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Stowers Institute

PhD Program Academic Calendar

2026-27 Academic Calendar

Our course work and rotation schedule allows predoctoral researchers to begin full-time research in their laboratory of choice, with no other course commitments, within one year of starting.

First-Year Students

Aug. 10-25, 2026Orientation and pre-course(s)
Aug. 26-31 and Sept. 1-4, 8-9, 2026Module I
Sept. 10-11, 14-16, 21-25, 2026Module II
Sept. 17-18, 2026Stowers Institute's Crossroads Research Conference
Sept. 28 - Oct. 9, 2026Module III
Oct. 13-23, 2026 (9 days)Module IV
Oct. 26 - Nov. 6, 2026Module V
Nov. 9-10, 12-13, 16-20, 2026 (9 days)Module VI
Nov. 23-27, 2026Thanksgiving holiday
Nov. 30 - Dec. 11, 2026Module VII
Dec. 14-31, 2026Winter Break
Jan. 4 - Feb. 26, 2027Laboratory Rotation I 
March 1 - Apr. 23, 2027Laboratory Rotation II
Apr. 26 - June 17, 2027Laboratory Rotation III
Jan. 4 - June 17, 2027Scientific communication (Part I)
June 17, 2027Thesis Laboratory placement confirmation due
June 21, 2027Thesis Laboratory research begins
TBD, 2027Presentations to Rotation Committee

 

 

Second- and Subsequent- Year Students

Aug. 17 - Dec. 31, 2026Fall term (20 weeks)
Jan 4. - June 17, 2027Spring term (24 weeks)
June 21 - Aug. 13, 2027Summer term (8 weeks)
Aug. 18 - Nov. 3, 2026Entering class of 2025: Scientific Communication (Part II)
Graduation CeremonyMay 3, 2027

Stowers Holidays

Sept 7, 2026Labor Day
Oct. 12, 2026Indigenous Peoples' and Columbus Day
Nov. 11, 2026Veterans Day
Nov. 26-27, 2026Thanksgiving
Dec. 24-31, 2026Holiday Break
Jan. 1, 2027New Year's Day
Jan. 18, 2027Martin Luther King Day
Feb. 15, 2027Presidents Day
May 31, 2027Memorial Day
June 18, 2027Juneteenth
July 5, 2027Independence Day

How to apply to the PhD Program

Admissions

Ph.D. Program Resources

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Ph.D. Program Benefits

The Graduate School is committed to giving each predoctoral researcher the best research experience in an unrivaled research environment which is enhanced by outstanding benefits.

Ph.D. Benefits

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Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ answers common questions from prospective Ph.D. program applicants from academic topics to technical assistance.

Admissions FAQs

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Retention & Placement Data

The Graduate School tracks retention, persistence, completion, and placement outcomes.

Retention & Placement

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Catalog & Handbook

The Catalog & Handbook provides important program and course information.

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Policies & Protocols

Program participants, faculty, and staff comply with the policies and protocols of the Graduate School.

Policies & Protocols

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