Qualifying, Prelim & Final Exams
Qualifying Examination
A qualifying examination is required of all students
in the SEE and IE PhD programs. This examination serves as a screening
device for
selecting qualified doctoral candidates. In addition, the examination
permits early identification of deficiencies of otherwise qualified
candidates so that remedial action can be taken. Admission to
PhD candidacy is based on the faculty's evaluation of the student's
research potential, scholastic competence as evidenced by grades,
and satisfactory
performance on the PhD Qualifying examination. The examination will be offered at the beginning of the fall semester with retakes at the beginning of the spring semester.
Study materials
Registering for the Qualifying Exam
Students seeking PhD candidacy must
register their intention to take the qualifying exam with the Department
during the last two
weeks of
May. To be permitted
to take the exam all students must satisfy the following minimum
requirements in the Qualifying Exam Document.
Results
of the Qualifying Examination
The decision to pass or fail
a student will be made by the graduate faculty of the Department
following the Qualifying
Exam and will
be made on the basis of the score in the written Qualifying
Exam, grades
in formal courses, and the recommendation of the Thesis
Advisor. A student who fails the Qualifying Exam may repeat the examination
in the subsequent
semester. A student who fails the examination twice will
not be allowed to continue in the PhD program.
Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination is intended to provide evidence that the student is making satisfactory progress toward the PhD and may be taken any time after successful completion of the Qualifying Examination. Prior to scheduling, the student must select a Thesis Committee in consultation with his/her advisor and submit forms A and B to the Graduate Programs Office (107 TB). The Preliminary Examination will consist of a written Thesis Proposal and an oral presentation before the Thesis Committee. Passage of the Preliminary Examination will be determined based upon the vote of the Thesis Committee. A student who fails the Preliminary Examination must wait a minimum of six months before retaking the examination.
Final Examination
The Final Examination may be taken no earlier than six months after successful passing of the preliminary examination. Prior to scheduling, the student must select a Thesis Committee in consultation with his/her advisor and submit forms C and D to the Graduate Programs Office (107 TB).
Note: Forms A (Prelim) & C (Final) must be submitted to the Graduate Programs Office (107 TB) 3 weeks prior to the anticipated exam date.
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