DEGREE PROGRAMS

The University offers work leading to the doctor of philosophy in biology, chemistry, ethnomusicology, mathematics, molecular biology and biochemistry, and physics, and to the master of arts degree in astronomy, computer science, earth and environmental sciences, mathematics, music, and psychology. Theses and dissertations are required for these degrees. An interdepartmental program leading to the PhD degree is offered jointly by the chemistry and physics departments. An interdepartmental program in molecular biophysics leading to the PhD is offered by the departments of molecular biology and biochemistry and chemistry. All graduate instruction is scheduled within the academic calendar of two semesters from September to June. Summer work consists of independent study and research. No evening courses or summer school courses are available.

Generally, a minimum of two years of study beyond the baccalaureate degree is required for the master’s degree and a minimum of four years of study beyond the baccalaureate degree is required for the doctorate. Most graduate students receiving financial assistance render service on a half-time basis, so that normally two years of study, including one full year of advanced research, are required for the master’s and four to five for the doctorate.

Most full-time graduate students are paid through assistantships or fellowships. These positions are available to all candidates in most departments. Additional stipends are usually awarded for the summer months. Tuition remission and health services fees are also part of the candidate’s financial package. A limited number of dependency allowances are awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need. The duties of graduate students vary by department but generally involve assistance in some phase of instruction and/or research.

Course choice is flexible and depends on departmental and advisors’ recommendations. Graduate programs are small enough to permit close attention to the needs and interests of the student. The faculty-student ratio for graduate studies is about one to two, and class size for most graduate courses is from three to eight. There is considerable variation among programs in format, requirements, and methods of work. The programs are innovative with respect to the needs and opportunities of the particular fields of knowledge with which they deal.