The preparation of a major written research report is required, and it must be approved by the guidance committee which also must certify successful completion of all degree requirements. If the thesis option is approved, a thesis committee is established. The committee approves the thesis prospectus before the student may file for advancement to candidacy. The thesis must be acceptable to the thesis committee. Upper time limit for completion of all requirements is seven quarters of enrollment, including quarters enrolled in previous graduate study at a UC campus prior to admission to the School of Public Health.
Maximum time allowable from enrollment to graduation, including leaves of absence, is five years.
It is recommended that applicants contact one or more members of the faculty whom they are considering as advisers in order to ensure acceptance by a faculty mentor as the initial adviser. The applicant should have favorable recommendations from teachers and employers concerning past performance and potential as a doctoral student in public health. The statement of purpose must be clear, outlining goals and career objectives as they relate to the focus of the doctoral program. Advising An academic adviser is assigned to each new student by the head of the department. Student and adviser together agree upon a study list for each academic quarter.