Qualifying Exam for Ph.D. Students
The Qualifying Exam (QE) is an oral exam used to determine a student’s aptitude and ability to do original and independent research at the doctoral level and to assess a student’s mastery of fundamental knowledge in their technical area. The presentation may lead to questions based on the chosen subject areas and (1) related to the assigned topic and (2) related to fundamental knowledge on the subject area(s).
Each Ph.D. student must pass their qualifying exam in order to make satisfactory academic progress and continue in the graduate program. A student is considered to have passed their exam only if the Examining Committee decides unanimously in favor of this outcome.
When do I take the exam?
ENME STUDENTS
- Students should work with their advisor to ensure they are ready to take the exam.
- Students who entered into the Ph.D. program with a B.S. should take the exam no later than their 4th semester.
- Students who entered into the Ph.D. program with an M.S. should take the exam no later than their 2nd semester.
ENRE STUDENTS
- Students should work with their advisor to ensure they are ready to take the exam.
- Students are expected to take the qualifying exam after the completion of 18 credits of graduate ENRE coursework, including the completion of the core course requirement, with a GPA of at least 3.5.
How do I sign-up to take the exam?
- The Graduate Office will email all students during the first week of classes in both the Spring and Fall semesters with a link to sign up for the exam (the QE cannot be taken in the Summer or Winter terms). Students who meet the requirements to take the exam will receive an email with further instructions regarding their assigned committee, deadline for taking the exam, and other important details approximately 2 weeks after signing up.
- Deferral of the qualifying exam due to unusual circumstances must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Committee by submitting a departmental exception request.
What happens if I fail the exam?
Students who do not pass the qualifying exam during their first attempt may, upon the recommendation of their examining committee and review by the Director of Graduate Studies, attempt the exam a second time in a semester designated by the Graduate Office. Under no circumstances will a student be given more than two total attempts to pass the qualifying exam. Students who do not pass the qualifying exam will be provided graduate status for one additional semester, after which their graduate admission will be terminated. Under no circumstances will such students be considered for readmission into the Ph.D. program.
Click here to download QE instructions and resources