A. The program is designed to give students a genuine research experience. It is expected that students will work in lab as much as possible. While enrolled in independent research (Biology 499R, NBB 499R, Chem 499R) students are expected to work in the laboratory a minimum of 16 hours per week. It is highly desirable that classes be scheduled to allow for longer blocks of time in lab (i.e., classes can be scheduled to be on TTh, leaving MWF open for lab). In the summer and during the graduate +1year, students are expected to work full time in the lab (at least 40 hours/week). Working on the weekend is often a very good way to get large amounts of work done, and it may be necessary, depending on the timing of the experiments being done and to ensure successful progression of the research project.

A. Students accepted into the program will be allowed to enroll in Biology 499R during their senior year if directed research in their major would not be an appropriate choice.

A. See a class schedule for the program.

A. Yes, you can count up to six hours of the graduate coursework taken in your senior year towards your undergraduate graduation requirements. Where the credits will be applied is dependent on your major and advisor.  You should discuss the application of these credits with your advisor prior to enrollment.

A. Enrollment in graduate classes will be handled by GDBBS staff on behalf of the student.

A. Students accepted into the program must earn at least a B in all courses taken directly for the program. This includes all graduate courses and directed research but does not count prerequisites/corequisites taken prior to acceptance into the program or during the senior year.

A. You will be provided with a list of Cancer Biology faculty members who have agreed to take students into their labs.  You should look into the research of these groups and set up meetings with those of interest. It is a good idea to spend some time in the lab before committing to join. This does not have to be formal, and you don't have to do any lab work - just get to know the people in the group and see if it is a good fit for you.

You can work with faculty who are not on the list provided as long as their work is cancer-related and the mentor is approved by the CBTO 4+1 Program Advisor.

A. Currently Emory does not offer any on-campus housing for graduate students.  View a list of potential housing opportunities is provided by Emory's housing office.

These properties are not controlled or rented by Emory and the list is provided as a courtesy.  There are, of course, many real estate and rental agencies that can help to identify a place to live near campus.

A. Students are granted their BS degrees at the end of year 4, in the regular graduation ceremony. Students are expected to defend their MS at the end of the +1 academic year. If all requirements are completed, students can participate in the graduation ceremony held at the end of their +1 year.

If the work is not completed at that time, it may be necessary for the student to enroll in the summer session, at additional tuition cost.

A. It is definitely NOT recommended. The program is very research intensive, and students are expected to work in lab full-time (at least 16 hours/week in their senior year and 40 hours/week in summer and during the +1 year). Time to degree is an important consideration, and students have to be aware that if they do not complete a significant body of work worthy of a MS thesis by the end of their +1 year (end of spring semester), they may need to continue their lab research until this is achieved, at additional tuition cost.

If a student would like to hold a part-time job outside regular business hours while in the program, a written request must be submitted to the CB Program Director, along with a supporting letter from the student's research advisor. Please contact the 4+1 Program Advisor, Dr. Periasamy Selvarag, with any questions about employment while a 4+1 student.

A. Successful completion of all coursework is necessary but not sufficient to earn the MS degree in this program. You must show a mastery of the research you performed and produce a significant body of work.

Note that this does not mean that your research must yield 'positive' results, but that you must invest significant intellectual energy and time on the project.  If you are not sure whether you are meeting these expectations, you should raise the question with your mentor and/or entire thesis committee.