> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ismms-gs.gitbook.io/graduate-student-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ismms-gs.gitbook.io/graduate-student-handbook/chapter-1-1/phd-in-biomedical-sciences-and-neuroscience/program-requirements/requirements-to-graduate.md).

# Requirements to Graduate

All students will need to meet the following degree requirements in order to successfully earn the PhD degree:

* Complete a minimum of 72 credits, with an average grade of B or better in all required core courses (i.e., Biostatistics and Core) and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. 
* Submit and successfully defend a Thesis Proposal 
* Write an original dissertation that is accepted by the student’s Thesis Committee and is defended orally in front of a panel of experts.  
* Deposit Thesis on Proquest
* Submit all required forms including student checkout form 

**See** [**Standards for Maintaining Satisfactory Progress**](/graduate-student-handbook/chapter-1-1/phd-in-biomedical-sciences-and-neuroscience/program-requirements/standards-for-maintaining-satisfactory-progress.md)