Most course work is completed by the end of the second year of the program.
At the end of the Spring semester, all second year students must take a written exam. The purpose of this examination is to determine if the student is qualified to carry out thesis research. This exam, which is based on the form of a grant proposal, examines the student's comprehension of the area of focus, their research skills, and their ability to development a viable research project. The Ph.D. program normally takes 4 - 5 years of study. Students in this program are expected to attend all CNN-sponsored seminars including the Distinguished Scientist Lecture Series.