Purpose of the Qualifying Examination
The purpose of the Qualifying Examination 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 their 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 project 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 Examination 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 their Dissertation Committee (see 3.1.6. Dissertation). The focus of the examination should not be on specifics of improving the project, as this is not the student’s dissertation plan, but rather on the student’s ability to defend the logic behind decisions.