend ($20,772 per year for 2003-2004) and health benefits.

Graduates of the MMG doctoral program go on to a variety of positions in academia, research institutions, and industry. For a list of our alumni and where they went after graduation, click here.

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