The School of Biological Sciences

Check It Twice

Use: The guidance interview is instructive for registering for classes, explaining the guidelines and general questions.
When to Submit: Within the 1st semester Submit to Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Signatures Required: Faculty Advisor
Description: GCMB students will have a general meeting prior to classes beginning in the fall semester. EEB and PP students will need to contact your Faculty Advisor.

Use: Assesses the student's mastery of the fundamentals in his/her field and the potential for conducting doctoral-level research.
When to Submit: Within 1st academic year Submit to Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Signatures Required: Examining Committee notifies the Graduate Committee in writing of the outcome along with a copy of the written exam.
Description: Each Section specifies the requirements for the Qualifying Exam. See the Graduate Program Guidelines for more those specific requirements.

Use: Designates your Faculty Advisor and forms your Supervisory committee. The Supervisory Committee is charged with determining the formal course program and monitoring the student's progress.
When to Submit: Before the end of the second semester. Submit to Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Signatures Required: Faculty Advisor, Graduate Chair, and Graduate Studies Dean
Description: Committee members must meet the following requirements: 5 members, Two must be SBS faculty members. Once the form is approved, a the Program of Studies form will be sent to the Faculty Advisor. Student and the Supervisory Committee must at least once each year.

Use: The courses needed to complete a Ph.D. To be determined by Faculty Advisor & Examining Committee
When to Submit: Within 3 weeks of the Supervisory Committee's formal appointment. Before one-half of the course work, including dissertation hours is completed. Submit to Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Signatures Required: Faculty Advisor and Graduate Studies Dean
Description: Minimum credit = 90 At least 45 hours must be completed at UNL after filing the form. Normally includes 12 - 55 hours of dissertation research. Time Limit on granting PhD: 8 years after filing the Program of Studies. Supervisory Comm determines if a language or special research tool will be needed for the student's program.

Use: The Supervisory Committee will administer the written comprehensive.
When to Submit: When the coursework portion of the Program of Studies is complete. Submit to Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Signatures Required: The advisor writes a memo to the Graduate Committee communicating the results of the comp exam.
Description: The Supervisory Committee may additionally require an oral comprehensive exam also.

Use: After the Comprehensive Exam is graded and all language and research tool requirements satisfied, the Supervisory Committee recommends admission to Candidacy.
When to Submit: At least Seven Months prior to the final oral examination. (Dissertation Defense) Submit to Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Signatures Required: Complete the Application for Admission to Candidacy for the Doctoral Degree form. Supervisory Committee signs.
Description: Following Admission to Candidacy the student must register for at least one credit hour during each academic semester until the Degree is received, even if the number of dissertation hours on the program of studies has been reached. Failure to register will result in termination of the Candidacy.

Use: In order to graduate.
When to Submit: The beginning of the semester in which graduation is planned. Deadlines vary per semester.
Signatures Required: No signatures needed.
Description: $25.00 non-refundable fee