3.1.4.1 Purpose of the Qualifying Examination
The purpose of the Qualifying Examinations is for the PhD student to demonstrate that he/she has adequate advanced knowledge and research skills to complete a high-quality dissertation project in his/her chosen area of interest. The examination process can assess a student’s: 1) ability to integrate and apply concepts covered in the program’s core courses; 2) depth of knowledge in their chosen area of research interest; and 3) readiness to complete the design and execution of a novel dissertation research program that has the potential to produce useful new information, i.e., to move on to the dissertation phase of the program.
The topics covered in the Qualifying Examinations may overlap with the student’s dissertation (this is expected), but the exam does not replace the need for the student to prepare the dissertation prospectus, and obtain approval for it, from his/her Dissertation Committee (see 3.1.6 Dissertation).