It is important to stress, at this point, that the graduate training portion of the MSTP is extremely variable. The specifics of the training will depend on the department or program as well as the major professor. Despite the variability just mentioned, there are some components of graduate training which are similar across departments. These are also the major areas of concern which face graduate students across campus every day. Peculiar to the students of the MSTP is the clinical experience, which will be discussed later.
Academic requirements differ between departments.
Coursework is normally completed during the first year of graduate school and is intended to prepare the student for preliminary examinations and ensure a solid background in the student s area of interest. A teaching experience is required by some graduate programs and is usually limited to one semester in an undergraduate or graduate course being offered by the department. Not all graduate programs require a teaching experience and this may be an area for a prospective student to consider. Preliminary or qualifying examinations may involve a written or oral test that is usually given after the completion of coursework requirements. A written research proposal and defense of that proposal may also be involved.