Qualifying Examination of Candidacy for the Doctoral Degree

After completing the coursework in the Core Curriculum and supplemental coursework, each student must pass a Qualifying Examination before being considered a candidate for the doctoral degree and being permitted to move on to the dissertation phase of the program. It is expected that students will complete the Qualifying Examination process within one semester/term after completing the Core Curriculum and supplemental coursework.  Students must complete the qualifying exam within two semesters following completion of the coursework to remain in the program, or petition the program’s executive committee for permission to take the exam at a later date and remain in the program.  The Qualifying Examination is administered individually to each PhD student by a committee (Qualifying Examination Committee) comprised of Program Faculty members.