Ph.D in Microbiology
The program leading to the Ph.D. degree is designed to develop the student's ability to pursue independent and original research in microbiology and allied fields, communicate the results of such research to the scientific community and serve as an effective teacher. Students normally enter the doctoral program after receiving a master's degree. Four years are required to complete the program.
General Information and Procedures for the Ph.D. Degree
Advancement to Candidacy (Ph.D)
- For students with University of Hawaii MS degrees in Microbiology Plan A: Interview with the Faculty, pass General Microbiology and three other sections of the MS Comprehensive Examination and admission to the doctoral program by the faculty admissions committee.
- For students with University of Hawaii MS degrees in Microbiology, Plan B: Admission to the doctoral program by the faculty admissions committee.
- Transfer students with MS degrees admitted to the doctoral program: Possess a Master's degree in an appropriate field and be able to pass at least General Microbiology and three other sections of the Ph.D. qualifying exam. The Ph.D. exam is the Master Comprehensive Exam. See section A of the Master Comprehensive Exam.
Ph.D. Qualifying Examination Policy
The purpose of the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination is for the student to demonstrate broad knowledge in Microbiology. Hence, the selection of topics taken must reflect a diversity of knowledge. The results of the exam should also be useful in developing a program of instruction for the student. Only under unusual circumstances will students be admitted to the Microbiology Ph.D. program without a strong background in microbiology. For most Ph.D. students, remedial training in microbiology should be minimal or unnecessary.
Accordingly, students are required to take the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination within 15 months of beginning their Ph.D. program. Only with compelling reasons, a student may petition to delay the examination beyond the 15 month deadline. There is no assurance that such a petition will be approved by the instructional faculty.
Students are required to pass the General Microbiology exam, plus 3 other sections. Students who do not demonstrate minimum competency in microbiology (i.e., cannot pass the Qualifying Examination) within the designated period may be dismissed from the program.
Teaching Requirement
At least one year of teaching experience is considered part of the training of the Ph.D. candidate and is a requirement for the degree. This requirement can be waived for equivalent experience or for other extraordinary circumstances.
Seminar Requirement
The student is expected to give at least one departmental seminar (MICR 690) in addition to the defense seminar at the end of the student's program.
Ph.D. Language Examination
There is no departmental foreign language requirement.
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