AMNH PhD Program

Other Academic Requirements

Museum Seminar Series
Throughout the academic year, the AMNH will present the weekly Museum Seminar Series at which presentations on a variety of scientific topics will be given by leading scientists, educators and AMNH curators. During the first year, students will be required to attend each program in the Series and will meet prior to each program for a discussion of the pertinent literature, which they will be expected to have read prior to the lecture, for a total of two hours each week. First year students will earn one credit per semester for a total of two credits. After the first year, students’ participation is not required for credit, but will be strongly encouraged.

Fall Symposium
First-year students will organize and be required to attend a day-long Fall Symposium onsite that will feature their research interests and the Graduate School curriculum. This informal retreat-like gathering, to which the faculty and the entire AMNH student community will be invited, is intended to give new students access to faculty and other students, to share information about labs and research programs and activities, and to strengthen the Richard Gilder Graduate School community.

Thesis Research
During the development of the dissertation during the third and fourth years, students will be required to have regular consultations with their dissertation advisors on the progress of the project to ensure close monitoring of the research and development of the thesis.

Qualifying Examination
In the fall of the second year, students will be required to take a comprehensive qualifying examination. The goal of this exam is to assess the student’s depth of knowledge and expertise both in general and specific knowledge to his or her research interests. Satisfactory completion of the qualifying exam, in combination with fulfillment of the required coursework, will establish a student’s doctoral candidacy in the second year.

Dissertation Proposal
At the end of the second year, students are expected to present a proposal of their dissertation research to their Dissertation Committee. This includes an eight-page written proposal, an oral presentation of its contents, and an elaboration of preliminary research results documenting work during the first two years in the program. Students will be questioned and examined by the Dissertation Committee on the merit and feasibility of the proposed study, as well as on their preparedness to achieve their outlined goals.

Dissertation
Reflecting and describing the student’s individual research—approach, methods, and conclusions—the dissertation is the bedrock and ultimate focus of a student’s graduate training. The dissertation represents the credentialed attainment of expertise in the chosen area of research. It also is expected to be an original scientific contribution, worthy of publication. On deposit of their dissertations, students are expected to make an oral presentation of their research and answer questions from the audience and members of the Dissertation Committee.

Publication
The Richard Gilder Graduate School strongly encourages students to publish during their graduate training. Although not required, a major element of graduate training can therefore be seen to include chapters of the dissertation as published papers.

Notice
The information in this website is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a legal contract between the Richard Gilder Graduate School and any person or entity. Upon favorable review of an application, an applicant will receive an invitation to accept admission into the Richard Gilder Graduate School accompanied by student policies and academic regulations. The Richard Gilder Graduate School reserves the right to supplement, eliminate or change any of its policies, regulations, courses or curricula, or portions thereof, for reasons necessary to proper administration of the graduate school, and without prior notice. Use of this website shall be deemed to have occurred in the State of New York. The terms of this web site and disclaimer shall be interpreted in accordance with New York law.

Richard Gilder Graduate School Academic and Conduct Policy Handbook

 

 

 

Academic Calendar for 2008-2009