Although concentration is required in the major field of interest, every program for a master's degree should include at least six semester hours of credit in one or more related fields outside the Department of Physiology. During the first year, the student will begin required coursework and take the qualifying examination by the end of the summer semester. In the second year, the student will complete formal required and optional coursework, choose a mentor, form a research committee, and conduct the thesis research. If necessary the thesis research may continue into a third year. The qualifying examination is generally taken at the completion of the first academic year and tests the knowledge of the student in general physiology.
Students entering in the fall semester ordinarily take it in the summer of their first year.
The qualifying examination is administered by the Faculty of the Department of Physiology and has written and oral components both of which must be passed satisfactorily for the student to continue the M.S. degree program. The actual format of the thesis may follow either the type shown in the School of Graduate Studies instructions, or that of an appropriate journal in the field, but whichever format is used, it must be followed in every respect. The Dean may serve as a member or may appoint members to any committee. When the thesis is nearly complete each candidate will be required to pass a comprehensive examination which may be written, oral, or both. A written part is strongly recommended.