Doctor of Philosophy

To fulfill the PhD requirements in Genetics, students must complete a minimum of 28 units from the required departmental courses.

In addition, Stanford University mandates that students earn a total of 135 units for the PhD degree.

This total can be achieved by completing the 28 units of required courses, along with research credits, which include supervised study or independent research conducted under the mentorship of a faculty advisor.

Additionally, students are encouraged to take elective courses to meet the remaining unit requirement and to enhance their overall academic experience.

This approach ensures that students not only meet the minimum requirements but also gain valuable research experience and a comprehensive education.

All Genetics PhD students should gain a basic familiarity with programming/bioinformatics. We are willing to accept any prior coursework or experience to satisfy this requirement. For example, one of the following courses could fulfill this requirement. Or, previous undergraduate or online classes that include programming would also satisfy this requirement, for example in your undergraduate studies.

All students are required to submit a first author paper by the time they graduate.

All students must pass their qualifying exam in the autumn quarter of their second year.

Six months after passing the Qualifying Exam, students must assemble their thesis reading committee and hold their first meeting by spring quarter of their second year. In years two to four, committee meetings must be held every 12 months. Fifth year and above, committee meetings need to happen every six months.

Complete 60 hours of community service.