Qualifying Examinations

Four faculty members serve on the Qualifying Examination committee. The student selects faculty who are interested in the same type of research, who are knowledgeable in specific areas of interest, and with whom they have had interactions. Students should contact prospective committee members early (e.g. at least 4 months prior to the target examination date), and determine which faculty member will serve as chair. The student’s major professor cannot serve on the Qualifying Examination Committee. 

Once the student has identified potential members, they should send the list of the proposed QE members, along with the topic area(s) each will address, to the Graduate Advising Committee for review and approval. Once the Graduate Advising Committee has approved the QE Committee, the student will submit a Qualifying Examination Application to the Office of Graduate Studies, who formally appoints the committee. Note: Qualifying Examination Applications must be submitted at least 30 (preferably 40) days in advance. 

There are three outcomes to the Qualifying Examination:

• Pass
• Retake
• Fail

After the examination, the Chair of the Committee will submit a QE Report to the Office of Graduate Studies notifying them of the outcome of the exam. Passing the exam means the student can then advance to candidacy for the PhD and select their Dissertation Committee members.