Curriculum for the PhD in Molecular Bioscience

Degree Requirements

The doctoral program consists of two phases: foundation coursework and thesis research. Between completion of the foundation coursework and the start of research, the doctoral candidate will take a comprehensive qualifying examination and select a thesis mentor.

Students must complete a total of 72 credits, including 47 required credits in coursework (21 credits in required courses, 26 credits in thesis and seminar courses) and 25 credits of electives. The required courses will provide the student with a strong foundation in subject content and training in research techniques. Electives will provide breadth to the students’ training in the various subdisciplines of Molecular Bioscience. All these credits must be completed within ten years. Both full time and part-time students are eligible to enroll in the doctoral program at Seton Hall University. Full time students will carry at least 9 credits/semester in the fall and spring semesters. Part-time PhD students should have at least one year of "residency", where they must complete 18 credits. Other than that, they can have semesters where they are registered for just 3-4 credits.

Completion of the doctoral program must take place within seven years for the full time students and ten years for the part-time students.

Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA for all coursework towards the doctoral degree taken at SHU. Students with a grade of C or lower in a course will not be allowed to apply those course credits towards the total 72-credit requirement. If the course with a C or lower is a required course, the student must repeat the course with a satisfactory grade of B or better. Students with a GPA below 3.0 will be placed on probation for one semester to regain the acceptable status. The student who is unable to meet these remedial measures will not continue in the program.

Students must pass a comprehensive or qualifying examination after completion of the 21 credits of required courses after the second year.

Students must present and defend an oral and written doctoral dissertation.

Required Courses (21 credits)

Required thesis and seminars (28 credits)

Electives (23 credits)

Research Support  
The Department of Biological Sciences faculty maintain active research programs sponsored through federal funding, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF). Collaborative research programs with local biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and academic institutions provide further research training opportunities.