Graduate School Bulletin

Graduate Studies in Anatomical Sciences does not accept students whose goal is a master’s degree. In exceptional instances, a student already in the program may be awarded an M.S. degree upon completing an approved course of study, including a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours, and either passing a comprehensive examination, or submitting and defending a master’s thesis.

Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree in Anatomical Sciences 

In addition to the minimum requirements of the Graduate School, the following are required:

A. Formal Course Requirements 

The following courses are required for all students in the program:

1. HBA 560: Regional Anatomy for non-Healthcare Students
2. A statistics course approved by the advisor or Graduate Program Director
3. GRD 500: Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship
4. HBA 695: Practicum in Teaching
5. Three elective courses (for a minimum of 9 credits)

A student must achieve a grade of B or higher in each of the required courses, and must maintain a B average or higher in all elective courses. 

B. Preliminary Examination 

All students are required to take a preliminary examination upon completion of formal course requirements. 

C. Advancement to Candidacy 

The faculty will recommend a student to the Graduate School for advancement to candidacy upon satisfactory completion of all required coursework and the preliminary examination. The student then becomes a formal candidate for the Ph.D.

D. Dissertation Proposal Examination 

Following advancement to candidacy a student must prepare and submit a dissertation proposal that is acceptable to the dissertation committee and program in Anatomical Sciences.

E. Ph.D. Dissertation 

A student, under the supervision of their Dissertation Committee, performs the research leading to the preparation of their written dissertation. The dissertation must contain the results of an original and significant investigation. Students should enroll in an HBA Dissertation Research Course (HBA 699, HBA 700, or HBA 701) to document completion of the doctoral research project.

F. Dissertation Defense 

Following completion of the dissertation research project, a student must submit their dissertation to their examining committee and present their findings in a formal public oral defense. Following the oral presentation of results and questioning by the audience, the student defends their results before the dissertation committee.

For procedural details, please refer to the Department of Anatomical Sciences website.