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The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) was established in 1972 and currently hosts doctoral programs in Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Cellular and Structural Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, Molecular Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Radiological Sciences. Masters degrees are offered in each of these disciplines as well as in several areas of oral health sciences (Dental Diagnostic Science, Endodontics, Periodontics, and Prosthodontics), Health Professions (Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Dental Hygiene) and Clinical Investigation. These programmatic vehicles enable the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences to assert its primary objective of educating students committed to the advancement of knowledge in contemporary areas of the biomedical sciences. A compelling aspect of graduate education in a health science center environment is the opportunity for graduate students to interface with health professionals with diverse technological and conceptual capabilities and perspectives in the biomedical sciences. The proof of accomplishment or enduring value of any educational process must be accounted in the demonstrated productivity and academic achievement of the graduates of the program. Without question, the doctoral and masters programs of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences have, during the past three and one-half decades, achieved outstanding success in their educational mission of preparing professional scientists who function well in academic, industrial, and government sectors.
Our educational and research faculty are drawn from all five schools of The UT Health Science Center San Antonio. More than 300 faculty members from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences are training approximately 350 students in our combined graduate programs. There is a diversity of talent, but a unity of purpose in teaching and mentoring students in an exciting array of interdisciplinary and discipline-based fields of study and research. The academic programs offered by the GSBS are designed to provide a fundamental foundation of knowledge and scientific inquiry for our graduate students to ultimately become independent scientists and thinkers.
Programs
The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at San Antonio offers graduate programs in the biomedical sciences leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in the Integrated Multidisciplinary Graduate Program (effective fall 2008 semester), Molecular Medicine, and Radiological Sciences and a Master of Science degree in Cellular & Structural Biology, Physiology, and Radiological Sciences. These programs provide opportunities for graduate students to become competent in a specialized field, to attain excellence in the conduct of research, and to gain an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of biomedical sciences. One very special advantage of our graduate programs is that we operate in a prominent academic health science university where scientific inquiry can synergize with the healing professions to guide our science in seeking solutions to even the most vexing biomedical issues plaguing mankind. Detailed information about these graduate programs is provided in this Catalog. (Students who matriculated before Fall, 2008 may be enrolled in doctoral programs in Biochemistry, Cellular & Structural Biology, Microbiology & Immunology, Pharmacology, or Physiology.)
Additionally, graduate programs emphasizing the development of professional competence are offered in Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Medicine, and Health Professions. The graduate program leading to the Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are conducted by the faculty of the Health Science Center’s School of Nursing and administered through the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Postdoctoral certificate and Master’s degree programs in Endodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, and Dental Diagnostic Science are offered under the joint auspices of the university’s Dental School and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. A Master’s program in Clinical Investigation is designed for interested selected graduate students and health care professionals in the design and conduct of clinical studies. A Master of Science and Doctoral Program in Biomedical Engineering is jointly offered by the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the Health Science Center and the Graduate School at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). The program leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree is jointly administered by the College of Pharmacy of The University of Texas at Austin and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Graduate programs in Health Professions disciplines (Dental Hygiene and Clinical Laboratory Sciences) are administered by the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Detailed information about these programs can be found in the schools’ respective section in this Catalog. In addition, detailed information about each of these graduate programs can be found in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Applicant Viewbook.
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Each program is supervised by a Committee on Graduate Studies (COGS) composed of members of the graduate faculty of that program. An exception is the Integrated Multidisciplinary Graduate Program, and its governance is described in its respective section of this Catalog. The COGS is responsible for establishing admission requirements specific to the program, recommending approval or denial of admission of applicants to the program, overseeing academic curricula, monitoring its students’ academic progress in didactic and research activities, attesting eligibility for admission to candidacy for a degree, and verifying to the Graduate Faculty Council that the student has fulfilled all requirements for the awarding of the degree. The Chair of the Committee on Graduate Studies is the administrative head of each program. The Chair is the voting representative of the program on the Graduate Faculty Council and serves as the liaison officer between the COGS and the Graduate School Dean’s Office on all matters pertaining to applicant and student affairs. In several of the programs, one graduate faculty member serves as both Graduate Advisor and Chair of the COGS. The advisor serves as a counselor on academic matters and monitors the student’s progress in (a) successfully completing contingencies of admission and course requirements of the program, and (b) selecting an area of research specialization.
The Graduate Faculty Council has the responsibility to establish and maintain policies and regulations on matters of graduate education common to all programs administered by the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. These include such matters as general academic requirements for admission to graduate study and to candidacy, for continuation of studies, and awarding of a degree; standards of student professional conduct; grading systems; graduate program review; and criteria for thesis and dissertation research, its supervision, and its defense. Each COGS is responsible to the Graduate Faculty Council and submits recommendations on various graduate program matters, including the granting of a degree, to the Council for review and action.
The Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is the administrative head of the graduate programs and serves as the Chair of the Graduate Faculty Council. Ex-officio nonvoting members of the Council include the Associate Deans of the Graduate School, the Associate Dean for Graduate Nursing Program, the Assistant Dean(s) of the Graduate School, and Registrar. The voting members of the Council consist of the COGS chairs of the programs in Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Cellular and Structural Biology, Clinical Investigation, Microbiology and Immunology, Molecular Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Radiological Sciences and one faculty representative each from the graduate programs in Dentistry and Health Professions. A student representative can be elected from each of the following graduate student constituencies: Graduate Student Association, dentistry, nursing, and health professions to serve as nonvoting members of the Council.
Committees on Graduate Studies (COGS)
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Biomedical Sciences Programs
Biochemistry
Neal Robinson, PhD
Chair and Graduate Advisor
Biomedical Engineering
David Dean, PhD
Chair and Graduate Advisor
Cellular & Structural Biology
Susan Naylor, PhD
Chair and Graduate Advisor
Clinical Investigation
Michael Lichtenstein, MD
Chair and Graduate Advisor
Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Linda Smith, PhD, Chair
George Kudolo, PhD, Graduate Advisor
Microbiology
William Haldenwang, PhD
Chair and Graduate Advisor
Molecular Medicine
Barbara Christy, PhD, Chair
Hai Rao, PhD, Graduate Advisor
Pharmacology
William Clarke, PhD
Chair and Graduate Advisor
Physiology
James Nelson, PhD
Chair and Graduate Advisor
Radiological Sciences
Geoffrey Clarke, PhD
Chair and Graduate Advisor
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Professional Sciences Programs
Dental Diagnostic Science
Marcel Noujeim, DDS, MS
Chair and Graduate Advisor
Endodontics
Kenneth Hargreaves, DDS, PhD
Chair and Graduate Advisor
Nursing
Margaret Brackley, PhD, RN
Periodontics
Brian Mealey, DDS, MS
Chair and Graduate Advisor
Prosthodontics
Ronald Verrett, DDS, MS
Chair and Graduate Advisor
Dental Hygiene
Mary Jacks, MS
Chair and Graduate Advisor
Application
Students interested in the Ph.D. programs in the Integrated Multidisciplinary Graduate Program, Molecular Medicine or Radiological Sciences and M.S. programs in Cellular & Structural Biology, Clinical Investigations, Dental Sciences, Physiology, or Radiological Sciences, apply online at http://apply.embark.com/grad/UTHSCSA.
Students interested in applying to graduate programs in the School of Health Professions or the School of Nursing apply through the Texas Common Application at http://www.applytexas.org.
Students interested in the Biomedical Engineering program apply through UTSA at http://engineering.utsa.edu/BME_program/index.html.
Non-Degree Students apply online for admission at http://apply.embark.com/grad/UTHSCSA/.
Application may not be made to more than one program simultaneously.
Information on the application deadlines for the different graduate programs can be found in the Applicant Viewbook of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
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Admissions
Requirements for admission to graduate programs are detailed in the Applicant Viewbook of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
General admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States or proof of equivalent degree and training at a foreign institution. The undergraduate grade point average should be no lower than B (3.0 on a 4.0 system). The grades received in graduate courses, which are computed separately, are also considered in evaluation of the application.
Satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General (Aptitude) Test are desirable. Although a minimal score is not required, program-specific competitive scores are needed for admission. For example, the competitive score for admission to the Integrated Multidiscipline Graduate Program is 1200. Individual programs may prefer higher minimum scores. Scores on GRE tests taken more than five years prior to the date of application are not acceptable.
Applicants from countries where English is not the native language are also required to submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 560 is required on the paper test or 68 on the Internet-based test (with the exception of the School of Nursing, whose minimum Internet-based test score will be 83). Scores on TOEFL tests taken more than two years prior to the date of application are not acceptable.
In lieu of a GRE score, applicants to the Clinical Investigation program must provide proof of a degree in medicine, dentistry, allied health science, or evidence of concurrent enrollment in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
For students applying to the MD/PhD program, competitive scores from the Medical College Aptitude Test (MCAT) may be substituted for the GRE.
For students applying to the DDS/PhD program, competitive scores from the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) may be substituted for the GRE.
For students applying to the Dental Hygiene program and the Nursing doctoral program, satisfactory scores from the Millers Analogy Test (MAT) may be substituted for the GRE.
Scores on the MCAT, DAT, and MAT taken more than five years prior to the date of application are not acceptable.
As part of the application process, applicants to all programs will be required to provide authorization for a security background and sanction check to be performed.
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Non-Degree Students
An individual who wishes to enroll in courses presented in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences without entering a degree program must apply for admission as a Non-degree Student. The basic requirements for such admission are the same as those for degree students, except letters of recommendation and the GRE are not required. Non-degree applicants are also required to provide authorization for a security background and sanction check to be performed at the time of application. Non-degree Students must receive approval of registration each semester by the Dean of the Graduate School and by the instructor of each course, maintain a grade point average of at least a B (3.0 in 4.0 system) in courses taken as a Non-degree Student, and maintain a maximum course load of nine semester hours in fall or spring semesters and six semester hours in summer session. In exceptional circumstances, an individual who is under consideration for admission to a degree program in the Graduate School may be permitted to register for a greater course load, with the concurrence of the Graduate Advisor of the degree program concerned. In general, students may not register as Non-degree Students for more than four consecutive semesters. All grades received as a Non-degree Student will be included in the graduate student’s transcript and in computation of the cumulative GPA if the student is admitted subsequently to a graduate program. Under special circumstances, such as the computation of the GPA to determine academic probation, the Dean may grant exceptions to this policy. The grading policies for Non-degree Students are the same as those for degree-seeking students. Non-degree Student status will not be granted to premedical students for the purpose of taking School of Medicine courses. International students currently residing abroad should consult with the immigration office prior to making application as a non-degree student. In most instances, only degree-seeking applicants are eligible to apply for the required visa status to initiate study abroad.
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Dual Degree Programs
Dual degree programs of study provide a mechanism for students to obtain a Ph.D. degree in addition to an M.D. or D.D.S. degree at The UT Health Science Center at San Antonio. The purpose of these programs is to offer students the opportunity to pursue a course of study to become clinician-scientists who have not only depth of knowledge in clinical medicine or dentistry and in a basic science discipline, but also experience in research planning and execution. Students who take advantage of these programs have the opportunity to become scientists who are exceptionally qualified to apply specialized research competence to the resolution of clinical problems.
Those wishing to obtain both a professional degree and a graduate degree must satisfy the entrance requirements of both the School of Medicine or Dental School and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. At this time, admission to each school is accomplished separately. MCAT or DAT scores may be used in lieu of GRE scores in these programs.
Through the interdigitation of the academic curricula in the professional school and the graduate school and of laboratory research for the dissertation, requirements for the dual degrees can be accomplished in a timely manner. In every instance, a specific graduate program or schedule shall be planned between the student, the appropriate Committee on Graduate Studies of the Graduate School, and the director of the respective dual degree program, who in turn will coordinate curricular issues with the deans’ offices of the participating schools.
Additional information about dual degree programs is available from the Dean’s office or the Graduate School.
A combined MD Residency/PhD program is offered through Radiological Sciences. Physicians may complete their residency in radiology, psychiatry, or radiation oncology concomitant with completing requirements for a Ph.D. degree in Radiation Biology that includes a training track in Human Imaging. Students in this program study and perform research within dedicated groups of medical physicists, biomedical imaging specialists, and biomedical researchers from specialties using imaging as a research tool. For more information, visit the Web site http://radsci.uthscsa.edu/index.php/Human_Imaging.
Requirements and Regulations
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A student enrolled in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is subject to all established requirements and regulations of the Health Science Center, the Graduate School, and the respective graduate programs. Exceptions to these rules and issues not covered by previously determined guidelines will be decided by the Graduate Faculty Council.
Attendance
Attendance requirements for regularly scheduled classes, laboratories, and clinic periods are the option and prerogative of the course instructor for that particular portion of the curriculum. The policy regarding attendance for each course is announced by the instructor at the first meeting.
Unexcused absences in courses in which attendance is required may be considered sufficient cause for failure. Excused absences may be granted by the course director in such cases as illness or personal emergency. Such leaves are considered on an individual basis, and verification of the reason for the absence may be required. It is the responsibility of the student to take the initiative in arranging with the faculty to make up work that is missed.
For student employees, refer to policy 4.3.5 in the Handbook of Operating Procedures.
Residence Required for Graduation
Each doctoral student must spend a minimum of two full 16-week semesters, or the equivalent, as a full-time student in residence at The UT Health Science Center at San Antonio Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. A candidate for the M.S. degree must be registered in the thesis course for at least one term; a candidate for the Ph.D. degree must be registered in the dissertation course for at least two terms. The residence requirement is based on the premise that the scholarship and proficiency necessary for achievement of a graduate degree in the biomedical sciences are best acquired through endeavors devoted wholly to study and research in the university environment.
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Time Limits
The median time for completion of the M.S. degree and the Ph.D. degree is 3 years and 6 years, respectively, in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
Ph.D. Degree. Each program has a written policy on time-to- degree that will guide the student. Coursework or major examinations taken more than six years prior to the end of the candidate’s final semester may not be accepted for credit and, if necessary for the degree, must be repeated or specifically approved by the Committee on Graduate Studies.
M.S. Degree. Each program has a written policy on time-to- degree that will guide the student.
Credit Hour Requirements
The majority of the total semester credit hours taken for an M.S. or Ph.D. degree must be earned at the Health Science Center. Students are admitted to an MS, PhD, MD/PhD, DDS/PhD, or MD residency/PhD degree program. A minimum of 30 semester credit hours is required for an M.S. degree, and a minimum of 72 semester credit hours is required for a Ph.D. degree A minimum of 72 semester credit hours is required for the Ph.D. component of the dual degree programs. Specific curriculum requirements vary depending on individual programs.
Ph.D. Degree. The student is required to demonstrate intellectual command of the subject area of the graduate program and capability to carry out independent and original investigation in the area. The specific curriculum requirements of each graduate program are defined in the individual programs. The curriculum of each student is supervised by the appropriate Committee on Graduate Studies.
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M.S. Degree. A minimum of 30 semester credit hours is required for the M.S. degree. The student must successfully complete at least 12 semester credit hours of coursework in addition to credit hours awarded in Research, Thesis, and Seminar. With the exception of dual degree programs, all work for the M.S. degree is ordinarily done at the Health Science Center’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
A maximum of six semester hours of graduate course work from another institution may be applied for credit toward the Master’s degree, but only with the approval of the Committee on Graduate Studies in the student’s program. In cases where such credit is approved, the student must still meet the residence requirement for two full semesters. For students participating in a dual degree program, usually six semester hours in the medical or dental curriculum may be credited toward the M.S. degree. As a rule, these semester hours will come from survey courses in the student’s major area. Students in the graduate programs in Nursing should consult the “Transfer of Credit” policies under the “General Policies for Graduate Nursing Program” in the School of Nursing section.
Waiver of Courses. With the approval of the Committee on Graduate Studies, graduate credit hours from other universities may be accepted in lieu of required courses. In addition, the Committee may waive certain required courses, based on the student’s previous graduate course work. These hours will be accepted in the form of credit for the course material rather than by application of credit hours directly to the student’s transcript.
Foreign Language Requirement
Demonstration of proficiency in a foreign language is not required for either the M.S. or Ph.D. degree.
Ethics Course Requirement
All doctoral students must take the course INTD 6002 - Ethics in Research or its equivalent, as a requirement for graduation. Master of Science students are strongly encouraged to take the INTD 6002, but it is not a requirement for graduation.
Supervised Teaching
Each graduate program will decide if supervised teaching is required for a doctoral degree in its respective program. If supervised teaching is required, the student must enroll in a program-designated teaching course for a minimum of one semester credit and receive a grade of S (Satisfactory) or H (Honors).
Quantity-of-Work Rule
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Full-time graduate students may be awarded stipends as teaching or research assistants when funds are available. Student stipends funded from federal sources are governed by federal regulations. Full-time students are discouraged from taking employment; stipends serve as scholarships to meet financial need.
There may be circumstances under which part-time graduate students desire gainful employment within the Health Science Center (or full-time employees desire to pursue part-time graduate studies), and the following guidelines should apply:
Within funds available, part-time graduate students who are gainfully employed part-time within the Health Science Center in addition to pursuing graduate studies may be paid prorated rates within salary scales of job classification for which they are qualified and/or to which they are assigned. This procedure is permitted primarily to allow gainful part-time employment in an area unrelated to the student’s formal academic program.
The Committee on Graduate Studies should be consulted in advance when a part-time student desires part-time employment within the student’s own supervising department, or when the student is employed in a work situation that exists whereby the employment will be of direct benefit in meeting the graduate degree requirements. The committee should then recommend an appropriate part-time rate of pay consistent with the objectives of the graduate program in general with due consideration to the pay rates of other graduate students.
Departments requesting employment of a part-time graduate student outside the supervising department (and in an area unrelated to the student’s academic program) should determine the number of hours for which the student is registered prior to contacting the Office of Human Resources regarding appointment of such students. This will enable the Office of Human Resources to provide proper salary rate information.
| Graduate Hours |
Maximum Hours |
| Registered for |
Per Week Permitted to Work |
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1 |
0 - 0.00%
3 - 7.50%
6 - 15.00%
10 - 25.00%
13 - 32.50%
16 - 40.00%
20 - 50.00%
23 - 57.50%
26 - 65.00%
30 - 75.00%
33 - 82.50%
36 - 90.00%
40 * - 100.00%
40 * - 100.00%
40 * - 100.00% |
* Present policy permits an employee to enroll in a 3-semester-hour course without reduction in pay.
The Registrar’s Office will announce and provide the registration process to all students, department chairs, Committee on Graduate Studies (COGS) Chairs, and their assistants prior to the start of each semester. For individual registration concerns, confer with your program’s Committee on Graduate Studies (COGS) Chair.
A student must register each semester and summer session that he or she is enrolled in a course. This includes courses in Research, Thesis, and Dissertation. No student can receive credit for a course for which he or she has not registered.
Consequences for Non-Payment of Tuition and Fees
Students are responsible for paying their tuition and fees by the census date (which is always the 12th class day of the spring and fall semesters, or the 7th class day of the summer term) of each semester for which they are registered. For details on consequences of non-payment of tuition and fees, see “Financial Information ” sections “Tuition & Fees” and “Refunds.” International students must also contact the Office of International Services. Additional actions also may be taken by the Graduate School. They are:
- Discontinued enrollment in the graduate program that results in termination with loss of pay, benefits, and privileges. This also will disrupt research activities.
- Necessity to re-apply for admission for the following semester.
- A bar against readmission for the student.
- Initiation of loan repayments, if a student has loans.
- Potential loss of visa status and deportation for international students.
- Withholding of the student’s grades and official transcript.
- Withholding of a degree to which the student otherwise would be entitled.
Semester Credit Hours
One semester hour of credit earned through:
- Lecture clock hours: 15 to 18 (normally 16). Conference hours are equivalent to lecture hours.
- Laboratory clock hours: 45 to 60 (normally 48).
A course, for example, has a credit value of three semester hours if the class meets for three lecture hours per week in the 17-week fall or 18-week spring semesters, or meets for four lecture hours per week in the 12-week summer session.
A course with two lecture hours and six laboratory hours each week for one semester has a credit value of four semester hours.
The minimum half-time course load for a semester is 4.5 semester hours and 3.0 in the summer. The minimum full-time course load for a semester is 9 semester hours and for a summer session is 6 semester hours. The maximum load is individually determined by the student’s faculty advisor and the Committee on Graduate Studies involved. If a student is employed as a teaching assistant, graduate assistant, research assistant, or tutor, the course load may be reduced correspondingly.
Doctoral students must be enrolled for a minimum of 9 semester credit hours each fall and spring semester, and 6 semester credit hours each summer term, in order to be considered full-time doctoral graduate students.
Master’s students must be enrolled for a minimum of 6 semester credit hours each fall and spring semester, and 3 semester credit hours each summer term, in order to be considered full-time master’s graduate students.
Adding Courses
Students may add courses during official add days as designated by the Registrar’s Office each semester. Students are not permitted to add classes to their schedules after the census date, which is always the 12th class day of the spring and fall semesters, or the 7th class day of the summer term.
Dropping Courses
A student who is not on academic probation may drop a course at any time during the semester provided the student is passing the course at the time and has obtained the signed approval of the course director and COGS chair.
The Registrar will record the symbol W if a course is dropped before the first evaluation period in that course. After that time, the course director will assign a grade of either WP (Withdrew Passing) or WF (Withdrew Failing). A student on academic probation will not be allowed to drop a course.
In case of illness and with the consent of the Dean, a student may drop a course without penalty at any time prior to the beginning of final examinations.
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Transfer of Credit
Credit for coursework taken at another institution may be transferred if the student submits a Request for Transfer of Credit form available in the Graduate School Dean’s Office. The same procedure should also be used to request transfer of credit from other schools within the Health Science Center. The transfer of credit is subject to approval by the Committee on Graduate Studies of the program in which the student is enrolled and by the Dean or the Dean’s designee. Students in the graduate programs in Nursing should consult the “Processes for Transferring of Courses” policies under the “Graduate Program Policies” for the Graduate Nursing Program .
Students in M.S. programs may apply no more than 6 semester hours of transferred credit toward satisfaction of the 30 semester credit hours required for the degree. However, the request form should list all courses taken elsewhere which are approved by the Committee on Graduate Studies to satisfy the course requirements for the M.S. degree set forth by the program in which the student is enrolled.
Students in the Ph.D. programs are required to fulfill a minimum of 72 semester credit hours of coursework. Transfer of credit for Ph.D. students may be requested to provide evidence on the student’s transcript of the completion of courses taken elsewhere which are approved by the Committee on Graduate Studies (1) to satisfy the course requirements for the Ph.D. degree or (2) to be appropriate to the specific course of study of the individual graduate student.
Registration for Thesis
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Students in M.S. programs may register for the Thesis course XXXX 6098 where XXXX represents one of the following: BIOC, CLS, CSBL, DENH, DIAG, ENDO, MEDI, MICR, MMED, NURS, ORTO, PERI, PHAR, PHYL, PROS, or RADI. Registration for Thesis is only permitted after the following three actions have been taken:
- Approval of admission to candidacy for the M.S. degree by the Dean;
- Approval of the thesis research proposal by the Committee on Graduate Studies of the program and the Dean;
- Appointment of a Supervising Committee for the thesis research by the Committee on Graduate Studies of the program and the Dean.
A candidate for the M.S. degree must register for the thesis course for at least one term.
Registration for Dissertation
Students in Ph.D. programs may register for the Dissertation course XXXX 7099 where XXXX represents one of the following: BIOC, CSBL, MICR, MMED, NURS, ORTO, PHAR, PHYL, or RADI. Registration for Dissertation is only permitted after the following three actions have been taken:
- Approval of admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree by the Dean;
- Approval of the dissertation research proposal by the Committee on Graduate Studies of the program and the Dean;
- Approval of the membership of the candidate’s Supervising Committee by the Committee on Graduate Studies of the program and the Dean.
A candidate for the Ph.D. degree must register for the Dissertation course for at least two terms. Only one of the terms may be a summer session.
Registration for Final Term
It is a requirement that a student be registered for the semester or summer session in which he or she graduates.
Final Credit Hours
A student in her/his final semester or summer session registering only for thesis or dissertation may register for “final hours.” A Ph.D. student must register for a minimum of 3 semester credit hours; a M.S. student must register for a minimum of 1 semester credit hour. When a student declares “final hours” for a semester, the student shall be considered enrolled in a full-time course load for that semester. The student pays tuition based upon the number of credit hours for which he/she registers.
A student may register for final credit hours only once during her/his degree program. “Request for Designation of Final Hours” forms are available in the Registrar’s Office or on the Student Services Web site at http://studentservices.uthscsa.edu/GI_forms.aspx.
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International Students
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Because of requirements dictated by certain types of visas, international students must consult with their COGS Chair prior to registering for final hours.
Any student wishing to enroll in Final Hours must submit a completed “Request for Designation of Final Hours” form to their COGS Chair for approval. Once programmatic approval is given, the form is to be submitted to the Registrar’s Office for official enrollment in the course.
Registration at Other U. T. System Components
A student who has been formally admitted to a graduate program may apply to take courses at any of the other components of The University of Texas System. Consent of the Committee on Graduate Studies and the Dean of the Graduate School must be obtained before the student may apply to another component for permission to register to take courses.
Registration For Audit
Permission to audit one or more courses is sometimes granted. Auditing conveys only the privilege of observing and excludes handing in papers or taking part in a class discussion, laboratory exercises, or field work. No grade is given and no credit is reported. Graduate students must obtain permission to register to audit a course from the course director and the COGS chair of the program in which they are enrolled. Others who wish to register to audit a graduate course must apply to the Associate Dean of the Graduate School for admission as a Non-Degree Student.
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Grading System
Credit hours are earned in the graduate programs only for the grades A, B, C, and S. All letter grades except H and S are included in the computation of the grade point average. Grade points are assigned as follows:
A = 4 (above average graduate work)
B = 3 (average graduate work)
C = 2 (below average graduate work)
D = 1 (failing graduate work)
F = 0 (failing graduate work)
Grades of D and F are not acceptable for graduate credit. If a course is repeated, the last grade earned is used in computing the cumulative grade point average.
A grade of S (satisfactory), U (unsatisfactory), or H (honors) is not included in the computation of the grade point average. These grades are given in the following courses in all programs: Supervised Teaching, Research, Thesis, and Dissertation. Grades for Thesis or Dissertation hours are reported as “In Progress” (IP) until the work is completed. S/U and/or H (Honors) may also be given in specific courses in specific programs.
Other symbols used in reporting the standing of students in their classes are: WP and WF (see “Withdrawal”), W (course dropped while receiving a passing grade with no penalty), and I (incomplete). The course director will record the symbol W if a course is dropped before the first evaluation period in that course. After that time, the course director will assign a grade of either WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing).
An I is used only to report cases in which the student has not completed all of the assignments and/or examinations before the conclusion of the course. Unless the student has been granted a leave of absence, all work must be completed within one year, at which time the grade of I (incomplete) will be changed to the appropriate letter grade.
The grading system described above applies to courses in the medical and dental curricula in which graduate students may be enrolled as well as to courses in the graduate programs. Grades for courses taken to satisfy a contingency or condition of admission or those transferred for credit are not included in computation of the grade point average.
Continuation, Probation, and Dismissal
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Continuation in the graduate programs is dependent upon three requirements:
- Satisfactory progress in removing any conditions imposed at the time of admission;
- Maintenance of a minimum cumulative B (3.0) average for all courses taken while enrolled in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. A student whose cumulative grade point average falls below 3.0 will be placed on probation and warned by the Dean of the Graduate School that continuation in the graduate program is in jeopardy. A student will remain on probation as long as her or his cumulative GPA is below 3.0. While on probation, a student must maintain a B average in those courses for which he or she is registered or be considered for dismissal by the Committee on Graduate Studies. Except in the case of illness, permission to drop courses will not be given while the student is on probation. The graduate student who has been dismissed may be readmitted for further graduate study by petition from the Committee on Graduate Studies of her or his graduate program. The request will be considered by the Graduate Faculty Council and, according to the recommended action, will be approved or disapproved by the Dean. A student on probation may not be admitted to candidacy or awarded a degree. Grades achieved during enrollment as a non-degree student are not used to determine academic probation.
- A satisfactory rate of progress toward the degree as determined by the Committee on Graduate Studies is required throughout the student’s enrollment. The Committee, with the Dean’s consent, may terminate a student’s enrollment for lack of satisfactory progress.
Withdrawal
Permission for withdrawal from a graduate program may be granted by the Dean upon concurrence by the Committee on Graduate Studies of the program. The student who wishes to withdraw must complete and sign the Student Clearance Form (available from the Registrar’s Office, Room 319L MED), submit the form for signature to the COGS Chair and the Graduate School dean, and then obtain authorized signature clearance from each area listed on the lower portion of the form.
In the case of withdrawal before the end of the semester or summer session (and thus the dropping of all courses), the grading symbol WP or WF will be recorded for each course not completed, depending on the student’s standing on the last day of enrollment. In the case of withdrawal at the end of a semester or summer session, the appropriate grading symbol will be recorded for each completed course.
An application for readmission by a student who has previously withdrawn is subject to the same requirements, procedures, and acceptance considerations that apply to first-time applicants.
Permission for a leave of absence from a graduate program for a maximum period of one year may be granted by the Dean subject to prior approval by the Committee on Graduate Studies of the program. Such permission will be granted only for extenuating circumstances and indicates that the student will be allowed to return to the program within the one-year time limit. There is no guarantee that a stipend will be reinstated upon return.
The student should make a written request for a leave of absence to the Chair of the Committee on Graduate Studies for her/his program, including the reasons for the request and the expected time of return. If the request for leave of absence is approved, the student is so notified by a letter from the Dean and provided by the Graduate School Dean’s Office. The student must then complete a Student Clearance Form available from the Registrar’s Office (319L MED). The student should then complete and sign the upper portion of this Form, obtain on it the signatures of the COGS Chair and the Graduate School dean, and obtain authorized signature clearance from each area listed on the lower portion of the Form. The student should also drop any courses for which they are currently enrolled.
In Absentia (INTD 5004-1)
In lieu of taking a leave of absence, a student may opt to enroll In Absentia for up to two consecutive semesters. Enrolling In Absentia essentially creates a placeholder that will allow the student’s matriculation record to remain active. It will not, however, afford an individual the status of an officially enrolled student. Additionally, a $25 fee is charged for enrolling In Absentia.
Students not prepared to return as an officially enrolled student at the end of their second consecutive term of In Absentia enrollment should follow the above procedures for requesting a leave of absence.
In Absentia (INTD 5004-2)
Students must be registered for the semester in which they graduate and all fees and tuition apply. A special arrangement is made for students who defend the dissertation or thesis after the last Graduate Faculty Council (GFC) meeting of the semester and before the first class day of the following semester.
The student who expects to defend the dissertation or thesis in this interval should register for one credit hour for the next semester. Following the successful defense of the dissertation, the student may drop the one credit hour and register In Absentia for the coming semester. This must be accomplished before the first class day of the new semester. Registration In Absentia should be designated as zero credit hours and the student will be charged a $25 fee.
A student who fails to register for two or more consecutive semesters and does not elect to take a leave of absence or to enroll In Absentia will be considered for dismissal from the program. The Registrar will notify the Committee on Graduate Studies and the Dean of the student’s failure to register.
If dismissed, the student may reapply for admission. Such application is subject to the same requirements, procedures, and acceptance considerations that apply to first-time applicants.
Transfer Between Graduate Programs
Any student who wishes to change the course of study from one graduate program to another must make written application to that program, and the application is subject to the same requirements, procedures, and acceptance considerations that apply to other applicants to the program. Students who wish such a transfer must have an interview with the Dean.
Graduation
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is awarded by the Board of Regents upon the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 72 semester credit hours, the satisfactory completion of a prescribed program of study as documented by the Committee on Graduate Studies, recommendation of the Graduate Faculty Council, and certification of the candidate by the Dean and President to the Board of Regents.
The degree of Master of Science is awarded upon the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours, the requirements particular to each graduate program as documented by the Committee on Graduate Studies, recommendation of the Graduate Faculty Council, and certification of the candidate by the Dean and President to the Board of Regents.
Commencement
Graduation exercises are held each year in May.
Candidates for graduation of the Health Professions master’s programs will participate in the School of Health Professions Commencement. The Graduate School Dean will be present to address the students and participate in the presentation of diplomas. Candidates for graduation of the doctoral graduate nursing programs also participate in the Graduate School Commencement.
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Sequential Procedures
Doctor of Philosophy degree
Phase 1. (From matriculation through admission to candidacy.)
- Assignment of faculty advisor. The Committee on Graduate Studies assigns a member of the graduate faculty as advisor to each student entering a program. The advisor serves as counselor on academic matters and monitors the student’s progress in (a) successfully completing contingencies of admission and course requirements of the program and (b) selecting an area of research specialization.
- Approval of research advisor. When the student selects the area of research specialization and the faculty member to serve as research preceptor, the Committee on Graduate Studies reviews the proposed selections. If the selections are approved, the faculty member is designated by the Committee on Graduate Studies as the student’s research advisor in concert with, or in replacement of, the original faculty advisor. The faculty advisor may, of course, be selected as the research advisor. During this period, the student’s potential for productive and independent investigation is assessed by the research advisor.
- Qualifying examination. The Qualifying Examination is comprehensive in nature and may be written, oral, or both. The Committee on Graduate Studies determines the format of the examination and the composition of the Qualifying Examination Committee, with the proviso that one member must not be one of the graduate faculty of the student’s program. The Qualifying Examination Committee administers the examination(s), evaluates the student’s performance, and reports its judgment on whether the student passed or failed to the Committee on Graduate Studies.
- Admission to candidacy. Recommendation by the Committee on Graduate Studies that the student be admitted to candidacy for the Master of Science degree requires the following:
- Satisfactory completion of all required courses;
- Cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 in all coursework undertaken since matriculation in the program;
- Report by the Qualifying Examination Committee that the student has passed the examination;
- Report by the student’s research advisor and other graduate faculty members, as appropriate, that the student has clearly evidenced the potential for productive and independent investigation.
If, in its overall evaluation of the eligibility of the student for admission to candidacy, the Committee on Graduate Studies is in favor of admission, it shall submit a Petition of Admission to Candidacy Form (GSBS Form 32) to the Dean for approval with documentation of satisfaction of the requirements listed above. Each research advisor is required to sign the form to certify her/his view of the student’s potential for productive and independent investigation. The Dean may approve or disapprove the recommendation or request further documentation. When the Dean has approved admission of the student to candidacy, the candidate enters Phase II of the program.
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Phase II. (From admission to candidacy through granting of the degree.)
- Selection of the supervising professor. No later than three months after the student’s admission to candidacy, the member of the graduate faculty of the program who will serve as the supervising professor of the dissertation research shall be decided upon by mutual agreement among the candidate, the faculty member, and the Committee on Graduate Studies. Normally, the research advisor who guided the student’s preliminary research activities continues as supervising professor, but this arrangement is not obligatory.
- Draft of dissertation research proposal. The candidate shall identify a research question which will serve as a focus for the dissertation research. The candidate shall prepare a draft of a research proposal which specifies the research to be undertaken, its significance in the scientific field, and the general methods and techniques to be utilized. The proposal shall be submitted to the supervising professor for review and modification. Subsequent drafts of the proposal should then be submitted for review and modification to other faculty members who have knowledge and expertise in the area of the research proposal and who have been selected by mutual agreement among the candidate, the supervising professor, and the Committee on Graduate Studies. The final draft of the dissertation research proposal is subject to review and approval by the Committee on Graduate Studies, which may specifically designate a group of faculty members to review the proposal draft(s).
- Composition of the dissertation supervising committee. After approval of the proposal by the Committee on Graduate Studies, the supervising professor and the candidate shall make recommendations to the Committee on Graduate Studies regarding the composition of the Supervising Committee for the dissertation research. The Supervising Committee must consist of at least five persons, as follows:
- The supervising professor, also a member of the program’s graduate faculty, designated as Supervising Professor and Chair of the Supervising Committee;
- One member must be from outside the Health Science Center and must be an expert in the field of the proposed dissertation;
- Two members must be members of the graduate faculty of the program;
- One member must be a faculty member of the Health Science Center in a supporting area outside the program but need not necessarily be a member of the graduate faculty.
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The Committee on Graduate Studies may nominate additional members in categories (b), (c), and (d) if necessary. Nomination is contingent upon the willingness of the designated person to serve on the Supervising Committee. The composition of the Supervising Committee should, in principle, provide a group of research scientists who constitute an important resource to the candidate and her or his dissertation research. Their functions are, with the Supervising Professor, to guide the candidate through the dissertation research and to certify to the Committee on Graduate Studies that the candidate has, in fact, carried out a meritorious research investigation of the caliber appropriate for a Ph.D. dissertation and, in their opinion, defended it satisfactorily. Upon selection of the supervising committee, the chair of the Committee on Graduate Studies (COGS) will submit to the Graduate School Dean’s Office a completed GSBS Form 30 Recommendation for Approval of Dissertation Research Proposal and Supervising Committee.
Composition of the dissertation supervising committee for doctoral students in the Integrated Multidisciplinary Graduate Program (IMGP) can be found in the IMGP section of this Catalog.
- Approval of the dissertation proposal and supervising committee. The Graduate Faculty Council and the Dean will review the recommendation of COGS on the proposal and supervising committee. After approval by the Dean of both the proposal and the Supervising Committee, the candidate may register for the Dissertation course (_____ 7099). Any subsequent change in the Composition of the Supervising Committee must be approved by the COGS and approved by the Dean, who will then report the change at a regularly scheduled GFC meeting.
- Supervision of the dissertation research. Within one month after formal approval of the Supervising Committee, the Supervising Professor shall convene the Supervising Committee to discuss with the candidate the progress of the dissertation research and the projected future work. At appropriate intervals thereafter (at least every six months), the Supervising Committee shall meet with the candidate for presentation of progress reports (written and/or oral), so that current status of the research may be evaluated and direction of future work planned. If the external Committee member is unable to attend these meetings, it is the responsibility of the candidate and the Supervising Professor to provide this member with progress reports for review and recommendations. It is essential that the Supervising Committee be fully informed of the research progress and be able to provide continued supervision throughout and that the Committee on Graduate Studies receive reports of the research progress from the Supervising Committee after each of its meetings with the candidate. The Supervising Committee and/or the Committee on Graduate Studies may approve or direct alterations in the research plans within the general context of the dissertation proposal. Major changes in the candidate’s research status (such as selection of a new Supervising Professor, new Supervising Committee members, or a new research question) must be reported to the Graduate Faculty Council and the Dean for consideration.
- Submission of the dissertation. After agreement by the members of the Supervising Committee that the research has progressed sufficiently for submission of the dissertation, a draft of the dissertation shall be submitted to the Supervising Professor and then to all other members of the Supervising Committee for review and recommendations for modification of content. An electronic copy will also be submitted to the Graduate School Dean’s Office for review of formatting. It is the responsibility of the candidate to follow the guidelines of preparation of the dissertation provided by the Graduate School Dean’s Office in the Instructions for Preparation and Submission of Electronic Theses, Dissertations and Dissertation Abstracts. If the alternative chapter format appears to be preferable, the candidate must obtain approval for such format from the Supervising Committee and the Committee on Graduate Studies. The candidate also has the responsibility to ensure adequate time for review and modification of the dissertation in accordance with the schedule of deadlines provided each term by the Graduate School Dean’s Office.
- Final oral examination. When the Supervising Committee judges the dissertation to be suitable for defense, the Supervising Professor shall be responsible for submitting a signed Request for Final Oral Examination Form (GSBS Form 40) through the Committee on Graduate Studies to the Dean and request scheduling of the Final Oral Examination. Three copies of the Abstract and Vitae (stapled together) should accompany the Request for Final Oral Examination Form at the time it is submitted to the Graduate School Dean’s Office. Public announcement of the Final Oral Examination is made by the Graduate School Dean’s Office. This Examination is conducted by the Supervising Committee with the Supervising Professor as chair. Interested persons may attend the public defense and have the right to question the candidate. After the public defense, the Final Oral Examination continues with an intensive oral examination by the Supervising Committee which is not customarily open to the public. The Supervising Committee members vote on the candidate’s success or failure on the Final Oral Examination; more than one vote for failure signifies failure on the Examination. The Supervising Committee submits the Report on Final Oral Examination Form (GSBS Form 43) to the Committee on Graduate Studies. In the event of a failing performance by the candidate, the Supervising Committee shall also submit to the Committee on Graduate Studies a recommendation regarding remedial action; in such case, the Committee on Graduate Studies shall decide on the recommendation or other action to be taken. In the event of a successful performance by the candidate, the Committee on Graduate Studies shall vote on whether to approve the recommendation by the Supervising Committee for granting of the degree.
- Recommendation for granting of the degree. If the Committee on Graduate Studies approves the favorable recommendation by the Supervising Committee, the Chair of the Committee on Graduate Studies shall so indicate by signature on the Report on Final Oral Examination and submit the Report to the Graduate Faculty Council for consideration. The candidate shall submit to the Graduate School Dean’s Office the final electronic version of the dissertation either by e-mail or on a disk or USB drive. The dissertation Approval Page signed by the Supervising Professor and Committee members, must also be submitted to the Graduate School Dean’s Office. When both the Report and the electronic dissertation in final form have been received and approved, the Graduate Faculty Council will consider the recommendation for granting of the degree. If the Council does not approve the recommendation, it will refer the matter to the Committee on Graduate Studies with a recommendation for remedial action. If the Council does approve the recommendation, the Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences will notify the President of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio that the candidate has fulfilled all requirements of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. (This procedure is contingent upon the receipt of the final electronic version of the dissertation.) Upon the candidate’s certification by the President, the degree is conferred by the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System. (See “Registration for Dissertation,” “Registration for Final Term,” and “Graduation” previously discussed in this section.)
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Master of Science Degree (Biomedical Sciences Programs)*
* The Sequential Procedures for the thesis-option Master of Science in Nursing degree, the Master of Science degree in dental specialties, and the Master of Science degree in Clinical Investigation are modified to correlate with the curricula of these programs. A copy of the appropriate Sequential Procedures may be obtained from the Graduate Advisor of the program.
Phase 1. (From matriculation to admission to candidacy.)
- Assignment of faculty advisor. The Committee on Graduate Studies assigns a member of the graduate faculty as advisor to each student entering a program. The advisor serves as counselor on academic matters and monitors the student’s progress in (a) successfully completing contingencies of admission and course requirements of the program and (b) selecting an area of research specialization.
- Approval of research advisor. When the student selects the area of research specialization and the faculty member to serve as research preceptor, the Committee on Graduate Studies reviews the proposed selections. If the selections are approved, the faculty member is designated by the Committee on Graduate Studies as the student’s research advisor in concert with, or in replacement of, the original faculty advisor. The faculty advisor may, of course, be selected as the research advisor. During this period, the student’s potential for productive and independent investigation is assessed by the research advisor.
- Qualifying examination. The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences does not require a comprehensive Qualifying Examination prior to admission to candidacy for the M.S. degree. However, the Committee on Graduate Studies may require the student to pass a written and/or oral Qualifying Examination prior to consideration for admission to candidacy, or it may waive such examination.
- Admission to candidacy. Recommendation by the Committee on Graduate Studies that the student be admitted to candidacy for the Doctor of Philosophy degree requires the following:
- Satisfactory completion of all required courses;
- Cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 in all coursework undertaken since matriculation in the program;
- Report by the Qualifying Examination Committee that the student has passed the examination;
- Report by the student’s research advisor and other graduate faculty members, as appropriate, that the student has clearly evidenced the potential for productive and independent investigation. GSBS Form 31 should be submitted to the Dean for approval.
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Phase II. (From admission to candidacy through granting of the degree.)
- Selection of supervising professor. No later than one month after the student’s admission to candidacy, the member of the graduate faculty of the program who will serve as the supervising professor of the thesis research shall be decided upon by mutual agreement among the candidate, the faculty member, and the Committee on Graduate Studies. Normally, the research advisor who guided the student’s preliminary research activities continues as supervising professor, but this arrangement is not obligatory.
- Draft of the thesis research proposal. No later than three months after admission to candidacy, the candidate shall submit a draft of a proposal for the thesis research to the supervising professor for review and modification. Subsequent drafts of the proposal may then be submitted for review and modification to other faculty members who have knowledge and expertise in the area of the research proposal. After approval of the final proposal draft by the supervising professor, the proposal is submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies for consideration of approval.
- Appointment of the supervising committee. After approval of the thesis proposal by the Committee on Graduate Studies, the supervising professor and the candidate shall make recommendations to the Committee on Graduate Studies regarding the composition of the Supervising Committee for the thesis research. The Supervising Committee must consist of at least four persons, as follows:
- The supervising professor, also a member of the program’s graduate faculty, designated as Supervising Professor and Chair of the Supervising Committee;
- Two members must be members of the graduate faculty of the program;
- One member must be a faculty member of the Health Science Center in a supporting area outside the program or a person outside the Health Science Center who is an expert in the field of the proposed thesis.
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Immediately upon selection of the Supervising Committee, the Chair of the Committee on Graduate Studies will submit to the Graduate School Dean’s Office a completed Form 42 Composition of Supervising Committee — The Master of Science Degree. A copy of the proposed work in electronic form must accompany the form. Each member of the Supervising Committee is required to sign the form to certify her/his approval to serve on the committee. Any subsequent change in the Composition of the Supervising Committee must be approved by the COGS and approved by the Dean.
The composition of the Supervising Committee should, in principle, provide a group of research scientists who constitute an important resource to the candidate and her or his thesis research. Their functions are, with the Supervising Professor, to guide the candidate through the thesis research and to certify to the Committee on Graduate Studies that the candidate has, in fact, carried out a meritorious research investigation of the caliber appropriate for an M.S. thesis and, in their opinion, defended it satisfactorily.
- Supervision of the thesis research. Within one month after appointment of the Supervising Committee, the Supervising Professor shall convene the Supervising Committee to discuss with the candidate the progress of the thesis research and the projected future work. At appropriate intervals thereafter, the Supervising Committee shall meet with the candidate for progress reports (written and/or oral) so that current status of the research may be evaluated and direction of future work planned. It is essential that the Supervising Committee be fully informed of the research progress and be able to provide continued supervision throughout and that the Committee on Graduate Studies receive reports of the research progress from the Supervising Committee after each of its meetings with the candidate.
- Submission of the thesis. After members of the Supervising Committee agree that the research has progressed sufficiently for submission of the thesis, a draft of the thesis shall be submitted to the Supervising Professor and then to the other members of the Supervising Committee for review and recommendations for modification of content. An electronic copy will also be submitted to the Graduate School Dean’s Office for review of formatting and recommendations for modification. It is the responsibility of the candidate to follow the guidelines for preparation of the thesis provided by the Graduate School Dean’s Office in the Instructions for Preparation and Submission of Electronic Theses, Dissertations and Dissertation Abstracts. If an alternative chapter format is preferable, the candidate must obtain approval for such format from the Supervising Committee and the Committee on Graduate Studies. The candidate also has the responsibility to ensure adequate time for review and modification of the thesis.
- Final oral examination. The Graduate School requires that the thesis be defended by the candidate in a Final Oral Examination conducted by the Supervising Committee; the format in which this examination is conducted (see Options 1 and 2 below) shall be decided by the Committee on Graduate Studies and it is recommended that it be uniform for all M.S. candidates in that program.
Option 1. If the Committee on Graduate Studies does elect to require that the thesis be defended in formal Final Oral Examination scheduled through the Graduate School Dean’s Office and open to all interested persons, then the procedures in number 11 (see “Phase II” of Doctor of Philosophy degree) for Ph.D. candidates should be followed.
Option 2. If the Committee on Graduate Studies chooses a less formal format, without public notification through the Graduate School Dean’s Office, the following procedures apply. The Request for Final Oral Examination Form (GSBS Form 40), signed by the Supervising Committee members, should be submitted to the Chair of the Committee on Graduate Studies, who shall indicate approval by signature and transmit the Request to the Graduate School Dean’s Office for approval by the Dean.
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Three copies of the Abstract and the Vita should be submitted with the request for the candidate’s files in their respective department, the Registrar’s Office, and the Graduate School Dean’s Office.
The Supervising Committee members vote on the candidate’s success or failure on the Examination; more than one vote for failure signifies failure on the Final Oral Examination. The Supervising Committee submits the Report on Final Oral Examination (GSBS Form 41) to the Committee on Graduate Studies. In the event of a failing performance by the candidate, the Supervising Committee shall also submit to the Committee on Graduate Studies a recommendation regarding remedial action or further examinations; in such cases, the Committee on Graduate Studies shall decide upon the recommendation or other action to be taken. In the event of a successful performance by the candidate, the Committee on Graduate Studies shall vote on whether to approve the recommendation by the Supervising Committee for granting of the degree.
- Recommendation for granting of the degree. If the Committee on Graduate Studies approves the favorable recommendation by the Supervising Committee, the Chairman of the Committee on Graduate Studies shall so indicate by signature on the Report on Final Oral Examination and submit the Report to the Graduate Faculty Council for consideration. The candidate shall submit to the Graduate School Dean’s Office the final electronic version of the thesis either by e-mail or on a disk or USB drive. The thesis Approval Page signed by the Supervising Professor and Committee members must also be submitted to the Graduate School Dean’s Office. When both the Report and the electronic thesis have been received, the Graduate Faculty Council will consider the recommendation for granting the degree. If the Council does not approve the recommendation, it will refer the matter to the Committee on Graduate Studies with a recommendation for remedial action. If the Council does approve the recommendation, the Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences will notify the President of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio that the candidate has fulfilled all requirements for the degree Master of Science. Upon the candidate’s certification by the President, the degree is conferred by the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System.
* The Sequential Procedures for the thesis-option Master of Science in Nursing degree, the Master of Science degree in dental specialties, and the Master of Science degree in Clinical Investigation are modified to correlate with the curricula of these programs. A copy of the appropriate Sequential Procedures may be obtained from the Graduate Advisor of the program.
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Sequential Procedures Forms
The following forms, required for the sequential procedures described above, are available online at http://www.uthscsa.edu/gsbs/:
Form
No. Procedure
31 Petition for Admission to Candidacy for M.S. Degree
32 Petition for Admission to Candidacy for Ph.D. Degree
33 Petition for Admission to Candidacy for M.S. in Nursing Degree
30 Recommendation for Approval of Dissertation Research Proposal and Supervising Committee (Ph.D.)
40 Request for Final Oral Examination (Ph.D. or M.S.)
41 Report on Final Oral Examination (M.S.)
42 Composition of Supervising Committee (M.S.)
43 Report on Final Oral Examination (Ph.D.)
A completed Application for Degree and Diploma Name Request must be filed during the semester before the term in which the candidate expects to graduate. This form is available from the Registrar’s Office or the Graduate School Dean’s Office.
Instructions for Preparation and Submission of Electronic Theses, Dissertations, and Dissertation Abstracts
The candidate should obtain these instructions online at http://www.uthscsa.edu/gsbs/ before writing the thesis or dissertation.
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Coordinate Graduate Courses
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The following courses are offered to provide computational and statistical background pertinent to the design and interpretation of experimental research projects.
CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES
The Master of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences (described in the School of Health Professions section of this Catalog) is administered by the Graduate School. Students in the program follow procedures and policies of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
DENTISTRY
Master’s degree programs in Dental Diagnostic Science, Endodontics, Periodontics, and Prosthodontics (described in the Dental School section of this Catalog) are administered by the Graduate School. Students in these programs follow procedures and policies of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
DENTAL HYGIENE
The Master of Dental Hygiene program (described in the School of Health Professions section of this Catalog) is administered by the Graduate School. Students in the program follow procedures and policies of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
NURSING
Graduate programs leading to the Master of Science in Nursing and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees (described in the Graduate Program in Nursing section of this Catalog) are administered by the Graduate School. Students in these programs follow procedures and policies of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
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Programs (course descriptions included at end of Program Descriptions)
Integrated Multidisciplinary Graduate Program
Biochemistry
Biomedical Engineering
Cellular and Structural Biology
Clinical Investigation
Microbiology & Immunology
Molecular Medicine
Pharmacology
Pharmacy
Physiology
Radiological Sciences
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