PhD Doctoral Milestones

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Doctoral milestones are essential benchmarks that guide a PhD student’s journey, marking progress and ensuring the structured development of research and academic skills. These milestones foster the acquisition of critical competencies that enhance scholarly capabilities and prepare students for careers in academia, research, and other professional roles.

The milestones outlined below are integral components of the COPH PhD program and are required for successful completion of the degree. They encompass areas related to the development of research, teaching, and professional skills.

Development of Research Skills

• Peer-Reviewed Publications

  • Manuscripts, white papers, technical reports, policy briefs, and similar scholarly outputs.

• Other Publications

  • Publications related to doctoral training or collaborative work with faculty mentors.

• Critical Review Experience

  • IRB/IACUC submission reviews (as appropriate)

  • Journal manuscript reviews in collaboration with faculty.

• Conference Abstracts and Presentations

  • Submission of abstracts and presentations at:

    • USF Health Research Day

    • FPHA or other regional conferences

    • National conferences (e.g., APHA)

    • Discipline-specific professional meetings.

• Grant Preparation and Awards

  • Participation in faculty grant submissions (e.g., NIH R-series, HRSA).

  • Preparation of student funding applications (e.g., K- or F-awards, internal dissertation funding).

  • Successful completion of small internal student research awards.

Development of Teaching Skills

The COPH requirement requires PhD students to serve as a Teaching Assistant (TA) for at least one course and to act as the official Instructor of Record (IOR) for at least one course. Graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs) at USF are hired by individual departments/schools and serve in a variety of instructional roles, including instructor of record, grader, and/or teaching assistant.

• Teaching Assistant (TA)

  • TA Training: A one-day introduction to graduate student teaching at USF, IDS 5921 (required for all TAs at USF-Tampa).

• Instructor of Record (IOR)

• Teaching and Learning at USF

Development of Professional Skills

• Training

  • Internal USF training sessions

  • External (national/state) training sessions

  • Webinars

• Professional Products

  • Refined CV

  • Teaching Statement

  • Research Statement

  • Cover Letter

  • Job Talk

• Participation in Professional Service

  • Conference abstract and/or manuscript reviews

  • Service on department or college committees

  • Contributions to community coalitions or organizations

  • Mentorship of students