Graduate Course of Study

Selecting a thesis advisor is the most important decision the student will make in graduate school. An informed and thoughtful choice requires experience in the labs of several investigators. To help each student make an informed, thoughtful choice, the Division builds in flexibility to explore options. Students usually participate in three lab rotations during their first year. Additional rotations can be arranged, and rotation lengths are flexible. Students usually begin their thesis research just before or early in their second year.

Coursework generally covers two to five semesters, usually consisting of four to seven courses in areas fundamental to the student’s program. The typical student takes two or three courses in the first semester of graduate study and one or two courses in each of the next two or three semesters. Most students complete their coursework by the spring semester of their second year, although advanced elective coursework, including journal clubs and short NanoCourses, can continue into later years. Students are expected to maintain a “B” average in graduate courses.

After the required course work is complete, each student takes a qualifying examination. The purpose of the exam is to assess the student’s mastery of the field. The format most often consists of a written component and an oral portion in which the student’s knowledge of the subject is evaluated by a small committee of faculty members. Upon successful completion of the exam, the student achieves PhD candidacy and begins to concentrate on thesis research. Because admission is selective and academic preparation is emphasized during the first year, the success rate for achieving candidacy is high.

Thesis research begins once the student has completed their laboratory rotations and selected a lab in which to work. Working in close collaboration with their mentor/principal investigator (PI), the student devises a thesis project and crafts a proposal. During this time, the student will also work with their PI, program coordinator, and program director to select and confirm their thesis committee. The thesis committee consists of faculty members, chosen by the student in consultation with the mentor and approved by the program director. Committee members monitor the student’s progress throughout their training, providing objective, critical analysis of the research and serve as the defense committee.

Students will present their thesis proposal to a thesis advisory committee for approval in their third year. Most students complete and defend their dissertations between their fifth and sixth year of study.

Science moves quickly, and DBBS provides countless opportunities to engage with the latest advances and ideas. 

Seminars & Symposia 
Attend 15+ biology seminars each week featuring leading scientists from WashU and around the world. Student-organized seminar series give trainees direct opportunities to select speakers, host visitors, and build professional networks. 

Journal Clubs 
Regular journal clubs help students develop critical thinking, presentation, and scientific communication skills while discussing the latest research with peers and faculty. 

Research & Publication 
DBBS students contribute to impactful discoveries and frequently co-author publications in leading scientific journals as part of their doctoral training. 

Program Retreats 
Annual retreats bring students and faculty together in an informal setting to share research, exchange ideas, and strengthen scientific communities. 

Career Development 
Students receive access to extensive career and professional development programming, including up to $1,000 in support for career-focused training activities. DBBS partners with WashU experts in career development that specialize in the PhD Experience.  

Research Resources 
State-of-the-art libraries, information systems, generative artificial intelligence tools, and scientific core facilities provide access to the literature, data, and tools needed to excel in modern bioscience research.