a exam phd

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Admission to Candidacy Examination (A Exam)

Students are eligible to schedule their A Exam after Two (2) Semesters of registration have been completed in the ECE Ph.D. Program.

The A Exam must be taken PRIOR TO THE BEGINNING of a Student’s Seventh Semester of registration.

The format of the A Exam is up to the discretion of the Student’s Special Committee Membership. In general, it is an oral examination. The Student will present the topic that has been chosen to devote his/her dissertation to.

Scheduling the Admission to Candidacy Examination (A Exam)

The Student will need to schedule the A Exam at a time that is convenient for both them and their Special Committee Membership.

Reserving a Room for the A Exam

Once a date and time have been confirmed, the Student should reserve a Conference Room where the A Exam will be held. There are Conference Rooms of varying size available in Phillips Hall, Rhodes Hall and Duffield Hall that can be reserved. You will need to work with the ECE Administrative Staff in order reserve a Conference Room.

Schedule A Examination and Research Compliance Form

Filling It Out, Obtaining Online Approvals, Submitting the Form, Deadline for Submission

• The Student will need to go online and fill out the Schedule A Examination and Research Compliance Form . It can be found on the Graduate School's Forms Page listed under "Exams and Research." 
• The Student will fill out the form completely before submitting it for the necessary approvals of their entire Committee Membership, the ECE Director of Graduate Studies and the ECE Assistant Director of MEng/PhD Programs (listed as "Graduate Field Assistant" on the form). 
• The Student will be responsible for obtaining the completion of all required online approvals in order for the form to be submitted to the Graduate School. 
• Once all online approvals have been submitted, an automated email will be sent by the Graduate School confirming the scheduling of the Student's A Exam. 

The completed Schedule A Examination and Research Compliance Form must be submitted to the Graduate School a minimum of Seven (7) Calendar Days prior to the date of the scheduled examination.

There are no exceptions   to this rule. Late submission of the Schedule A Examination and Research Compliance Form will result in the examination having to be re-scheduled.

The Date, Time and Location of the Student’s A Exam will be posted on the ECE Events Calendar Page.  

Results for Admission to Candidacy (A Exam) Form

• The Student will need to go online and fill out the Results for Admission to Candidacy (A Exam) Form . It can be found on the Graduate School's Forms Page listed under "Exams and Research." 
• Once all online approvals have been submitted, an automated email will be sent by the Graduate School confirming the receipt of the Student's Results for Admission to Candidacy (A Exam) Form. 

The completed Results for Admission to Candidacy (A Exam) Form must be submitted to the Graduate School within Three (3) Days of the completion of the A Exam.

There are no exceptions   to this rule. Late submission of the Results for Admission to Candidacy (A Exam) Form will result in the results of the Student’s A Exam not being accepted.

Master of Science without Thesis Degree

All Students who successfully complete their A Exam are eligible to earn a Master of Science (M.S.) without Thesis Degree. The Student may only be awarded the M.S. Degree if their Committee Membership deem it appropriate.

The Student should discuss this option with their Special Committee Membership in advance of participating in their A Exam.

When the Student's Committee Chair / Advisor submits their online approval for the Results for Admission to Candidacy (A Exam) Form, he/she should then indicate if the Student should be receiving the Non-Thesis MS and continuing on in the ECE PhD Program. 

Be aware that the Graduate School will only award the Non-Thesis MS degree if it is clearly indicated on the results for Admission to Candidacy (A Exam) Form. The Graduate School will NOT retroactively award the Non-Thesis MS Degree if it was not specifically indicated at the time of the submission of the Results for Admission to Candidacy Examination (A Exam) Form. 

/images/cornell/logo35pt_cornell_white.svg" alt="a exam phd"> Cornell University --> Graduate School

Advancing to doctoral candidacy.

The A exam is also known as the examination for admission to candidacy. This oral exam may include a written component, as determined by your special committee. You can take the exam after completing two registered semesters in your program, but before beginning your seventh semester—unless special permission is obtained from the dean.

Passing the A exam means the graduate faculty believes that you are ready to proceed into the dissertation phase of your degree program.

Some fields may offer a special master’s degree after a doctoral candidate has completed four semesters of registration and either passed the A exam or performed at the level of an A exam. This is a master’s degree awarded to a student who is continuing on for the Ph.D., and is awarded without completion of a thesis.

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How the PhD Program Works

Program Overview

Completing your doctorate at Wharton requires 5 years of full-time study. The first 2 years in the program prepare you for admission to candidacy by taking courses, qualifying exams, and starting research projects. In the last few years, you are primarily conducting research full-time including writing and defending your doctoral dissertation.

Admission to candidacy.

You begin by taking courses required for your program of study. All programs requires a preliminary exam, which may be either oral or written.

Some programs may have further requirements, such as an additional exam or research paper. If you enter with a master’s degree or other transfer credit, you may satisfy the formal course requirements more quickly.

Beginning the Wharton PhD Curriculum How the first two years of the Wharton program helped students discover their interests, learn the tools of the profession, and fuel their passion for teaching.

The Doctoral Dissertation

Upon successful completion of coursework and passing a preliminary examination, you are admitted to candidacy for the dissertation phase of your studies.

Your doctoral dissertation should contain original research that meets standards for published scholarship in your field. You are expected to be an expert in the topic you choose to research.

You are admitted to candidacy for the dissertation phase of your studies upon successful completion of coursework and passing a preliminary examination, but you can start thinking about and working on research of relevance at any time.

The dissertation process culminates with a “defense,” in which you defend the proposal orally before your dissertation committee.

While working on your dissertation, you interact extensively with Wharton faculty. Together with interested faculty, you create your own research community that includes your dissertation advisor and dissertation committee.

Policies and Procedures

Get more detailed explanation of course requirements, academic standards, the Teacher Development Program, time limits, and dissertation procedures and requirements.

Sample Program Sequence

Years 1 & 2.

Coursework Examination Research Papers Research Activities Field-Specific Requirements

Directed Reading & Research Admission to Candidacy Formulation of Research Topic

Years 4 & 5

Continued Research Oral Examination Dissertation

Hear From Our Doctoral Community

Why i chose academic research instead of consulting.

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Examinations

The Ph.D. degree requires the successful completion of three examinations: The Qualifying Examination (Q-Exam), the Admission to Candidacy Examination (A-Exam) and the Defense of Dissertation Examination (B-Exam).

The purpose of the Qualifying Exam (Q-Exam) is to gauge the candidate’s potential as a doctoral student. The scope of topics should not be so broad as to influence the selection of courses taken by the candidate prior to the exam. A thorough understanding of relevant undergraduate courses and graduate courses already taken should be sufficient to pass the examination. 

Students entering with master’s degrees take the Q-Exam at the end of their first semester; students entering with a bachelor’s degree take the Q-Exam at the end of their second semester.

The purpose of the Admission to Candidacy Exam (A-Exam is) to determine whether the candidate has attained mastery of the major and minor subjects. In addition, a review may be conducted of the progress of the research and of the plans to complete the dissertation.

Conducted by the student’s special committee, this examination is expected to be taken before the seventh semester of residence and must be taken at least two semesters before the Defense of Dissertation Examination (B-Exam). All members of the student’s special committee are expected to participate in the exam.  

At least seven calendar days before the date of the exam, a Schedule of Examination form, signed by each member of the special committee and the director of graduate studies, must be submitted to the Graduate School and an announcement of the exam made to the field faculty. Within three days after the exam, a Results of Examination form, recording the outcome of the exam and signed by each member of the special committee and the director of graduate studies and graduate field administrator, must be submitted to the Graduate School.

The Defense of Dissertation Examination (B-Exam) comprises a public presentation of the student’s dissertation followed by an oral exam by the student’s special committee. All members of the student’s special committee are expected to participate in the examination. All members of the field are encouraged to attend and participate in the public portion of students’ B-Exams.

At least seven calendar days before the date of the exam, a Schedule of Examination form, signed by each member of the special committee, the director of graduate studies, and the graduate field administrator, must be submitted to the Graduate School and an announcement of the exam made to the field faculty. Within three days after the exam, a Results of Examination form, signed by each member of the special committee, the DGS, and the GFA, recording the outcome of the exam, must be submitted to the Graduate School.

PhD Program in Applied Economics and Management

Phd program requirements.

Please note: The following are general requirements for the Applied Economics and Management PhD program. Each student should check with their Special Committee for additional course requirements, and students should also check with the Dyson School’s Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) and the Graduate Field Assistant for additional requirements of the Graduate School and the Applied Economics and Management (AEM) Graduate Field.

• Special Committee : The Graduate School requires that Applied Economics and Management PhD students must select the chair of their Special Committee by the end of the third week of their first semester. By the end of the 3 rd semester you must have your three member committee consisting of your chair and two minor members. The chair needs to be a member of the graduate field of Applied Economics and Management . A student can ask for an extension if more time is needed (please see the AEM PhD handbook for details).
• Registration units : To earn a Cornell PhD, a student must be registered for a minimum of six full-time academic semesters (which requires a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester). The AEM PhD degree completion usually takes 10 semesters of study, and students are expected to finish all their required courses by end of their fourth semester. Students must also maintain a meaningful engagement with the Cornell academic community (attendance and active participation in various workshops and seminars on campus, as an example).
• A grade of B- or better is required in all of the following mandatory courses during the first year of the PhD economics program: AEM 7010 ,  AEM 7020 , AEM 7021 , AEM 7100 , ECON 6090 , ECON 6170 , and ECON 6190 . During the second year of the PhD program, all students must take one macroeconomics course ( ECON 6130 or AEM 7040 ), one additional econometrics class ( ECON 7200 , ECON 7230 , PAM 6090 , PAM 6091 ), Applied Microeconomics Research ( AEM 7150 and AEM 7151 ) and at least six credits of elective courses in the student’s major area of specialization [Environment, Energy and Resource Economics (EERE), Food and Agricultural Economics (FAE), International and Development Economics (IDE), and Management (MGMT)]. Note: The AEM Graduate Field requires students to receive a minimum grade of B- in each course (required or elective) to be in good academic standing. For continued financial aid, however, the AEM Graduate Field requires that students receive at most one B- per semester.
• Passing grade on the graduate field of Applied Economics and Management qualifying examination (also called the “Q” exam), usually taken at the end of the second semester. The Q-exam is based on material covered in AEM 7010 and AEM 7100 (combined); AEM 7020 and AEM 7021. Students have 2 attempts to pass all the 3 components of the Q-exam.
• Mentored research paper (AEM 7150): The paper should address an applied economics issue and should be of quality to eventually be publishable in a top field journal. Work should begin in the summer following the first year of the qualifying exam. Passing grade is required on the research paper in the summer following the second year of the PhD program.
• Admission to candidacy exam (also called the “A” exam) is taken at the completion of the required coursework, although this does not preclude taking courses after the “A” exam.
• Final oral dissertation examination (also called the “B” exam). Please note: The Graduate School requires two full-time semesters of course study between the “A” exam and the “B” exam.
• Submission of PhD dissertation.

Dyson School/Applied Economics and Policy (AEP) seminars

While not a requirement,  all PhD students are encouraged to attend weekly Applied Economics & Policy Seminars as well as seminars organized by different fields (such as Development Economics, and Sustainable Environmental, Energy and Resource Economics). The schedule for the AEP seminars can be found here .

Applied Economics PhD Coursework Template

Fall semester.

ECON 6090 (Microeconomic Theory I) ECON 6170 (Intermediate Mathematical Economics I) ECON 6190 (Econometrics I) AEM 7010 (Applied Microeconomics I)

Spring Semester

AEM 7020 (Applied Microeconomics II: Game Theory) AEM 7021 (Applied Microeconomics III: Applied General Equilibrium Analysis) AEM 7100 (Applied Econometrics)

AEM 7150 (Applied Microeconomic Research I) Either ECON 6130 (Macroeconomics I) or AEM 7040 Econometrics Elective (ECON 7200, ECON 7230, PAM 6090 or PAM 6091) Major Area Elective(s)

Econometrics Elective (ECON 7200, ECON 7230, PAM 6090 or PAM 6091) Major Area Elective(s)

Please Note

• Students on a teaching or research assistantship should expect three credit hours of time will need to be allocated to the teaching or research assistantship each semester.
• Courses necessary for each major and minor are determined by the student’s Special Committee. Some concentrations (e.g., Finance) require written qualifying examinations.

Three exams are required by the field as benchmarks toward meeting requirements of the Philosophy of Doctor program.

PhD Qualifying Examination ("Q" Exam)

This exam is based on materials that were covered in AEM 7010, AEM 7020, AEM 7021, and AEM 7100. Students will have 2 attempts to pass all four components of the “Q” Exam. This will be a written test where you are expected to answer the question(s) of the professor’s choosing for each component. The professors of these courses will be blindly grading the test (meaning they will not know who’s test they are grading). You will have approximately 2 hours to complete each component of the test.

The test will be administered to all first year PhD students over 2 days at the beginning of June with the make-up test (if needed) administered at the end of July. Students are provided past tests to practice. Results will be provided towards the end of June.

If you are not successful in passing all four components in the first attempt, you need to retake only the component(s) that you failed. Faculty can decide whether to release details about specific answers regarding what or why you received the grade that you received on a component.

In the event you fail both attempts of the “Q” exam you can choose to submit an appeal to the Dyson Graduate Studies Committee to request a reconsideration of the results. If the committee declines your petition you will be removed from the PhD program.

Examination for Admission to Candidacy ("A" Exam)

A student is admitted to doctoral candidacy after passing a comprehensive examination administered by the student’s special committee. This examination is either oral, or written and oral, as determined by the special committee. The passing of this examination certifies that the student is eligible to present a dissertation to the graduate field.

The “A” exam is taken before the beginning of the student’s 7th semester (end of their 3rd year). After completing the exam, the results must be filed with the Graduate School within three business days of the completed exam. Four outcomes are possible:

• Passing . If you pass an exam, all members of the examining committee should report this decision to the Graduate School within three business days. No further action is required.
• Conditional Passing . You may conditionally pass an exam, in which case the examining committee provides you and the Graduate School with the conditions for passing. Once these conditions are met, you pass the exam.
• Failing . If you fail an exam, a reexamination is allowed only with the approval of the special committee. At least three months must pass from the time of the failed exam to the reexamination.
• Unanimously Failing . If you’re unanimously failed, you must petition the General Committee to continue study. If the minor members, but not the chair, oppose allowing a reexamination; or the chair, but not all the minor members oppose a reexamination, you must petition the General Committee to continue study. Graduate faculty members who attend the exam, but are not on the examination committee, may inform the dean in writing if they disagree with the results of the exam.

Final Examination for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree ("B" Exam)

A doctoral candidate takes the Final Examination upon completion of all requirements for the degree but no earlier than one month before completion of the minimum registration requirement. This oral exam covers the general subject of the student’s dissertation. The passing of this examination certifies that the student is eligible to graduate.

A minimum of 2 semesters must be completed between passing the “A” exam and scheduling the “B” exam.

After completing the exam, the results must be filed with the Graduate School within three business days of the completed exam. Four outcomes are possible:

Evaluations & Examinations

Field Requirements

The field will review the progress of each student at the end of their 2nd and 4th semesters.

• ​​2 probability courses (Math 6710/6720 or ORIE 6500/6510)
• 1 theory course (Math 6730)
• 1 course in linear models (STSCI 7170)
• 1 of Generalized Linear Models (BTRY 7180) or Statistical Computing (BTRY 6520)
• A PhD student failing to achieve these benchmarks will be given the option of taking a written examination, typically offered within the first 2 weeks of the Fall semester of their second year. The Field considers a PhD student to have passed the First Year Evaluation if this examination is passed at a sufficiently high level.

Although a rare occurrence, a PhD student that fails either the First or Second Year Evaluation will not be allowed to continue in the program beyond the end of their second year. Per the Code of Legislation of the Graduate School Faculty, and depending on academic performance, such students may be eligible to receive a MS degree in Statistics.

Students that wish to appeal dismissal decisions made by the Academic Review Committee should consult the Graduate School for information on proper grievance procedures.

Graduate School Requirements

Students in the PhD program must complete a doctoral dissertation approved by your Special Committee. As part of this process, the Graduate School requires that students successfully pass the "A" (pre-dissertation) and "B" (dissertation defense) examinations (see also Program Description). The timing of these examinations depends on your progress and approval of your Special Committee, subject to certain timing constraints imposed by the Graduate School.

The A examination is the doctoral candidacy examination; with rare exception, this exam is administered to students in the PhD program after the completion of all required coursework. Passing this exam means that you are considered eligible to write and present a dissertation to the graduate faculty of the Field of Statistics. The Special Committee may, at their discretion, require both written and oral portions of the A exam. Per the Code of Legislation of the Graduate School Faculty, the Special Committee may also choose to award a PhD student a "Non Thesis Masters Degree" upon completion of the A Exam.

The B examination is the dissertation defense, and is an oral examination at which you present and discuss your major results and answer questions about it and any other related topics.

Regarding the timing of these examinations for full-time students in the PhD program:

• Per Graduate School residency requirements, you must complete a minimum of 2 semesters of satisfactory study before you can schedule your A exam, and a minimum of 4 semesters of satisfactory study before you can schedule your B exam.
• There must be at least two semesters with satisfactory progress in between your A & B exams.
• Your A exam must be taken within 7 semesters of entering the program; your B exam must be taken within 7 years of entering the program.

In some cases, exceptions to the various rules delineated above may be requested by filing a General Petition with the Graduate School. This includes any changes to your Special Committee after the A examination.

Field Required Committee Meetings

In addition to A and B exams, students are required to meet with their committee at least once in each academic year following their A Exam.

This meeting will take the form of a presentation of progress to date and feedback from the committee.  The committee must indicate to the DGS that the student is making satisfactory progress. This requirement will be waived in the years that the student takes their A or B exams.

Sixth Year Funding

The field guarantees 5 years of funding. Students requiring funding beyond this time-frame must submit a written application. The application will be due January 1 before the funding is requested and will be reviewed by the PhD admissions committee.

The application will consist of:

• A letter from the student requesting a sixth year of funding and outlining
• Their current research progress.
• The reasons that their degree requires more time than normal expectations.
• A timetable for when specific material will be completed during their sixth year.
• A letter from the chair of the students special committee supporting their request and outlining progress, signed by all members of the special committee following a meeting with the student and review of their progress.

What is a PhD Test / PhD qualifying exam?

Embarking on a PhD journey is a significant milestone in an academic career, and the PhD qualifying exam plays a crucial role in determining a student’s ability to progress in their program.

This exam, which tests a candidate’s understanding of their chosen field and their capacity to conduct high-level research, typically includes both written and oral components.

Success in this exam depends on thorough preparation, consistent study, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

The PhD qualifying exam serves as an assessment of a doctoral student’s comprehension of their chosen field and their ability to conduct high-level research. Passing this exam is a prerequisite for advancing to the next stage of their graduate program and commencing their dissertation research.

Here’s everything you need to know about it!

What is a PhD Qualifying Exam?

A PhD qualifying exam, a critical milestone in a doctoral student’s journey, serves as an assessment of a student’s comprehension of their chosen field and their ability to conduct high-level research.

Passing this exam is a prerequisite for advancing to the next stage of their graduate program and commencing their dissertation research.

Usually taken after completing coursework and before starting dissertation research, the qualifying exam’s format can differ by field of study.

Generally, students are required to answer questions posed by a committee of professors who are experts in their research area.

Success in this exam depends on demonstrating a deep understanding and command of their field.

The process reveals various tips and strategies for preparing for and succeeding in a qualifying exam.

Early preparation is essential, and students should allocate consistent study time, create a study schedule, and break their materials into digestible sections. They should also practice answering questions, ideally by simulating the exam with mock calls or committees.

During the exam, students should remember that they are in control of the conversation and steer it in their preferred direction. Instead of apologizing for not knowing an answer, they should use logical reasoning to provide educated guesses.

Taking time to answer questions and limiting responses to precise, succinct answers can also lead to success.

Finally, showing excitement about their project and viewing the exam as an opportunity for an engaging conversation with experts can make a significant difference.

Key Takeaways:

• The PhD qualifying exam is a critical milestone that assesses a student’s understanding of their chosen field and their ability to conduct research. Passing this exam allows students to progress to the next stage of their graduate program and begin their dissertation research.
• Adequate preparation is crucial for success in the qualifying exam. This includes allocating consistent study time, creating a study schedule, breaking materials into digestible sections, and practicing answering questions through simulations or mock committees.
• During the exam, students should remain confident and in control of the conversation, providing logical reasoning for educated guesses when unsure of an answer. Embracing the exam as an opportunity for engaging discussion with experts and learning from any mistakes will ultimately aid in academic advancement.

Failure is not the end of the journey; many students fail and later succeed after regrouping and learning from their mistakes.

With determination and the right strategies, students can conquer the PhD qualifying exam and advance in their academic careers.

What is the Format of the PhD Qualifying Exam? Oral, Written?

The format typically includes both a written and an oral component. The written exam involves answering questions related to the student’s research area and the surrounding literature.

The oral exam usually comprises a discussion of the student’s research proposal and the interpretation of research data.

Conducted by a committee of faculty members who are experts in the student’s research area, the qualifying examination evaluates the student’s performance on the written and oral components to determine their eligibility for moving forward with their PhD research.

The exam is taken at the end of the student’s second year or after the completion of their coursework.

In the case of an unsuccessful first attempt, a retake or second attempt may be granted, although a unanimous decision is often required from the committee members.

The PhD qualifying exam is an integral part of the graduate program admission process, ensuring that only the most qualified students are granted the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree.

The PhD qualifying exam is a vital step in a student’s journey towards earning their doctorate, requiring dedication, preparation, and a deep understanding of their area of research to achieve success.

How Long Is the PhD Qualifying Exam?

Typically consisting of a written or oral examination, this comprehensive exam tests a student’s understanding of fundamental concepts in their chosen field.

Ranging from several hours to even days, the exam comprises multiple questions or tasks, assessing the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge to complex problems.

The duration of the exam may differ across institutions, faculty expectations, and subject matter, but the importance of thorough preparation and mastering the subject matter remains constant.

With helpful tips and guidance from many schools and advisors, students can navigate this rigorous process, ultimately paving the way for their PhD candidacy and dissertation defence.

How Do You Prepare for the PhD / Doctoral Qualifying Exam? Tips to ace the test!

Preparing for the PhD qualifying exam can be an intimidating process, but with the right approach, it is manageable. As a crucial milestone in the PhD journey, this exam determines whether a student is qualified to continue their studies. To excel, consider the following steps and insider tips:

• Understand the exam format and requirements: Start by reviewing guidelines and past papers provided by your university to understand what to expect. Familiarizing yourself with the format helps to reduce anxiety and focus on the content.
• Create a study schedule : Allocate sufficient time to review course materials and research papers related to your field of study. A well-structured study schedule ensures that you cover all necessary material and stay on track.
• Form a study group: Collaborate with fellow PhD students to discuss and review material together. Sharing insights and learning from each other can strengthen your understanding and address any gaps in your knowledge.
• Practice with past exam papers: Working through past papers and taking self-assessment tests regularly will help you gauge your progress and identify areas that need improvement.
• Maintain physical and mental health: Don’t underestimate the importance of self-care during the preparation phase. Prioritize good sleep, healthy eating habits, and regular exercise to improve focus and concentration.
• Seek guidance: Consult your advisor or committee members for tips and insights on how to approach the exam. Their experience can provide invaluable guidance and help you avoid potential pitfalls.

Thorough preparation and discipline are crucial to succeeding in the PhD qualifying exam. By following these steps and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, you will be well-equipped to face this critical academic challenge.

What other entry tests and requirements are there for PhDs?

When pursuing a PhD, applicants must navigate a complex admission process that often goes beyond submitting academic transcripts and letters of recommendation. Various entry tests are required to assess a candidate’s suitability for doctoral study. One of the most common exams is the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), which measures a candidate’s aptitude for graduate-level work.

However, some universities and colleges may require subject-specific exams, such as the GRE Subject Tests, to evaluate an applicant’s knowledge in a particular discipline. These tests can be particularly important for PhD programs that demand a high level of specialization in a specific field.

In addition to these standardized tests, some PhD programs require applicants to have completed a Master’s degree in a relevant field before being considered for admission.

This prerequisite ensures that candidates possess a solid foundation in their chosen discipline and are prepared for the rigorous demands of doctoral research.

Another important aspect of the PhD application process is the submission of a research proposal, personal statement, or other supporting documentation.

These materials demonstrate the applicant’s interest, expertise, and ability to specialize in a particular area of study.

Lastly, international students may need to take an English proficiency test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, to demonstrate their language skills if the program is conducted in English.

Entry tests and requirements for PhDs can vary significantly depending on the subject area and the institution. Prospective students should carefully research their options and ensure they meet all necessary criteria for the doctorate they wish to pursue.

Wrapping up – PhD/Doctoral Entrance examinations

The PhD qualifying exam plays a crucial role in a doctoral student’s academic journey, testing their understanding of their chosen field and their ability to conduct high-level research.

This comprehensive exam, which typically consists of both written and oral components, determines a student’s eligibility to progress in their PhD program.

To succeed in this exam, students must engage in thorough preparation, create a study schedule, form study groups, and maintain a balanced lifestyle that prioritizes physical and mental health.

In addition to the PhD qualifying exam, various entry tests and requirements, such as the GRE, subject-specific exams, and research proposals, may be necessary to assess a candidate’s suitability for doctoral study.

By understanding these requirements and dedicating the necessary time and effort to prepare, aspiring PhD students can navigate this challenging process and work toward achieving their academic goals.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Phd qualifying exam: 5 steps to success, published by steve tippins on may 27, 2022 may 27, 2022.

Last Updated on: 2nd February 2024, 05:02 am

The PhD qualifying exam varies by institution and discipline, but they all share something in common: they are among the most difficult tests you will ever take. A PhD qualifying exam is given after you completed your coursework. It is the final hurdle before you begin to work on your dissertation . Passing the PhD qualifying exam is your ticket out of coursework and into the research phase of your degree.

In this article, we’ll cover what the process looks like and how to prepare for the written and oral parts of the exam. We also include sample questions to give you an idea of the territory.

Traditional vs New Qualifying Exams

There is a distinction between how qualifying exams are traditionally structured and how some institutions are now conducting them. Here’s the lowdown:

Traditional Qualifying Exams

Traditionally, the exam has one or two parts: a written part and sometimes an oral part. The exam is made up of whatever the faculty wants to ask you, so you have to be prepared for just about anything that was covered in your classes.

To prepare, people typically take two to four months to review the literature they covered in the previous few years so that they are prepared to answer questions on any topic. Many times, you might know broad topics where questions can be drawn from but not specific questions. If that is the case, the oral exam would typically be used for clarification, allowing you to further explain a topic and show your understanding to faculty.

New Qualifying Exams

Some schools have moved to a model in which you receive the questions and have two weeks or so to answer them. Then, you have time to prepare lots of material for your answers. However, faculty might expect more perfection in this case because you get a chance to review and ponder, as opposed to the traditional exam. 

Other schools may just want to see your dissertation proposal, which takes the place of your exam. Either way, you have to show that you have grasped the material from your first several years of coursework.

How Long Is the PhD Qualifying Exam?

If you are writing the traditional model, you will have five to seven questions over two days, and you basically write everything you can think of on those questions . Students typically dump everything they know, whether it applies or not, just to show how much they know. 

If you’re taking the exam at home, you will probably type it. Many schools now allow typing in the traditional model as well. Your answers will usually run in the neighborhood of 15 to 20 pages per question because they want to see everything you can come up with.

How Do You Prepare for the PhD Qualifying Exam?

Many students waste valuable study time because they don’t know how to structure their preparation to be most effective. Here’s how to best prepare for the PhD qualifying exam.

Step 1: Assemble the Literature

To prepare for the qualifying exam, the first step is to assemble the literature you want to review . Look at each class you took and gather the academic articles you read in those classes. 

Step 2: Review and Take Notes

The next step is to read the articles again and take notes on them, including the key findings and methodology. This step might take you a couple of months to do.

Step 3: Go Back Through the Notes and Summarize

The third step is to go back through the notes you took on all of those articles and summarize them again to condense them even further. 

Step 4: Review Your Summaries

The fourth step is to spend four to five days going back through your condensed summary so that you have it all in your mind. That way, you can quickly recall which author said what and how it relates to what other authors have said. Keep all those relationships in your head.

Step 5: Rest

The day before your exam, the fifth step is to rest so that you’re ready for the intense nature of the next couple of days.

PhD Qualifying Exam Pass Rate

The PhD qualifying exam pass rate is difficult to determine because schools don’t usually publish or talk about it. About half the people who enter a PhD program complete it.

Most of the people who don’t complete the program leave before or at the qualifying exam. When people get to the dissertation phase, they’re more likely to finish.

When you take your qualifying exam, many schools have four levels of grades: high pass, pass, low pass, and didn’t pass.

What Happens If You Fail the PhD Qualifying Exam?

If you fail the PhD qualifying exam, most schools will allow you another attempt to pass it. They may only do them a certain number of times a year, so it could be six months to a year later. But you may get another shot at it.

Ultimately, if you fail the PhD qualifying exam, you do not get to move forward to write the dissertation and you are finished with the program. They have determined that you have not learned, gathered, or synthesized enough material and you’re not ready to work on a dissertation.

On the other hand, if you pass the PhD qualifying exam, most schools then say you have reached what has become known as “all but dissertation” or ABD . With everything but the dissertation finished, some people use the term “ PhD candidate ” or PhD(c) to represent themselves.

What Is an Oral Exam?

There are two types of oral exams. One takes place after a written exam, while the other stands alone.

Written Exam Followed by Oral Exam

If you are taking a written exam and an oral exam follows, you can usually provide clarification in the oral exam and dig further into what was on the comprehensive exam. 

Oral Exam Only

Some schools just give an oral exam, where you and a number of faculty members meet in person or on a zoom call. They ask you the questions, and you get to answer them without writing.

Tips for Navigating the Oral Exam

• Treat the committee with respect. Remember that you’re walking into a room of people who control your future. If you don’t respect them, they will take it as a sign that you are not serious, which could negatively impact the likelihood of you moving forward.
• Answer every question.
• If you get stuck, ask them to rephrase the question. Doing so will allow your brain a chance to relax.
• Ask the committee questions. When you finish answering a question, you can always ask “Have I answered your question?” or “Have I answered to the level you want me to answer?” Then, ultimately, you can ask them questions, such as, “Do you have any thoughts on that?”

Sample Questions for the PhD Qualifying Exam

It’s vital to know what to expect when you take your exam. Here are some methods for getting familiar with the question you may be asked.

First, a Tip: Look at Past Tests

Some institutions keep old PhD qualifying exams or comprehensive exam questions. You can look at those to see the types of questions they may ask and what they might be looking for. 

Other institutions might even let you see the questions that have been asked in the past. They’re not going to ask the exact same questions, but you will at least be able to see which areas have been emphasized or revisited over time. If there’s an area that comes up every year, you definitely want to make sure you’re ready to answer questions related to it. Look at the questions to determine tendencies and identify the types of questions you might be asked.

Some Broad Example Questions

The questions are going to be discipline specific, but here are some broad examples:

• Trace the development of the capital asset pricing model from its first author to the current thoughts.
• Author X proposes that the Roman Empire fell for certain reasons, and Author Y proposes different reasons. What are the current thoughts on that, and how does it apply to the current situation in the United States?
• Trace the antecedents of Greenleaf’s servant leadership. Where has it gone from there? What are authors currently proposing regarding servant leadership?
• Trace the development of generally accepted accounting principles and how they might be applied in a nonprofit situation.

Final Thoughts

The doctoral comprehensive exam is a big deal. Take it seriously, and be prepared to show the faculty that you have grasped what they have offered to you as opportunities to learn. Show that you understand how the material and literature fit together and provide a platform for future learning and research.

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

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How to prepare a strong phd application.

Doctoral candidates and departmental coordinators at the Wharton School outline a few tips to help you navigate the PhD application process.

It’s no secret the application process can be intimidating. Where do you start? What exactly are schools looking for on your application? What materials do you need to submit? Doctoral candidates and departmental coordinators at the Wharton School have outlined a few tips to help you navigate the process.

Don’t Delay the Process

A successful PhD applicant starts thinking about their application months or even years before the deadlines. For Alejandro Lopez Lira , a third year student in Finance, the application process began a year before he actually submitted the paperwork. He said, “I spoke to my advisors way before, like one year before, about my letters of recommendation, where to apply, everything involved in the process.”

Each program has different requirements, which can make for a tedious process. Karren Knowlton , a third year in Management, said, “I took a little while to draft a personal statement. I had my mom, who teaches creative writing, and a few other people that I trust just read over it. Then you have to tweak it for different schools because they want slightly different things.”

Taking time to prepare your application is critical. Starting the process sooner rather than later gives you several advantages:

• It allows your letter of recommendation writers enough time in advance to thoughtfully prepare a letter that speaks to who you are as a PhD candidate.
• It gives you more time to review your materials, fix any errors, and proofread, proofread, proofread.
• Finally, it means a lot less stress when the deadline starts rapidly approaching. By planning ahead, you’ll have a much smoother process applying.

Get Letters of Recommendation

Prof. Matthew Bidwell , who previously served as the doctoral coordinator for the Management program , said a common mistake he sees are letters of recommendations from employers. Although he said it is impressive to see work experience, having an employer write a letter is not the best choice.

“We don’t pay very much attention to those because rightly or wrongly, we worry that they’re not looking for the kinds of things that we’re looking for,” he said. “If you have one, it’s not a disaster, but when you see people with two or three — most of their recommendations coming from their work — that kind of heightens our concern. You’re committing to a fairly specialized career, do you really know what that career entails?”

Instead, he suggests getting to know an academic who will be able to write a recommendation attesting to your ability to manage doctoral-level research and work.

Include Research/Work Experience in Your Field

Each program has a unique set of criteria to evaluate applicants, but several doctoral coordinators agree that some research and work experience in your field of interest will strengthen your application overall.

Prof. Fernando Ferreira , doctoral coordinator for the Business Economics and Public Policy and Real Estate programs, thinks work experience can be useful in demonstrating an applicant’s abilities. He said, “Any work experience after undergraduate school is important. If that experience is more related to research it’s even better, but work experience in general is always good.”

Prof. Guy David , doctoral coordinator for the Health Care Management & Economics program , thinks that work experience benefits applicants in terms of giving them a broader view of business. “Work experience creates retrospection about how the world works, how organizations make decisions, and how people function in various situations,” he said.

However, he warns that spending too much time away from an academic setting can have its drawbacks too. “It may lead people to start their PhD later when they are not in the habit of immersing themselves in rigorous studies and have a shorter horizons to develop a name for themselves,” he said.

Although having both research and work experience can strengthen your application, you will not be denied entry because you are lacking either.

Prof. Bidwell said, “I think research experience does give us some confidence that people have some idea about what it is that we do. In terms of work experience, I think we don’t have a strong view. We quite like work experience, but we also take people straight out of undergrad.”

Prepare for the Standardized Tests

Most PhD programs require students to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Having high test scores is a key part of an application as it tests skills learned over the course of many years in school. Quantitative skills are especially important when applying to doctoral programs in business areas. Much like any other standardized test, the GRE requires preparation.

Karren, who took the GRE twice to ensure her scores were high enough, offered advice to those who may be struggling. “I would absolutely recommend practicing the writing beforehand. Look up examples and have your outline structured,” she said. “So much of it is just getting the right structure and how you formulate your arguments so knowing what they’re looking for is key.”

Test prep can be time-consuming, but like anything else, practice makes perfect. There are multiple text books and online sites to help you prepare for the exam. Karren aimed to improve her math scores the second time she took the GRE and recommended this site to help strengthen math skills.

Taking advantage of resources to help you study can limit the number of times you need to take the GRE while ensuring you score high enough to remain in the applicant pool.

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How to get a PhD?

Interested in obtaining a phd learn more about the steps to earn a phd, careers with phd, list of colleges offering programs and more..

Updated by TCM Staff on 15th April 2021

How to get a PhD: Steps and Requirements Explained

15th April 2021

College Monk — How to Get a PhD

A PhD is a postgraduate doctoral degree awarded to those students who produce an original thesis and make a significant research contribution to their respective field.

PhDs are available for those in a variety of different fields, and it’s often considered the highest and most well-respected degree available. Earning a PhD truly establishes someone as an expert in their field and indicates the deepest level of knowledge on a particular subject.

What is a PhD?

PhD — technically short for Doctor of Philosophy — is a type of doctoral degree, often considered the highest-level degree one can earn.

A PhD is a type of research degree that requires students to do an extensive amount of research and produce an original work, known as a dissertation.

People often use their PhD as a launchpad to pursue a career in academia. But, it’s also a popular option for those pursuing a career in STEM.

Those with PhDs make up a fairly exclusive club. Data from the US Census Bureau shows that fewer than 5% of the population holds a doctorate. And it’s not surprising, considering it often takes up to eight years to achieve this coveted title and requires writing an original dissertation the length of a book.

A PhD is actually just one type of doctoral degree. PhDs are research-focused. The other type of doctorate is application-focused (also known as an applied doctorate).

Source:  https://strathsltresearchers.wordpress.com

PhD admission requirements 

Not just anyone can earn a PhD. Given how well-respected the title is, it takes a lot of work and very specific criteria to enter a doctoral program.

The most basic requirement that all PhD candidates must have is a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. You won’t be accepted without this. You also usually need a high GPA.

Another requirement is a statement of purpose. In this statement, doctoral candidates will describe why they’re seeking a PhD, what they’ve done so far to prepare themselves, and what goals they plan to accomplish later.

Finally, PhD applicants will need several letters of recommendation. 

If you’re considering pursuing a PhD, it’s critical that you work to build relationships with professors and mentors who might recommend you. There’s a lot of competition, especially for the top PhD programs, and excellent recommendations will help you to stand out.

Keep in mind that the requirements might vary somewhat from one school to the next, so it’s important to do your research and decide ahead of time where you’ll apply.

Steps to obtain a PhD

Earning a PhD is no easy feat. It takes most students years to do so. Let’s look into the steps someone must take to get a PhD.

Step 1: Complete an undergraduate degree

Before you can take the next step toward your PhD, you’ll first have to receive a bachelor’s degree through an undergraduate program at a reputable university.

This education will provide the foundation for your more advanced coursework later. It’s important that you maintain a high GPA throughout your undergraduate years.

Step 2: Complete a master's program

Once you complete your bachelor’s degree, the next natural step is to pursue a master’s degree.

Graduate school requires that a student take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). A master’s degree typically takes about two years to achieve, and will be in a particular field of study.

While not technically required for a PhD, most people earn a master’s degree before earning their PhD.

Step 3: Apply for a PhD program

Once you complete your graduate program, it’s time to apply for your PhD program.

There are many doctoral programs to choose from, so it’s important that you research and find the best fit for your field of study.

During the application process, you’ll have to submit the following:

• A completed application
• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Your GMAT or GRE scores
• Letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose

Step 4: Complete your coursework

When you begin your PhD program, you’ll start by taking your coursework. 

As is usually the case with undergraduate and graduate programs, you’ll likely have some required courses and some electives. Usually, students will prepare their own plan of study for the courses they’ll take over the next couple of years.

Step 5: Prepare a research proposal

A research proposal is a document that outlines what, exactly, a PhD student will focus on during their research. 

A research proposal should include the major question or questions someone plans to answer with their dissertation, and how exactly they plan to arrive at that answer. 

Even though the proposal won’t be a part of your final thesis, it plays a vital role in shaping your PhD.

Step 6: Complete a literature review

The literature review is the first thing you’ll do before starting your project report.

In this review, you’ll conduct an in-depth study of all the research in your field. During this phase, a doctoral student should critically assess the existing literature on their topic and find gaps they may be able to fill with their research.

Step 7: Research and collect results

Once a student has completed their literature review, they’ll do more first-hand research and perform experiments to help answer the questions they’re exploring for their dissertation.

Step 8: Produce a thesis and write a dissertation

Source:  https://www.wikihow.com

Once you’ve completed your research and gathered sufficient results, it’s time to write your final thesis and dissertation. 

Though the two terms are often used interchangeably, your thesis is the argument or conclusion you’ve arrived at, while your dissertation is where you demonstrate your thesis.

Your dissertation is the culmination of all the research you’ve done. Dissertations are original work and often focus on a newly developed theory. A dissertation is roughly the length of a book, and can often take years to produce.

Step 9: Viva Voce

Viva voce is a Latin phrase that means “with living voice” or “by word of mouth.” It’s also the final — and one of the most important — steps in the process of earning a PhD.

Unlike other degrees, where you take a final exam, a PhD candidate must defend their thesis before a panel of appointment examiners. It’s common for the examiners to ask many questions, and this process can often take several hours.

Once you successfully complete your viva voce, you’ll be awarded your doctorate and can add that coveted “Dr.” to your title.

Online colleges offering PhD programs

Many students choose to pursue a PhD through an online doctoral program for the flexibility and convenience it brings. 

Here are a few popular online PhD programs:

What can you do with a PhD?

A PhD is the highest-degree that someone can earn. But after all those years of work, what exactly can you do with your degree?

One of the most common career paths for someone with a PhD is academia. Those with a doctorate degree often go on to teach at universities or spend their careers performing research, not all that different from what they did to earn the degree in the first place.

But academia isn’t the only option for PhD recipients, nor is it the most lucrative. 

PhD students often study STEM fields — science, technology, engineering, and math. Those industries are thriving today more than ever, making it a great field for those holding a doctorate.

Source:  https://www.jax.org

Some of the highest-paying PhD fields include:

• Information assurance
• Computer science
• Biochemistry and molecular biology
• Organic chemistry

Though academia and STEM may be the most common paths for PhD participants, they’re hardly the only ones. There are many options available to someone with a PhD. Other non-STEM fields include clinical psychology, market research, business development, linguistics, and intelligence.

A doctorate is the highest level of degree someone can achieve. There’s no doubt that it takes a considerable amount of work, and it takes most people years to achieve this recognition. 

It’s important to understand these trade-offs before you get started. But once you earn your PhD, you will hold one of the most highly-respected titles in the academic field and have a lot of doors open to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. 1) How long does a PhD take?

A. According to CBS news on an average, an American Student takes 8.2 years to complete their Ph.D. This can change according to various courses and in various countries.

2. 2) What qualifications do I need?

A. In US Bachelors degree holders can also apply for Ph.D. For applying in a PhD program one should have completed 16 years of formal education. Qualification in the entrance test is also necessary.

3. 3) Can I take PhD as a part-time?

A. Yes, part-time PhD is possible, and it has a more flexible schedule with classes and degree completion. In some programs, a minimum one-year residency is required. But, part-time PhD will take more time, and managing a part-time PhD will be more challenging.

4. 4) What is M.Phil?

A. A M.Phil qualification is less advanced than that of a PhD. In this, the students are expected to master a content area and it can be mastered in two years. Moreover, the PhD dissertation takes more time than an M.Phil dissertation.

5. 5) What are Financial Aid options available for me?

A. For Ph.D. there are a lot of financial aid opportunities available in the form of Scholarship and loans. Eg: National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

6 Effective Tips on How to Ace Your PhD Qualifying Exam

It’s probably not your first day at the university and you are still exploring the campus, determining which place would be your “nook”. Just as you do, you find a place to sit and it then feels surreal as you reminisce, “How did I get here?”—from determining your areas of interest for research to finding the university that offers a suitable program, from drafting personal statements to finally receiving the acceptance letter. And as you are looking into oblivion surrounded by these thoughts, you feel content and just as you breathe a sigh of relief, you hear muttering sounds from some students passing by. What do you hear? — “…something…something…Qualifying exam!”. And that’s when reality strikes you! Although you are in the program now, you must prove your candidacy for it by passing the PhD qualifying exam.

Table of Contents

What is a PhD Qualifying Exam?

In simpler words, a PhD qualifying exam is one of the requirements that determine whether or not the PhD student has successfully completed the first phase of the program and if they should be recommended for admission to candidacy for PhD. It is also referred to as the PhD candidacy exam and is probably one of the most arduous times for doctoral students. Furthermore, it is imperative for all doctoral students to prove their preparedness and capabilities to apply and synthesize the skills and knowledge during the graduate program by appearing for the qualifying exam. An integral part of the qualifying examination is a research proposal submitted to the examining committee at least two weeks before the examination.

What is the Purpose of a PhD Qualifying Exam?

A PhD student is someone who enrolls in a doctoral degree program. Typically, a PhD program requires students to complete a certain number of credits in coursework and successfully pass qualifying exams, which is followed by the dissertation writing and defense. The purpose of a PhD qualifying exam is to evaluate whether the student has adequate knowledge of the discipline and whether the student is eligible of conducting original research .

This qualifying exam is a bridge that transforms a PhD student into a PhD candidate. The difference between a PhD student and a PhD candidate is that the student is still working through the coursework and is yet to begin the dissertation process, and thus do not qualify to present and defend their dissertation to receive their doctorate. This period of transition means there is no more coursework to complete or classes to take; it is a self-defined structure of work from now with guidance from your supervisors at regular intervals.

What is the Format of the PhD Qualifying Exam?

Just as no two research projects can be alike, so cannot the qualifying exams for two different students. Thus, rather than asking your seniors about the questions that they were asked, a better approach is to understand the format and the process of the qualifying exam.

Typically, a PhD qualifying exam is conducted in two phases: a written exam and an oral exam.

1. Written Qualifying Exam

After completing your coursework, the written qualifying exam is the first one that you must take. The aim of this exam is to assess your ability to incorporate your learnings from all of the different classes you took in the program to formulate research questions and solve your research problems. Ideally, each of your committee members will test you separately on this.

2. Oral Qualifying Exam

The oral qualifying exam is undertaken after completion of the written part. Its purpose is to evaluate your thought process and ability to conduct the research required to complete a PhD . Additionally, some universities require you to present your research proposal and defend it during your oral qualifying exam.

During the oral exam, each professor from your committee will ask few questions related to your research proposal and your answers from the written exam. Sometimes, the committee members may also ask you to draw your answers on the board, especially if it’s an equation, a molecular structure, mechanism, or a diagram.

4 Possible Outcomes of the Qualifying Exam

“what if i fail my qualifying exam”- the petrifying thought.

Though this is the rarest situation that PhD students face,  its possibility cannot be neglected. While the final result is based on what your committee members decide, they often give you a chance to retake the exam and meet certain conditions. However, if you fail the exam by unanimous decision of all committee members who oppose you from taking the reexam, you may have to leave the program and opt for another field of study or university.

But why should you be worried? You’ve got these nifty tips to crack your PhD qualifying exam!

Tips to Ace the PhD Qualifying Exam

Don’t you want to excel at your qualifying exam? Here are some things you should know!

1. Know Your Qualifying Exam Committee

• Identify the area of expertise of each committee member.
• Consult your seniors and other grad students who have worked with them and are currently working with them or have taken classes from them, or best—have had them for their own qualifying exam.
• Try to anticipate the pattern of their questions they are likely to follow and prepare your answers accordingly. However, do not spend too much time on this. It is likely, that your research proposal may give rise to a different line of questioning.

2. Know Your Subject

• Hit the library and stay updated with recent research in your field.
• Acquaint yourself with knowledge of your subject matter, as that’s what you’ll be tested on the most.

3. Know What is Expected of You

• Schedule a meeting with your committee members in advance, at least twice before appearing for your qualifying exam.
• Initiate a conversation about what you are expected to cover for the exam.
• Be an attentive listener and make note of their points as they speak.
• Ask them relevant questions so that you don’t get back to your room with doubts.

4. Know Your Plan

• Start with managing your time
• Organize your data and start writing the research proposal .
• Do not overcommit. Allot yourself 1–2 months of intense studying prior to the exam to master all the background and general knowledge you may need.
• Make your notes including textual as well as graphical content for quick revision.
• Request your supervisor or seniors to quiz you and critique your presentation. Work optimistically on their constructive suggestions.

5. Know the Challenges

• Presenting your proposal may at times be quite daunting. Hence, practice giving mock presentations during lab meetings or even in front of your mirror.
• Be prepared for technical as well as analytical questions.

  6. Know the Do’s and Avoid the Don’ts

• While presenting, follow a narrative approach to keep the committee interested in your research.
• Explain your research briefly and add details as you are asked.
• Don’t overwhelm the examining committee with irrelevant details.
• Ensure that it’s a stimulating discussion among peers.
• Dress professionally and stay composed.
• More importantly, take a good night’s sleep before your exam day.

Final Thoughts

As my research advisor would say, “There’s only one step that keeps you away or brings you closer to your goal. It’s for you to choose the direction!” Similarly, the PhD qualifying exam is that one step you take to reach closer to the hallowed status of “Doctor”. So follow these nifty tips and share them with your friends and colleagues for we know what the future of research holds for us. Let us know the challenges you faced while preparing for your qualifying exam. How was it different from the experiences of your colleagues? You can also visit our  Q&A forum  for frequently asked questions related to different aspects of research writing and publishing answered by our team that comprises subject-matter experts, eminent researchers, and publication experts.

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• Ph.D. Candidacy Examination

Ph.D. Candidacy Examination: Submission and Defense of the Dissertation Proposal

To be eligible for the Ph.D. Candidacy exam, a student must have passed the Qualifications Evaluation and be in good academic standing. All Ph.D. students should defend their dissertation by the end of the fall semester of their third year of graduate studies.

Step 1: Getting Started - Registration for Your Dissertation Proposal

Before the third year, each student and advisor should identify a dissertation research topic, select potential committee members, and develop a timeline for their Dissertation Proposal by the end of the fall semester of their third year of study. All students must formally register for the Dissertation Proposal Candidacy Exam (access registration form here) by the end of the fifth semester of graduate study. If the student took a leave of absence during their studies or believes he/she may have other extenuating circumstances, contact the Graduate Program Coordinator so that a timeline to defend the proposal can be determined based on individual circumstances.

Step 2: Registration Review - Committee Approval and Appointment of Chair

The Graduate Group Chair will review the topic, committee members, and timeline proposed on the registration form. After reviewing your registration and committee recommendations, the Graduate Group Chair will appoint your Dissertation Committee Chair. Changes or additions to the committee require the approval of the Graduate Group Chair.

Guidelines for Selecting your Committee

Dissertation Committee Composition:

• The committee shall be composed of 4 faculty members (including the advisor) and approved by the CBE Graduate Group Chair. In special circumstances, an additional member may be added, subject to the approval of the Graduate Group Chair. Appointment of committee members who are not part of Penn faculty requires details of their full title, affiliation, and a short biographical sketch.
• The dissertation advisor is an ex officio member of the committee.
• Three committee members must have full-time Standing or Research faculty appointments at Penn.
• Two committee members must be members of the CBE Graduate Group.
• One committee member must hold a doctorate in an Engineering discipline or a highly quantitative subject (e.g. math, physics), AND/OR is a Primary Faculty member in a School of Engineering and Applied Science Department.
• One member (who meets the criteria listed below) is recommended as Chair by the advisor and must be approved by the CBE Graduate Group Chair

Responsibilities of the Dissertation Committee Chair:

• At every stage, verify that the dissertation meets the CBE requirements for rigorous engineering and Chemical and Biomolecular science content. Discuss any concerns in this regard with the student and advisor, and contact the CBE Graduate Group Chair when concerns arise.
• Ensure that the content and tone of the proposal defense, annual committee meetings, and dissertation defense meeting are constructive for the student and advisor. If the student and advisor have difficulty in scheduling meetings in a timely manner, the Committee Chair will contact the CBE Graduate Group Chair to recommend the replacement of committee members with limited availability.
• At each meeting of the committee, review the student’s course planning guide and transcript (provided by the student) to ensure the student is meeting CBE course requirements in a timely manner. Inform the advisor and Graduate Group Chair of any concerns, and include committee recommendations for additional coursework in the official meeting report.
• At each meeting of the committee, ensure that proper forms are completed with comments to the student, signed by all members of the committee, and submitted to the Graduate Group Coordinator (Ken Lambert)

Qualifications of the Dissertation Committee Chair (must satisfy all criteria):

• Is a member of the CBE Graduate Group
• Is a member of the Standing Faculty of the University of Pennsylvania
• Has served as a member or advisor on the proposal defense of at least one University of Pennsylvania CBE dissertation committee previously (Preferred).

Step 3: Write your proposal - and have your advisor read, edit and approve it.

The advisor must approve the dissertation proposal before it can be distributed to the committee. The dissertation proposal is based on the NIH application format and should have the following sections:

• Cover page including title, student and advisor name and contact information,
• Table of Contents, Abstract (<1 page),
• The Specific Aims section states the specific objectives of the research proposed (e.g., to test a stated hypothesis, create a novel design, solve a specific problem, challenge an existing paradigm or clinical practice, address a critical barrier to progress in the field, or develop new technology).
•  The Research Strategy section includes subsections: Significance (e.g. importance of the problem and how the project will improve scientific knowledge, technical capability), Innovation (e.g. methods, instrumentation, theories, etc.), and Approach (overall strategy, methods and analyses, as well as preliminary data, potential problems and alternative strategies).  This format emphasizes the scientific and technical merit of the proposed studies, with less emphasis on preliminary data.
• There is a 13-page limit, single-spaced with a minimum font size of 11, excluding the Cover Page, Table of Contents, Abstract, and References.

Step 4: Schedule the Dissertation Proposal Date & Location

Concurrent with the final stages of writing, the student should schedule a date for the examination, allowing a minimum of two weeks for the proposal to be reviewed by the committee. The student should copy his/her advisor on all correspondence with committee members. To facilitate rapid convergence on convenient meeting time and dates, students should find 5-7 dates/times that work for the student and advisor, and use meeting planner websites (e.g. www.doodle.com, www.surveymonkey.com, when2meet) to help schedule the exam. If the student has continued difficulty scheduling an exam due to an unresponsive committee member, he/she should inform the advisor for help. If the member is non-responsive for more than a week, do not hesitate to contact the Graduate Program Coordinator or Graduate Group Chair to expedite the scheduling of the oral exam.

When the student has finalized a date, they must inform the Graduate Program Coordinator. Meeting rooms can be reserved through the SEAS Room Reservation Request Form . If a student needs assistance reserving a room he/she should contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.

• The student should send an email to all committee members with confirmation of the date and meeting place.
• The student will send a reminder to all committee members of the time and place of the examination one week before the meeting.
• The Graduate Group Chair and Graduate Program Coordinator should be copied on the reminder, which can be distributed by e-mail.
• The student must also prepare and bring the proper paperwork for the proposal meeting. This includes a CPG, updated transcripts, and the Acceptance of Dissertation Proposal Form found online.

If there is a need to change the meeting time of the presentation the student must confirm these changes with committee members and make sure that everyone is agreeable to the change. The student must also inform the Graduate Program Coordinator and the Graduate Group Chair of any changes that are made.

Step 5: The Oral Dissertation Proposal

The Oral Presentation period of the dissertation proposal should last approximately 45 minutes and will be followed by a question-answer period of similar length. Adjustments may be made concerning the length of the presentation and subsequent discussion based on committee discretion, but the student should tailor the presentation roughly to these guidelines. The exam room should be reserved for two and a half hours to also allow the committee time for evaluation and discussion. The committee chair will report the recommendations to the Graduate Group Chair on the form provided by the student. The Acceptance of Dissertation Proposal form can be found online.

All committee members must be present at the oral presentation. If a member of the committee is unable to attend, the student must obtain approval from the committee chair and Graduate Group Chair to proceed with the proposal. In this case, the absent member will be required to send comments to the Committee Chair two days before the presentation. At the Committee Chair’s discretion, these comments or questions may be used during the exam to test the candidate’s knowledge of the subject area.

The dissertation advisor is an ex-officio member of the committee and should always be present at the examination and all meetings of the committee. However, the advisor must allow the student to demonstrate their knowledge and command of the subject on their own and will be recognized by the committee chair only to clarify issues when requested by a committee member.

Step 6: Feedback from the Dissertation Proposal

The student may be informed orally on the outcome of the dissertation proposal following the examination. Written confirmation of the outcome will follow after the Committee Chair returns the examination approval form to the Graduate Program Coordinator. The committee may request revisions to the proposal, accept it as is, or fail the student. The dissertation committee must accept the proposal before the student advances to Candidacy.

NOTE:  Students who have not defended their dissertation proposal and passed their Candidacy Exam by the end of the Fall semester of their 3rd year of graduate studies must petition to the Graduate Group Chair for an extension. The petition should explain why a proposal was not submitted and provide a schedule for submission. The University regulations state that the maximum time limit for a student to “Advance to Candidacy” is five years, after which time the student will be dropped from the rolls. Dissertation proposals must be defended and approved at least 12 months before the Doctoral Dissertation is submitted. The Graduate Group Chair will not accept a Doctoral Dissertation before this period has passed.

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• Capella University Blog
• PhD/Doctorate

What is a comprehensive exam?

March 12, 2019

A comprehensive exam is an evaluation that measures a student’s competency and mastery of concepts in the field of an academic discipline.

Passing a comprehensive exam, which may be in written, verbal, or some other format, indicates that a student is prepared to move into the dissertation phase of the degree.

Many graduate programs, especially PhD programs, require students to take comprehensive exams (which are also known as preliminary exams, general exams, or major field exams) as part of their program. The purpose of the comprehensive exam is to ensure the student is knowledgeable enough with his or her area of research to make an original contribution.

What should you expect from comprehensive exams—or “comps,” as they’re commonly called?

The nature of the exams will vary from school to school, and program to program, but here are a few of the most common formats, requirements, and expectations.

Comps formats

The formats for comps vary widely. You may find yourself doing any of these:

• Submission of an academic paper as a basis for the dissertation.
• Formal oral exam.
• Review of your academic portfolio.
• A series of proctored, or supervised, exams.

Your school and program will dictate the required format, and in some cases, you may need to take multiple types.

Comps requirements

Again, these will vary across schools and programs, with some requiring all, and others requiring some.

• Minimum GPA (at Capella University, a 3.0 GPA is required before taking the comps).
• Completion of all coursework.
• Completion of doctoral residency, if relevant to the program.
• Paperwork, such as the Comprehensive Exam request form.
• Possible additional requirements for students in licensure or practicum programs.

What the exams involve

Faculty are verifying that students grasp the key elements of research and the current state of their field enough to position their research to add to the collection of knowledge in the field. To that end, comps exam questions are usually focused around:

• Knowledge of the research methodologies and how to apply them in the student’s areas of specialization
• Theories and concepts that contribute to the body of knowledge in the student’s area of specialization
• Theory and research that can solve problems in the field

Your coursework prior to the comps should prepare you to thoroughly and knowledgeably discuss these questions. The comps are a mechanism for ensuring that students don’t begin dissertation work until they’re fully prepared to do so.

Many schools (including Capella) will allow you to re-take the comps if you don’t pass the first time.

If at any time you’re in doubt about your level of preparation for the comps, be sure to work with your advisors and mentors to address those concerns before scheduling them.

Capella University offers professional doctorate degree and PhD programs ranging from business to education and health to technology. Learn more about Capella’s doctoral programs .

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• Graduate School

Comprehensive Exam: Grad School’s Ultimate Test

Featured Expert: Dr. Benita Kapuku, PhD

A comprehensive exam is a type of cumulative evaluation used by many graduate programs in the US and Canada. It is a common requirement for how to get a PhD or graduate from some master’s programs, and even some undergraduate honors programs. However, a comprehensive exam encompasses many different types of final tests and even types of thesis defense, and the requirements and structure of a comprehensive exam are very program dependent. In this blog, we’ll take a look at what comprehensive exams are, what’s on them, which programs use them and how to prepare for this challenge.

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Article Contents 10 min read

What are comprehensive exams.

What exactly is a comprehensive exam? Comprehensive exams have many different names, from comps to cumulative exam, qualifying exams, candidacy exams or preliminary exams.

Comprehensive exam is a term applied to many final assessments used in higher education in both the US and Canada. Specifically, they are a common graduate program requirement to graduate. The purpose of a comprehensive exam is to evaluate a student's mastery of the foundational knowledge and key concepts within their field of study. So, if you want to get a master’s degree in Canada or the US, or you plan to get a PhD, it’s likely you’ll need to complete a comprehensive exam or something close to it.

Not all graduate programs require them, and there are only a few undergraduate programs in the US that use comprehensive exams as final evaluations. If you are required to take a comprehensive exam or similar assessment, it demands thorough preparation. Keep in mind that the format and content of a comprehensive exam can vary greatly from program to program, even within the same disciplines or fields.

The content of a comprehensive exam relies on your program of study, as does its format. For example, an MBA program might have a multiple-choice comprehensive exam, while a master’s in social work program may use an oral exam or presentation.

Comprehensive exams are often long—some may be several hours long—and may be administered over multiple days. Some comprehensive exams are completed in two parts, so you may have a written part and an oral part of your exam, depending on your program.

The content of your exam will cover the foundational concepts, principles and vital knowledge covered in your program’s coursework. So, an MBA program will evaluate your knowledge of core business principles, test your strategic thinking and your communication skills. Research-heavy programs will ask you to present a research proposal and defend your thesis. Political science programs will present you with multiple essay prompts and ask you to draft an argument in response.

How are Comprehensive Exams Scored?

Because of the variable nature of comprehensive exams, they may all use a different scoring system. Of course, passing your comprehensive exams or completing them with a satisfactory grade can determine whether you graduate or not from a particular program. Many programs allow you to retake comprehensive exams or re-attempt a thesis defense, but of course it’s ideal to pass on the first try!

Check out the grading system your program uses for comprehensive exams and what is required to pass. Here are a few examples of scoring systems you might be using:

• Pass/Fail System: In many programs, comprehensive exams are evaluated on a pass/fail basis. Students must demonstrate a sufficient level of mastery of the material to pass the exams and move on to the next stage of their academic journey, such as advancing to candidacy for a Ph.D.
• Graded System : Some programs may use a graded system for comprehensive exams, assigning numerical or letter grades based on the quality of a student's performance. The grading criteria may include the depth of understanding, clarity of communication, critical analysis, and other relevant factors.
• Rubrics and Evaluation Criteria: Faculty members often use rubrics or specific evaluation criteria to assess comprehensive exams consistently. These criteria may be shared with students beforehand to provide transparency about the expectations for successful performance.
• Weighting of Exam Components: If comprehensive exams consist of multiple components (e.g., written and oral exams, specific subject areas), programs may assign different weights to each component. For example, written exams might contribute a certain percentage to the overall score, and oral exams may have a separate weight.
• Oral Defense: In programs that include an oral component to the comprehensive exams, the performance during the oral defense may carry significant weight in the overall evaluation. Faculty members may assess a student's ability to articulate and defend their knowledge and perspectives. In programs with oral exams or comprehensive exams evaluated by a committee of faculty members, the final score may be determined through a consensus of the examining committee. This approach ensures that multiple perspectives contribute to the evaluation process.

Some programs provide detailed feedback to students on their performance in comprehensive exams, allowing them to understand their strengths and weaknesses. In some cases, students may be given an opportunity to revise and resubmit specific sections of the exam based on feedback.

Before you apply to graduate school, watch this!

Which Programs Use Comprehensive Exams?

There are many graduate programs that use comprehensive exams (and even some other university programs that do). Even online graduate programs may decide to use comprehensive exams in their curriculum.

In Canada, some of the most prestigious universities in Canada use comps, particularly for the PhD and doctoral programs. Online universities in Canada may also require comprehensive exams, depending on the type of program.

You can check whether a specific graduate program requires a comprehensive exam on their website by looking through their curriculum and graduation requirements. However, keep in mind that a majority of master’s programs and doctoral programs DO have some kind of evaluation or comp, even if you’re doing a PhD without dissertation .

PhD and Doctoral Programs

Doctoral programs in a wide range of disciplines, such as the sciences, humanities, social sciences, and engineering, often require comprehensive exams. These exams serve as a milestone in the progression toward candidacy for a Ph.D. and are typically taken after completing coursework.

Essentially, you will complete 1 to 2 years of PhD advanced coursework, the progress to preparing for your comprehensive or preliminary exams. Successfully passing these makes you a PhD candidate, and means you can begin conducting your own independent research and working on your dissertation or thesis. Which means you’ll begin preparing for thesis defense and brushing up on thesis defense questions you need to answer.

Of course, comps are very important to continuing in your PhD program and they can influence how long it takes to get a PhD . Since, if you don’t pass your comps, you won’t be able to progress to your dissertation stage.

Master’s Programs

Some Master's programs, especially those with a strong research focus, may include comprehensive exams as part of the degree requirements. However, this is more common in research-oriented Master's programs, such as a master’s degree in psychology , than in terminal, coursework-based Master's programs. Depending on the field of your master’s program, a comp may look different.

For example, your exam may be a lengthy multiple-choice test. Or a series of long essay prompts and responses. It may be a more traditional presentation of a research proposal. This usually involves either submission of your proposal for review and approval, or an oral presentation of your proposal and a defense in front of a panel of faculty members.

If your exam is a thesis proposal and defense, it’s important to learn how to write a master’s thesis proposal and review research proposal questions and answers you’ll be asked so you can prepare yourself.

Applying to graduate school? Here's how to write a graduate school statement of purpose :

Undergraduate Programs

There are a few colleges in the US which require undergraduate students to graduate with their degree. Again, these will be program dependent. Many honors programs at US colleges use comprehensive exams to evaluate graduating students in particular disciplines.

Here are some colleges that use comprehensive exams for select undergraduate programs:

• Bethany College
• Catholic University of America
• Earlham College
• Eckerd College
• Hanover College
• Kenyon College
• Maryville College
• Millsaps College
• Occidental College
• Reed College
• Rosemont College
• St. Anselm College
• Shimer College
• Texas A&M University
• University of Alabama
• University of Dallas
• University of Iowa
• University of the South
• University of Virginia
• Wabash College
• Whitman College

Other Programs which Use Comps

• Education Programs: Many graduate programs in education, including doctoral programs in education (Ed.D. or Ph.D.), may require comprehensive exams. These exams assess a student's knowledge of educational theory, research methods, and other relevant topics.
• Public Administration and Policy Programs: Master's and Ph.D. programs in public administration, public policy, and related fields may use comprehensive exams to evaluate students' understanding of governance, policy analysis, and other relevant areas.
• Psychology Programs: Doctoral programs in psychology often include comprehensive exams as part of the process of advancing to candidacy. These exams may cover various subfields of psychology, research methods, and theoretical perspectives.
• Social Work Programs: Some Master's and Ph.D. programs in social work may require comprehensive exams to assess students' understanding of social work theories, practice, and research methods.
• Business Administration Programs : Some Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs may have comprehensive exams, although the structure of these exams can vary. Additionally, Ph.D. programs in business administration or related fields often include comprehensive exams.
• Political Science Programs: Doctoral programs in political science commonly use comprehensive exams to evaluate students' knowledge of political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and research methods.

Preparing for comprehensive exams is a long process and, as we know, can be vital to your successful completion of your program. Below we’ve included some tips on how to properly prepare for this graduate school challenge!

1. Understand the Exam Structure and Requirements

First, review the requirements for your comprehensive exam with your program, or if you even have to complete one. Review the structure, content, format and scoring rubric associated with the comps for your program so you know just what to expect. You should also take a look at any guidelines your program provides that can give you a head start on test prep.

2. Create a Study Plan

Once you know what you need to prepare for, start creating a study plan and schedule. Most likely, you’ll be preparing for your comps at the same time you’re completing other coursework and fulfilling other obligations.

Having a solid study plan will keep you organized and make sure you’re preparing as efficiently as you can. Break down your study plan into manageable sections, by month, by week, even by day. Allocate concrete timeframes and study periods. Prepare for a long study period, since you may have to prepare for your exams months in advance.

3. Content Review

For your comprehensive exams, no matter their format, content review will be important. Go back and collect your coursework materials such as notes, textbooks and study notes. Identify the key concepts, theories, and methodologies that are fundamental to your field of study. Make sure you have a solid understanding of these foundational elements.

For students writing essay-based comprehensive exams, ask about previous years’ essay topics or the content covered on previous exams so you have a better idea of what content areas to review.

5. Practice, practice, practice

If the exams include written components, practice writing essays or responses to potential exam questions. Focus on clarity, coherence, and the ability to articulate your ideas effectively. Your program may be able to give you past essay prompts or practice prompts to work with. Write regular practice essays to get used to the process of brainstorming, outlining and drafting your ideas into a strong essay, as well as writing a full essay within the given time limit.

If your comps include an oral presentation, work on your presentation and verbal communication skills. Rehearse your oral presentation and ask for feedback on your delivery.

For more traditional exams, use practice questions or write regular practice tests if possible. If the exams have time constraints, practice answering questions within the allotted time. This helps improve your time management skills and ensures that you can complete the exam within the given timeframe.

6. Seek Guidance from Faculty

Consult with your faculty advisor or other professors who are familiar with the comprehensive exam process. Seek advice on key areas to focus on, potential exam topics, and any specific recommendations they may have. If you have questions about the exam format or content, seek clarification from your program coordinator or faculty members. Understanding the expectations can guide your preparation.

Faculty members may also have resources you can use to better practice and prepare for your tests, such as practice exams or past year’s essay topics.

7. Use External Resources

Consider forming or joining study groups with your peers who are also preparing for comps. Discussing concepts with others can provide different perspectives and help reinforce your understanding of the material. Explore external resources, such as additional textbooks, scholarly articles, and online resources, to supplement your understanding of key topics.

It’s important to read widely in your field, both scholarly articles and textbooks but also keeping up to date on current affairs. You never know where an exam question or essay prompt may be sourced from, and broad knowledge of your field will help you answer questions or write stronger essay responses.

8. Take Care of Your Mental Health

Balance your study efforts with adequate self-care. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat well, and take breaks to avoid burnout. Schedule regular study breaks in your study plan and don’t be afraid to take time away from studying.

Preparing for comprehensive exams can be stressful, considering the stakes are high and the tests can be long and grueling. Nonetheless, it’s key to take of yourself during this time as you approach the end of your program.

A comprehensive exam, often referred to as comps or qualifying exams, is an evaluative assessment designed to test a student's mastery of the fundamental concepts and knowledge within their academic discipline. These exams are common in graduate programs, especially at the master's and doctoral levels, and are intended to ensure that students have a solid foundation before advancing to the next stage of their academic journey.

The duration for comprehensive exam preparation can vary depending on the program, the complexity of the content, and the individual student's prior knowledge. Some students may dedicate several weeks to a few months for focused study. It's advisable to start early, create a study plan, and allocate sufficient time to review all relevant materials.

Comprehensive exams are commonly required in various graduate programs, particularly at the master's and doctoral levels. Programs such as Ph.D. programs in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences often include comprehensive exams. Additionally, some master's programs, especially those with a strong research focus, may also have comprehensive exam requirements. Specific programs can include education, psychology, business administration, public administration, and more.

The timing of comprehensive exams varies by program but is typically taken after the completion of coursework or at a designated point in a student's academic progression. In many cases, comprehensive exams are a prerequisite for advancing to candidacy in Ph.D. programs.

The content of a comprehensive exam depends on the academic discipline and the specific requirements of the program. However, it generally covers foundational concepts, key theories, methodologies, and relevant literature within the field of study. The exam may consist of written and/or oral components and may cover a range of topics specified by the program.

Passing a comprehensive exam requires thorough preparation. Develop a study plan, review course materials, textbooks, and additional readings. Practice with sample questions or exams, engage in discussions with faculty or peers, and seek guidance from advisors. During the exam, demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the material, and respond to questions or prompts with clarity and coherence.

If you don't pass your comprehensive exam, programs typically have procedures in place for remediation or reevaluation. It's important to consult with your program coordinator, faculty advisor, or relevant administrators to understand the specific policies and options available for retaking or addressing any deficiencies.

Many programs allow students to retake comprehensive exams if they do not pass on the first attempt. The specific retake policies vary by institution and program, so it's essential to consult with program administrators to understand the procedures, timelines, and any additional requirements for retaking the exam.

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PhD Qualifying Exam

Quals form :  application for qualifying examination, guidelines for conducting the phd qualifying exam via zoom:  zoom qualifying exam guidelines.

All PhD students need to complete and pass the qualifying exam, prior to the end of winter quarter of their second year of study (last day of class).   You must be registered in the quarter you take the qualifying exam.

The qualifying exam is an oral examination intended to provide the examination committee with evidence of your research preparedness and capabilities and allow the committee to give you useful feedback on your research direction.

Examination Committee

Your committee consists of 3 members, your advisor and two others. All committee members must be on the Academic Council, and at least two members must be EE faculty (not courtesy). 

You will be responsible for forming your exam committee and scheduling the exam date and room. Once the details of your event are finalized, bring the  Application for Qualifying Examination  form to the Degree Progress Officer. 

Room Scheduling

You are responsible for reserving a room for your exam. After you have located a room, check with your faculty administrator to book the room in Packard building or AllenX building as the Registrar rooms are not open. If your faculty administrator is not in EE (e.g., CS, Ginzton Lab, etc.), please have the administrator connect with Anna Lue ( [email protected](link opens email) ) for assistance on scheduling a room.

Examination Format

• 15 minutes for the student to present background and proposed research.
• 15 minutes for the committee to ask questions. Question topics can include the presented research or related general topics.
• (Optional) 15 minutes for committee members to make suggestions.
• The Faculty committee will then deliberate. 

Final Reporting Procedures

After the qualifying exam, students must remind their committee to submit their vote at  gradapps.stanford.edu/QualsVote . 

If there is a split vote (2-1 for or against), the Degree Progress Officer will give the results to the Associate Chair for Graduate Education, who will make the final decision.

Exam results will be sent to you via email within 1 week.

QUESTIONS? 

Feel free to contact the Degree Progress Officer, Laura Wuethrich, Packard 165 or email  [email protected] .

Graduate Program in Philosophy Handbook

Overview of the graduate program.

Length of program

The PhD program in Philosophy is completed on average in six and one-half years. After 14 semesters the Graduate School requires students to petition for an extension, and funding beyond the fourteenth semester is typically not possible.  The Sage School does not offer a terminal master's (MA) degree (that is, there is no program separate from the PhD that offers the MA as the intended final degree). However, PhD students typically receive an MA after a successful completion of the A Exam (see below), as a step toward receiving the doctorate.

Special Committees

Upon matriculation, each student is assigned a “special committee” consisting of at least three members of the Graduate Faculty, one of which serves as the committee chairperson and two as “minor members”. The committee offers general academic advising, approves the student's course selections, and helps the student develop a plan of study that will provide the background needed for research and teaching in philosophy. The special committee is also charged with recommending the awarding of residence credit (6 semesters are required by the Graduate School), and with overseeing the student’s progress through the program by administering and adjudicating the A and B Exams (for details, see “Trajectory” below). Per Graduate School requirements, students must officially designate a committee chairperson by the end of their 3rd week in the program.

Students may change the composition of their special committee and are encouraged to do so as their interests and dissertation plans develop. Students should seek the permission of faculty before adding them to their special committee. Prior to the A Exam, special committee changes can be done directly through the Student Center. After the A Exam, such changes require a special petition to the Graduate School. The Committee chair and at least one minor member must be members of the field of Philosophy. With permission of the committee members from the field of Philosophy, a student may arrange with member of the faculty of another university to serve as an "ad hoc" member of the committee.

Trajectory through the Program 

Coursework: Students normally complete 12 courses covering a broad range of philosophical subfields (for details, see “Guidelines and Requirements” below). In order to do this, students typically enroll for credit in at least three courses per semester for the four semesters constituting their first two years in the program.  Students may also audit courses with the permission of the instructor.

Teaching Assistantships:  After a first year on non-teaching fellowships, in the second year, students TA (for details see “Teaching” below).

At the end of the fourth semester students should approach a member of the Field of Philosophy to supervise the Fifth-semester Tutorial (see Year 3, below).

Fifth-semester Tutorial and “A Exam”: During the first semester of the third year (i.e., the fifth semester overall) students take an individual tutorial (an independent study) with one or more faculty on their special committee. This fifth-semester tutorial is the mechanism by which students identify a dissertation area and begin the research necessary for articulating, focusing, and launching a dissertation project.

Students spend the rest of the third year preparing for the A Exam under the supervision of one or more members of their special committee.  The A Exam is an oral exam based on (1) a significant piece of writing preparatory for the dissertation and (2) the student's formal dissertation prospectus (both typically produced during the third year). Students should check with their Special Committee chairs about the committee’s specific requirements for the prospectus. A prospectus outlines the proposed dissertation chapters (or three research papers), describing the broad question(s) the student is investigating, the main positions on the question(s) in existing literature, and the tentative thesis/theses the dissertation will advance. The document may be as short as 1500 words or as long as 6,000 words, but a Special Committee may approve departures from this. The Special Committee may also request a bibliography along with the prospectus.

After completion of the 5th semester tutorial, the Special Committee and student determine when to schedule the A-Exam (whether in the 6th semester or in the summer prior to the 7th semester) and notify the DGS (Director of Graduate Studies) of their plan by the start of the 6th semester.  The Graduate School must receive notice of the exam's scheduled date by May 1, or by the beginning of the last month of the sixth semester.   The A-Exam must be attempted before the start of the 7th semester. Sage Fellowship funding in the following ("dissertation") year depends on passing the A-Exam.

Year 4 and beyond

Dissertation and “B Exam”: Students spend their fourth year and beyond in the program writing the dissertation under the supervision of their special committee. The B Exam is the oral defense of the completed dissertation, administered and adjudicated by the student’s special committee. The Ph.D. is awarded on successful completion of the B Exam and the submission of the completed dissertation.    

The Graduate School requires that the B Exam be scheduled at least a week before it is attempted.

There are no formal academic obligations during summers. However, students should discuss their summer plans with their special committees, as the typical funding package provides summer stipends for the six summers following the first year, intended to enable students to pursue academic work (for more information see “Funding” below).

Requirements and guidelines

The following is a list of the requirements for the Ph.D. in Philosophy. The special committee may augment, waive, or alter some of the requirements below. For example, the committee may impose additional requirements, such as language courses or courses in related fields necessary for research in the student’s area of specialization (e.g. linguistics).

I. Coursework

Coursework requirements are established by the student's special committee, in light of the student's preparation and plans. What follows are guidelines intended to help the student and their special committee in settling on a list of courses. These guidelines constitute a set of general expectations for a typical student, and may be set aside at the discretion of the special committee. 

• Six registration units. One registration unit corresponds to the satisfactory completion of one academic semester of full-time study and research.
• Twelve graduate-level courses in philosophy. (Graduate level courses are typically courses that begin with the number 6 in the four-digit course number.)
• The Sage Seminar. In their first semester in the program, PhD students are required to take the departmental proseminar (the Sage Seminar), which provides an introduction to selected central issues in philosophy. The Sage Seminar counts toward the 12 graduate level courses in philosophy but does not count toward a distribution area (see next bullet point).
• Distribution requirement. During their first two years, students are expected to complete their 12 graduate-level courses in each of the following four areas:

A. History of Philosophy

B. Metaphysics and Epistemology

C. Ethics and Social and Political Philosophy

D. Logic or Mathematical Methods

More specifically:

Students are expected to take at least 3 courses in the history of philosophy, of which:

• at least one must focus on some major figure(s) or works of ancient western philosophy, and
• at least one must focus on some major figure(s) or works of modern western philosophy through the 19th century.

The third course may cover any figure(s) in the history of western or non-western philosophy through the 20th century. 

(Normally, graduate-level Philosophy courses with a second digit of 2 count as history courses, but the special committee may approve courses taught in other departments for history credit as well.)  

Students are expected to do work in at least two areas in this category. This category is construed as including Metaphysics, Epistemology, and Philosophy of Science, Art, Mathematics, Language, Mind, and Religion. (Normally graduate-level courses with a second digit of 5, 6, 7, or 8 in the four-digit course number satisfy this guideline.)    

Students are expected to do work in at least one area in this category. (Normally graduate-level courses with a second digit of 4 in the four-digit course number satisfy this guideline.) 

Graduate students are expected to take at least 1 graduate-level course in logic or mathematical philosophy. The course must require at least one of the following:

• Demonstrating understanding of classical 1st-order logic (of at least the Boolean connectives, universal and existential quantification), including understanding of deduction, basic model theoretic concepts and facts, soundness, and the completeness of a formalization of at least classical 0th-order logic.
• Demonstrating competence with some of the mathematical concepts, methods, theories and logics that play a role in the philosophical literature, e.g. basic set theory, semantic theory, intensional logics, probability, decision theory, game theory and social choice theory.

Note: Graduate-level courses in logic/mathematical philosophy standardly have PHIL 2310 listed as a prerequisite. For this reason,  students will only be allowed to enroll in a graduate-level course in logic/mathematical philosophy if one of the following conditions have been met:

• the logic committee has agreed that the student has done previous work equivalent to the content of PHIL 2310 (e.g., in their undergraduate studies)
• the student has successfully completed 2310
• the student has learned the material covered in 2310 and has taken the preliminary and final examinations (in take-home form) for 2310
• the student has special permission from the logic committee.

The faculty members who teach PHIL 2310 will set and administer the relevant examinations. Students who choose option (b) may not count 2310 as one of the 12 required courses. Students are expected to complete this 2310 prerequisite by the beginning of their third term in residence.

Transfer students are typically asked to supply the syllabi of logic courses taken elsewhere to the Sage faculty teaching logic courses in order to determine their status with regard to the Logic or Mathematical Methods requirement.

5. Fifth-semester Tutorial. During the fifth semester, students find and begin work on a suitable dissertation topic with one or two faculty members in the field of philosophy (usually on their special committee) to supervise their research and meet regularly with them to gauge progress. 

Credit transfer: Students who have completed graduate coursework elsewhere may receive course credit for that coursework upon approval of their special committee. Note that such credit is limited to two residence units (i.e., two semesters of full-time course work). Credit for work done elsewhere is not granted automatically, and no decision about whether to grant such credit is made until a student has completed at least one semester, and normally one year, of graduate study at Cornell.

• Admission to Ph.D. candidacy (the A Exam). This oral examination must be taken prior to the seventh semester of residence. It covers the student's dissertation prospectus and relevant literature. 
• Final examination for Ph.D. candidates (the B Exam). This is an oral defense of a student’s completed dissertation work administered and adjudicated by the student’s special committee.

(There is no Q-Exam [qualifying exam] for the PhD in Philosophy.)

III. Dissertation 

The dissertation must embody the results of original and substantial research. It may treat a single philosophical problem (or set of problems) in the course of several chapters or consist of a series of distinct papers.

Teaching experience is part of professional philosophical training and as such is required for the Ph.D. in the Sage School. Further, graduate students normally receive part of their funding package in the form of Teaching Assistantships (see below, under Funding).

First-Year Writing Seminars

Advanced graduate students typically have the opportunity to teach their own course on a philosophical topic of their own choosing in Cornell's  First-Year Writing Seminar Program . Graduate students often find teaching these seminars especially rewarding. First-Year Writing Seminars (FWSs) enroll a maximum of 17 students and emphasize the development of writing skills within the context of discipline-specific subject matter. Typically graduate students propose topics for FWSs in the Spring of the year prior to teaching; the topics and proposals are vetted by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS). The First-Year Writing Program requires any TA who has not previously taught a FWS to take a course in teaching writing in either the summer prior to, or the fall semester of, the academic year in which the Seminar is to be taught ( Writing 7100: Teaching First-Year Writing ). The John S. Knight Institute often supports the development of the course over the summer.

TAs and FWS instructors are strongly advised to invite a faculty member to observe their teaching. Among other things, this ensures that some faculty member can write informatively about their teaching for the job dossier (see Placement, below).

English Language Proficiency Requirements

In addition to establishing English-language proficiency at the time of their application to study at Cornell, international students must pass a test administered by the ITAP (International Teaching Assistant Program) at Cornell prior to receiving a TA-ship in the 2nd year. Typically these tests are taken in the 1st year or immediately preceding their initial arrival at Cornell.  More information at the link below:

Link to English-Language Proficiency Requirements for TAs                            

Learning Outcomes

The PhD in Philosophy at the Sage School enables students to

• Think clearly and creatively about fundamental concepts;
• Write clearly;
• Generate original arguments about issues of philosophical significance;
• Reconstruct and evaluate the arguments of others;
• Be familiar with the history of philosophy and with philosophical logic. 

Demonstration of these skills forms the basis of evaluation of students’ coursework, exam performance, and dissertation.

Feedback on written work

Students should expect written or oral feedback on their papers within one month after they have submitted their work, or, if the work is submitted between terms, at the start of the next term (even if that period exceeds a month).  If the student does not receive timely feedback, they should request a meeting with the instructor for feedback. If the instructor does not respond to this request, they may ask the DGS or Chair to intervene.

Coursework assessment

Typically students are expected to complete each course in Philosophy (1) with a grade of “S” (for “Satisfactory”) or (2) with an “Inc” (for “Incomplete”) as long as the Incomplete grade is resolved within the time period set by the Graduate School. To receive an Incomplete, a student must secure the permission of both the instructor and all members of the student’s special committee.

In accordance with Graduate School rules, Incompletes that are not made up within one calendar year of the end of classes during the semester in which the Incompletes were assigned are recorded permanently on a student’s transcript. Courses with a permanent Incomplete will not count towards the required twelve courses.

A student who acquires too many Incompletes may be put on probation. (As a rough guideline, more than one Incomplete per term for more than one term may count as too many.) Incompletes carried over to the third year can delay the A-Exam, and threaten eligibility for fourth year support. The Graduate School requires that the A Exam be taken no later than the beginning of a student’s seventh semester, and it may not be attempted until all course work is complete, which includes making up all Incompletes.

A and B Exam assessment

Students can Pass, Conditionally Pass, or Fail their A and B Exams; this outcome is determined by the student’s special committee. In cases of a Conditional Pass, the committee puts in writing the conditions and timeline for achieving a Passing grade. A student who fails the A Exam may receive a second chance after a 3-month interim period if the special committee approves.  

Student Progress Reports

The Graduate School conducts an annual Student Progress Report (SPR). The SPRs are to be completed jointly by every student and their special committee each spring semester. The SPR is intended to clarify expectations, set goals for the next academic period, and assess the student’s progress towards the completion of their PhD.

In addition, the Sage School performs its own Departmental Progress Report (DPR) each semester. Students must meet with their special committee at the start of each semester to complete the DPR form, outlining the goals and expectations for the semester to come. 

Annual Review

An Annual Review of all graduate students by all philosophy faculty is conducted in May or June of each year, following which each student receives cumulative written feedback on their progress and performance from the DGS.

As a result of the Annual Review, students are occasionally placed on probation for one or more terms. Probation may result from the accumulation of too many Incompletes or from performance judged inadequate for the satisfactory completion of a PhD in Philosophy at Cornell.  The department will specify conditions that will vary from case to case for being removed from probation.  After a semester on probation, a student may be asked to leave the doctoral program. This process is meant to ensure that students receive adequate notice of unsatisfactory progress and a reasonable opportunity to satisfy departmental standards.

Funding commitment

The Sage School is committed to equal, secure, and non-competitive financial support for all its graduate students. All students receive essentially the same financial package and are guaranteed full financial support for six and one-half years, contingent on satisfactory academic performance and satisfactory performance in any required teaching. Students in the program do not compete for ongoing funding.

Structure of funding

Since the PhD program is completed on average in six and one-half years, students in the program are guaranteed full financial support for six and one-half years. This support includes:

• Full tuition in the Graduate School
• A living stipend for the academic year
• A summer fellowship for six summers
• Student health insurance

This guaranteed financial support comes in two main forms – Fellowships and Teaching Assistantships: 

Fellowships

Typically, for two of the academic years (normally the first and fourth years) students receive non-teaching (“Sage”) Fellowships. During these two fellowship years, students are freed from other obligations so that they may focus exclusively on their coursework and/or research. Students may use the second of their two fellowship years to pursue training or research-related activities at another institution. 

Teaching Assistantships

Support for the other remaining years typically comes in the form of Teaching Assistantships. Sage School TAs typically assist an instructor in a lower-level (i.e. 1xxx-2xxx) undergraduate course, leading one discussion section per week for about 25-30 students, and are responsible for grading the work of those students.       

In the summer before the new academic year, the DGS circulates a list of the courses that will probably require TAs; prospective TAs indicate their preferences; and the DGS assigns TAs to courses taking those preferences into account. Initial assignments must sometimes be revised because of fluctuating enrollments. The number of TAs assigned to a course is determined by the course enrollment, as well as by the sort of workload demanded of a TA.

TAships are provided by the College of Arts and Sciences. As members of the instructional staff, TAs are employees of the College of Arts and Sciences, which determines how many TAships are available. Both the University and the Department provide training programs for TAs.

A TA’s duties require no more than 15 hours of work per week, on average, over the course of each semester. Hours are calculated by considering what could reasonably be expected of an average TA. The calculated hours include all the time spent on the course (grading and preparing for grading, preparing and conducting discussion sections, meeting with students outside class, attending class lectures, etc.).

NOTE: in all funded years (whether through fellowship or TAship), students may only add an average of 5 hours per week of extra work over the course of the semester, per Graduate School policy.

Additional Support

Supplemental funding is also usually available to support summer language study, other specialized coursework, or conference attendance. In particular, there are two standing sources for conference travel:

• Grad School Conference Travel Grant: Students traveling to present at a conference can apply once a year for travel money to the Grad School, with the approval of the DGS, which is contingent on the student’s special committee chair’s approval. Abstract of paper and proof of invitation are required for the application. The maximum amount awarded is $700 as of 2023. You will find information about applying for this funding, as well as other funding opportunities, here: https://gradschool.cornell.edu/financial-support/travel-funding-opportunities/
• Departmental Travel Money: Students can also apply to the department for reimbursement of expenses incurred by conference attendance: up to $500 if attending, $1,000 if presenting.  The request has to be approved (preferably in advance) by the student’s special committee chair and the DGS.  The form can be found online here .  After submitting the online form, email all relevant receipts to [email protected] to complete the process.  Expenses incurred for presenting at conferences will be reimbursed by the department only after the Grad School Conference Travel Grant has been exhausted.

Additional summer funding may be available depending on the availability of Departmental and Graduate School funds. In distributing extra funds, the department seeks to promote equity and to facilitate completion of the PhD within the six and one-half year program. Priority will be given to those who have had relatively more TAship support (as compared with non-teaching support) than others. A candidate’s academic record, such as probation and incompletes, will also be considered. At the end of the spring term, the DGS will advertise the availability of such funding, if any. Applicants for this summer support should advise the DGS of special factors (such as financial need) which may then be taken into account. The DGS, in consultation with the rest of the faculty, makes the final assignments of funds.

The Norman Malcolm Fellowship is an endowed fellowship that resides at and is managed by the Sage School and provides for a graduate student exchange between the philosophy departments at Cornell and King's College London. The fellowship is normally awarded to one graduate student each academic year, with Cornell and King's awarding the fellowship in alternating years. For Cornell students, the fellowship provides for one semester of time at King’s, including a living stipend (the same amount as received by Cornell graduate students in residence at Ithaca for the semester), health insurance, and a semester’s tuition at King’s.  This fellowship counts as an external fellowship, and thus does not use up any of the recipient’s promised support from the Sage School. All graduate students are eligible to apply; but a recipient who would be in the fourth year or beyond during the fellowship year must have passed the A Exam before starting the term at King’s.

One of the aims of the graduate program in the Sage School is to help students compete favorably in the academic job market upon finishing the program. Each year a member of the faculty serves as the Placement Director. The role of the Placement Director is to coordinate and guide student preparation for the job market in the early years of the program, through the application process as they wrap up their PhDs, and, when needed and possible, beyond graduation.

Typically students apply for jobs for the first time in their fifth or sixth year in the program. (The first deadlines for academic jobs are usually around mid-October, with some international jobs and fellowship deadlines even earlier). But the Placement program aims to help students prepare for the job market long before the year they actually first apply. This preparation has several components.

Each spring the Placement Director runs an informal Placement Seminar designed to give job market advice to students still early in their passage through the PhD program, as well as those planning to apply for jobs the following fall. The Seminar typically consists of 4-6 weekly meetings, and supplies students with detailed information about all aspects of the application process, including relevant deadlines. The Spring Seminar includes panels with recent graduates and faculty on topics such as publishing while still in graduate school; building a strong teaching record; becoming a competitive candidate for specific types of jobs (e.g. at liberal arts colleges, regional state universities, community colleges, etc.); and careers beyond academia. Throughout the year, the Placement Director also typically organizes additional advice panels. All students, no matter how early in their careers, are encouraged to attend both the spring seminar and the one-off panels.

The keystone of the Placement program is the Fall Placement Seminar. This is a required course for all first-time academic job applicants, and it’s not unusual for candidates making a second run at the market to attend the seminar again. The primary purpose of the Placement Seminar is to workshop application materials: in particular, the Writing Sample; the Research and Teaching Statements, as well other components of the standard application (CV, cover letter, diversity statement, teaching dossier, and professional websites). The Seminar also includes round-robin-style practice interviews. Seminar students tend to greatly appreciate having the support, camaraderie, and feedback of other job candidates going through the same process.

In addition to the Placement Seminar, first-time job candidates are given two more formal practice ("mock") interviews by the Sage School faculty. The Placement Director also arranges for practice job talks, practice teaching sessions, further mock interviews, etc., as needed in the spring, when candidates begin to receive invitations for campus visits. 

Alongside the Placement Director, the GFA (Graduate Field Assistant) plays an indispensable role in the department’s Placement services. The GFA handles the submission of letters of reference for Sage School candidates. The department generally helps submit letters of reference 1) during the applicants’ time as PhD students, and 2) until they get their first tenure track job, or are 3 years post-PhD, whichever happens first. (Job applicants may also choose to manage the submission of reference letters on their own, using a dossier service like Interfolio.)

Job candidates need to make sure that their special committees are kept informed of any plans to enter the job market, and are in a position to support the job and fellowship applications through detailed letters discussing the student’s dissertation research and any publications. The students are strongly advised to consult their committees for advice when preparing for, and while on, the market, and to discuss what materials the committee would like to receive (and when) from the student. Candidates also need to make sure that a faculty member had observed their teaching, and so is able to write a detailed letter dedicated primarily or exclusively to the student’s teaching.

For further information about placement, including the Sage School placement record in the last decade-plus, please visit our placement page . Philjobs.org is currently the best place to search for job advertisements.

Departmental governance and community

Departmental governance

Two elected graduate student representatives attend faculty meetings and report back to the student body.

The departmental committees responsible for planning the next year’s curriculum and arranging outside speakers have graduate student members.

Intellectual community

The Sage School has several regular venues for formal and informal presentations of philosophical work:

Colloquium series (“Discussion Club”)

Discussion Club talks by invited and, less often, internal speakers usually take place Fridays 3-5pm. Each term there are typically four Discussion Club talks. All graduate students are expected to attend these, and attendance and participation in them is taken into account in student evaluations. Attending such events builds knowledge of recent work in different subfields, and hones critical engagement skills that are highly valued in the profession.

Department Workshop

The Department Workshop is the departmental venue for presenting work-in-progress. We aim to create a supportive and casual atmosphere where all feel welcome. PhD students are the primary presenters, but faculty/lecturers, postdocs, and visitors are all also welcome to sign up. All graduate students are expected to attend. Each term, a faculty member serves as the Workshop Coordinator, and is responsible for arranging the schedule of meetings and speakers.

Ethics Colloquium

The colloquium, sponsored by Ethics and Public Life program, takes place 4-6 times in the fall semester. It features invited speakers and pre-read papers.

Reading Groups

Every semester the department is home to a number of informal reading groups, stemming from faculty and student interests. PLATO (see below) can also help organize and gauge levels of interest for potential reading groups. Some recent and recurring groups include the Philosophy of Law, Semantics, and MAP (see below) reading groups.

Graduate Student Organizations

The Philosophy Leadership, Advocacy, and Training Organization (PLATO) is the Sage School Graduate Field organization comprised exclusively of philosophy graduate students. All philosophy graduate students are automatically members. PLATO is committed to providing support for incoming and current graduate students. It aims to enhance the graduate school experience by facilitating communication among students, faculty, staff, and administration; to create resources and opportunities for improving teaching, research, and leadership; to organize events that improve the communal spirit of the graduate student body; and to help coordinate the various student-led activities, programs, and organizations. Its managing board is comprised by five elected members. Two of the members are also graduate representatives to the faculty, with responsibility for attending faculty meetings and reporting back to the student body; securing open communications with the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly; and mediating, if asked, in faculty-student conflicts.

Mentorship Program

The Mentorship Program pairs first-year students with upper-year mentors who help navigate the department, relationships with faculty and other students, classes, administrative hurdles, and any international transition issues that are often part of starting graduate school. Mentors and mentees are recruited and paired at the beginning of the academic year.

Minorities in Philosophy (MAP)

MAP (www.mapforthegap.com) is a non-profit dedicated to supporting student members of historically marginalized groups in their pursuit of professional philosophy. The Sage School of Philosophy's local MAP chapter ( mapcornell.weebly.com ) typically organize a number of events, including an annual inclusive teaching workshops, reading groups, as well as emotional and mental health check-ins.  

Sage Editing Group

The Editing Group meets once a week to collaboratively edit and comment on graduate student work in progress, in a rotating pairing system. This program is led by two volunteer graduate students.

Orientation

The fall semester at Cornell begins at the end of August. In addition to orientation and training events organized by the Grad School, there are also Philosophy-specific events. These typically include (1) a welcome of all new graduate students by the DGS; (2) a TA-ing for Philosophy training session for new TAs led by experienced Philosophy TAs; and (3) an introduction to the all-important bread-and-butter logistics of the department (keys/access, photocopying, etc) led by the GFA.

Graduate students whose native language is not English are required by the Graduate School to pass a language competency test before the start of the academic year a year before they are expected to TA.

Office space

Teaching assistants and FWS instructors have the use of offices in Goldwin Smith.

Keys and Access

For the duration of their PhD program, every student receives access to the departmental mail-and-copy room (GSH 229) and the common room/lounge (GSH 213).   This access is digitally programmed into the doorlocks.  Students must swipe their student ID card at the doorlock box in order to gain access.

Any student teaching (either as a TA or for an FWS) is granted access to a TA office for the duration of their teaching assignment. TA offices are accessed via a key, assigned by the department administrative manager.  Keys must be returned at the end of the teaching assignment.

 Copying, printing & scanning

The department has two printers for student use. The first one, in the lounge, is managed by the University (not the department) and uses the CUPrint network . Its use requires an ID card. Every student has an annual $15 credit to their bursar account (as of summer 2023) for the use of this printer from the University. Use is billed directly to the student’s bursar account.

The second printer is the departmental printer/copier/scanner in the mail/copy room.  All non-teaching students are allowed 100 free copies (=100 printed sides) per academic year. All TAing students receive 1000 free copies per academic year. All students teaching FWSs receive free 2000 copies per academic year. The mailroom copy machine can also print from a “thumb” (jump) drive, as well as scan documents (to PDFs), which are then sent to the grad’s Cornell email. Scanning is unlimited.

There is also a department color printer available for very small quantities (<5) of 8/5x11 color printing. (Contact the GFA for details.)  For larger size prints or quantities, consult with the library service desk ( https://olinuris.library.cornell.edu/printing-in-olin-uris ), or the department administrator for outside vendors.

Admissions Criteria

The Sage School admissions process is highly selective. We receive approximately 250 applications each year for approximately five places in our program. As a result, we look for students with outstanding potential for graduate work in philosophy. In our admissions process, we give considerable and roughly equal weight to three parts of an applicant's file:

• Academic record
• Letters of recommendation (3-5)
• Writing sample

The applicant's personal statement is also given some weight in the process.  

We  do not require GRE scores, nor have a minimum GPA requirement. However, we do value a strong academic record. In particular, we look for a very strong indication of philosophical ability. The latter is often (but not always) demonstrated by a record of achievement in philosophy courses.

We normally expect applicants to have a background in philosophy, at least the equivalent of what a Cornell undergraduate philosophy major would have.

Letters of recommendation: We require three letters of recommendation, and will accept as many as five. It is best if they are written by people who know the applicant well and can provide a concrete and detailed assessment of his or her work. Typically the letters should be from philosophy instructors.

Writing Sample: We look for a substantial, polished piece of writing that shows the applicant's philosophical abilities and skills. Typically, a term paper length (about 15 pages) is appropriate. Writing samples longer than 30 pages are unlikely to be read in their entirety. A paper written for an upper-level philosophy course is generally appropriate.       

Personal Statement: We look for some insight into a person's general intellectual character and interests as well as some indication of how the person's abilities and interests fit with our program. We are particularly interested in candidates who are likely to be a good fit with our faculty research profile.

Admissions Process

The Sage School admissions process is conducted once a year, January-March, for admission in the fall of the following academic year.

Application Deadline: January 6th.

Application Materials: The following  materials must be submitted online via the Cornell University Graduate School  online application system :

• Biographical information
• Academic information (including unofficial transcripts)
• If applicable, TOEFL or IELTS scores (GRE scores are not needed)
• Recommender information for three to five letters of recommendation. A total of five letters of recommendation will be accepted, but only three are required. All letters should be submitted online (contact the Sage School at [email protected] if this is not possible).
• Statement of Purpose
• Writing sample in philosophy (15-30 pages)
• Application fee
• Financial support information (if required)

Notification of Application Status: Application status and receipt of transcripts and letters are reported via the online application interface.

Decision Notification: Notification of admissions decisions will be made by email on or before March 15th.

Application fee waivers are available for qualified persons.  The waiver application is part of the online admissions system ( How to apply for a Cornell Graduate School application fee waiver ).

View the  Graduate Admissions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) . Please write to  [email protected]  for additional information.

Ph.D. Qualifying Examination

The Qualifying Examination is an important checkpoint meant to show that you are on a promising research track toward the Ph.D. degree. It is a University examination, administered by the Graduate Council, with the specific purpose of demonstrating that “the student is clearly an expert in those areas of the discipline that have been specified for the examination, and that they can, in all likelihood, design and produce an acceptable dissertation.” Despite such rigid criteria, faculty examiners recognize that the level of expertise expected is that appropriate for a 3rd year graduate student who may be only in the early stages of a research project.

See campus policies about the Qualifying Exam.

Professor Ana Arias and Professor John Wawrzynek have made available useful information for students planning to take the Qualifying Exam.  See slides  (Calnet authentication is required).

• For students entering Fall 2003 or later, the Qualifying Examination must be taken within 6 semesters of starting the program
• you need a total of at least four members on your committee
• at least three of the members must be regular UC Berkeley faculty that are member of the Academic Senate
• your advisor(s) cannot be the Chair
• One member must be from outside the EECS Department (As of spring 2020, the outside member can be a UCB faculty member with no more than 0% appointment in EECS, or a faculty member or distinguished researcher from another institution.  To request an off-campus person to be the outside member, students must request an exception by submitting a general petition , including the person’s CV, to their staff advisor for review with the Head Graduate Advisor. )
• Apply online through  Calcentral  under your “Dashboard”. On the right hand side for “Student Resources”, students will see an option to Submit a Form for Higher Degree committees. Choose the option for the Qualifying exam application.
• Department Qualifying Exam Application
• Completed and advisor approved White Card
• You must be registered the semester the exam is given. Summer quals are OK if you are registered the previous Spring or the following Fall semester.
• The prelim requirements (which include passing the oral exam and completing the prelim breadth course requirements) must be completed before a student is eligible to take the Qualifying exam. However, it is not required that all the coursework (e.g., the courses listed in the major and minors) be completed before taking the Qualifying exam.
• Students take quals, format A or B , within 6 semesters of starting the EECS graduate program. Format A : Research area survey, directions, evidence of research ability. Format B : Research area survey, directions, thesis proposal defense.
• Students passing only Format A for quals must also do a satisfactory thesis proposal defense within 10 semesters after matriculation.
• In the unfortunate case that a student does fail the qualifying exam twice, per the Graduate Division’s policy, a third attempt is not permissible. The student will not be eligible to continue in the doctoral program and may be dismissed.

In This Section

• Qual Eligibility
• Qual Deadlines
• Qual Committee
• Qual Format
• Applications for the Qualifying Exam
• Advancement to Candidacy
• Thesis Proposal Defense and Application

Ph.D. Student Guide

• Ph.D. Coursework
• Ph.D. Oral Exam
• Ph.D. Breadth Requirement
• Ph.D. Blue Card
• Ph.D. Applications for the Qualifying Exam
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Doctoral Examinations

The PhD examination process involves two portfolio papers, an oral or written examination on a bibliography of a minimum of forty works central to the student's specialization, and a defense on the dissertation prospectus. One of the portfolio papers will have as its focus the student’s primary area of specialization while the other paper will address a different area. The bibliography will be constructed by the student in consultation with the committee, and will accompany the portfolio papers for formal evaluation by the committee.  Students should have an approved ipos on file and a committee appointed before submitting the portfolio. For the Literature exam structure, click on the PhD Literature exam accordion below.

Learning how to build new disciplinary knowledge is as demanding as it is invigorating.  The process engages a discipline's methods and values, and it tests what's at stake--both how and why. While learning to make disciplinary contributions, scholars benefit from both apprenticeships and sponsors. An important implication follows:  the arc of a 16-week semester over which graduate students often develop seminar papers can only take a piece of scholarship so far. As part of the exam process, this portfolio supports the valuable shift beyond the 16-week semester toward creating the ecology for the relational, iterative, recursive work where academic research is refined for external readers.

Be sure to talk to your committee chair about the papers you are considering for your portfolio. The chair of your committee will need to approve these selections . This is part of a partnership apprenticing you into the disciplinary practices of your chosen field. By engaging with your committee chair and committee members about the disciplinary issues related to your portfolio papers, you will hone your own disciplinary orientation. Such engagement can help you articulate a rich, multifaceted and purposeful problem space for your scholarship. Over the course of earning your PhD, you will become a signature scholar--in part because of how you configure and engage with your committee members. that work often starts with one's portfolio papers.

See the PhD Exams Guidebook:  Evaluative Guidelines, Standards, & Criteria for more information.

PART I - Portfolio

Faculty will consider the following questions when evaluating:  What is the method of approaching the material? Are the arguments sound and is the analysis convincing? Is the essay well organized?  Is the student aware of the current literature in the field?  How well does the essay relate to this literature? Are the mechanics and style of writing satisfactory?

PART II – Exam

After the portfolio has been judged acceptable and in consultation with their advisors, students choose to take either an oral or a written exam.

Part III - Defense of the Dissertation Prospectus

Part iv - defense of the dissertation.

The student should confer with members of the supervisory committee to determine the preferred procedure for submitting sections of the dissertation (for example, whether each member of the committee wishes to examine, along with the chair, each separate section or only the complete first draft).

Students may find it helpful to attend other oral defenses before their own is scheduled. Defenses are announced via e-mail in the Department of English via email and on the Graduate College website. It is the obligation of the candidate to observe  Graduate College Graduation Procedures and Deadlines  for both approval of formatting and the defense of the dissertation.  After the student and committee members agree on a date and time for the defense, the student can contact Sheila Luna to schedule a room.  Note:  date, time, and room must be determined before students can schedule a defense with the Graduate College.  Defense scheduling is done online through the student's MyASU - defense schedule tab.  Notes and documentation in doctoral dissertations are to conform to the latest edition of the MLA Style Manual, or the APA Publication Manual or any other format accepted by the Graduate College.

Oral defenses of theses and dissertations are announced in the English Department. A student preparing for his/her defense should send an e-mail to  [email protected] , which will include student name, thesis/dissertation title, date, time, room, committee chair, committee members, and a brief abstract. The abstract should be in the body of the e-mail, not as an attachment.

PhD Literature Exam

The PhD examination process involves an essay in the area of specialization, an oral examination on a bibliography of 60-80 texts central to the student's primary field and particular specialization, and a defense of the dissertation prospectus. Students may petition to take a written exam in lieu of the oral exam. The bibliography will be constructed by the student in consultation with the committee, and will accompany the essay for formal evaluation by the committee.  Students should have an approved ipos on file and a committee appointed before submitting the essay.

PART I – Essay

Students preparing the essay are expected to work closely with the chair of the supervisory committee as the primary source of advice in the preparation of the paper. It is helpful to keep in mind that the essay’s intent is to demonstrate that the student is able to produce scholarly work at a level expected by the profession and consistent with the degree program. The essay may be a revised version of work submitted in a course, but it must bear no grade or comment. Because the paper submitted will be read more critically than is often the case with course work, students should not assume that a term paper favorably evaluated in a course will meet the scholarly standard required of a successful PhD essay (a student who expects to use a course paper might ask the professor for whom it was written to read and evaluate it with that goal in mind). In both length and in level of scholarship the paper should be modeled after articles published in specific scholarly journals in the field. The essay must be single-authored by the student. 

Faculty will consider the following questions when evaluating: What is the method of approaching the material? Are the arguments sound and is the analysis convincing? Is the essay well organized? Is the student aware of the current literature in the field? How well does the essay relate to this literature? Are the mechanics and style of writing satisfactory?

If the essay has been judged acceptable, students will proceed to the scheduled oral exam on the material included in the student’s bibliography. (Under special circumstances, a student may petition for a written exam in lieu of the oral exam; in that case, the committee will provide written feedback on the essay along with their feedback on the exam.) The bibliography should consist of 60-80 texts, both primary and secondary, and should be constructed in close consultation with the student’s director and committee. It is expected that approximately 70% of those texts will be selected with an eye to breadth and will cover the general range of the student’s primary field. The remaining 30% will cover the student’s specialty, which should be chosen to advance the student’s dissertation research. 

Part II—Oral Exam

Petitioning for a written examination.

Students can track the completion of milestones on their MyASU, such as the approved ipos, language requirement, PhD exams, prospectus. When all milestones have been met, the Schedule a Defense tab will become available. Please note: students taking exams in between terms, must be registered for the next session (e.g., after spring and before summer – students must be registered for summer).

The student should confer with members of the supervisory committee to determine the preferred procedure for submitting sections of the dissertation (for example, whether each member of the committee wishes to examine, along with the chair, each separate section or only the complete first draft).

Students may find it helpful to attend other oral defenses before their own is scheduled. Defenses are announced via e-mail in the Department of English, in Insight, and posted on the fifth floor of the language and literature building. It is the obligation of the candidate to observe Graduate College Graduation Procedures and Deadlines for both approval of formatting and the defense of the dissertation. After the student and committee members agree on a date and time for the defense, the student can contact Sheila Luna to schedule a room. Note: date, time, and room must be determined before students can schedule a defense with the Graduate College. Defense scheduling is done online through the student's MyASU - defense schedule tab. Notes and documentation in doctoral dissertations are to conform to the latest edition of the MLA Style Manual, or the APA Publication Manual or any other format accepted by the Graduate College.

Oral defenses of theses and dissertations are announced in the English Department. A student preparing for his/her defense should send an e-mail to  [email protected] , which will include student name, thesis/dissertation title, date, time, room, committee chair, committee members, and a brief abstract. The abstract should be in the body of the e-mail, not as an attachment.

Oral Exam Scheduling

• Discuss with your committee when the oral examination should be scheduled.
• After deciding a date and time, contact Sheila Luna to schedule a room for your examination.
• Exam should be recorded.. Contact the main department office in RBHL 170 to reserve the digital recorder (cassette recorder is also available but student must supply tape). Students may also use their own digital means of recording the exam (etc, phone)
• Download the  Doctoral Oral Examination form . On examination day, bring this form and a means of recording, to the exam.
• After the examination, committee members will sign the oral exam form.  Return the signed form and file, flashdrive, or cassette tape of recorded exam to Sheila Luna . Once the form is received, your exam status will be entered into the ipos as completed.

A Note About Masters and Doctoral Comprehensive Exams

Passing Comps Is a Major Milestone

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Graduate students take two sets of comprehensive exams, both master's and doctoral. Yes, it sounds scary. Comprehensive examinations, known as comps, are a source of anxiety for most graduate students.

What Is a Comprehensive Examination?

A comprehensive examination is just what it sounds like. It is a test that covers a broad base of material. It assesses the student's knowledge and capacities to earn a given graduate degree. The exact content varies by graduate program and by degree: master's and doctoral comprehensive exams have similarities but differ in detail, depth, and expectations. Depending on the graduate program and degree, comps could test course knowledge, knowledge of your proposed research area, and general knowledge in the field. This is especially true of doctoral students, who must be prepared to discuss the field at a professional level, citing material from coursework but also classic and current references.

When Do You Take Comps?

Comps are generally given toward the end of coursework or afterward as a way to determine how well a student is able to synthesize the material, solve problems, and think like a professional. Passing a comprehensive exam lets you move to the next level of study.

What Is the Format?

Master's and doctoral exams often are written exams, sometimes oral, and sometimes both written and oral. Exams are usually administered in one or more long test periods. For example, in one program written doctoral comprehensive exams are given in two blocks that are each eight hours long on consecutive days. Another program administers a written comp exam to master's students in one period that lasts five hours. Oral exams are more common in doctoral comps, but there are no hard and fast rules.

What Is the Master's Comp Exam?

Not all master's programs offer or require that students complete comprehensive exams. Some programs require a passing score on a comprehensive exam for entry to the thesis. Other programs use comprehensive exams in place of a thesis. Some programs give students a choice of completing either a comprehensive exam or a thesis. In most cases, master's students are given guidance on what to study. It might be specific lists of readings or sample questions from previous exams. Master's comprehensive exams are generally given to an entire class at once.

What Is the Doctoral Comp Exam?

Virtually all doctoral programs require that students complete doctoral comps. The exam is the gateway to the dissertation . After passing the comprehensive exam a student can use the title " doctoral candidate ," which is a label for students who have entered the dissertation phase of doctoral work, the final hurdle to the doctoral degree. Doctoral students often receive much less guidance on how to prepare for comps as compared with master's students. They might get long reading lists, some sample questions from previous exams, and instructions to be familiar with articles published over the past few years in the prominent journals in their field.

What If You Don't Pass Your Comps?

Graduate students who are unable to pass a program's comprehensive exam are weeded from the graduate program and cannot complete the degree. Graduate programs often allow a student who fails the comprehensive exam another chance to pass. However, most programs send students packing after two failing grades.

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Earlier this month, PhD Candidate, Mohammad Al Olaimat, and Associate Professor, Dr. Serdar Bozdag, earned acceptance into the 2024 ISMB Conference for their project entitled, “ TA-RNN: an Attention-based Time-aware Recurrent Neural Network Architecture for Electronic Health Records. ” This project includes collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. 

This marks the second time, in a row, Mohammad’s work receives acceptance with ISMB. “[The ISMB Conference] is the top conference in our field, also considered by csrankings.org. This year’s acceptance rate was 18%.” Dr. Bozdag discussed with us the initiative for this year’s paper. “We developed a Deep Learning architecture to analyze longitudinal electronic health records data using time embedding and dual attention to predict future clinical outcomes.”

The research for this year builds off last year’s accepted paper entitled “ PPAD: a deep learning architecture to predict progression of Alzheimer’s disease. ” Mohammad also received collaboration from the Alzheimer’s initiative group, as well as fellow colleagues, Jared Martinez and Fahad Saeed.

The International Conference on Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology (ISMB) is an annual event organized by the International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB). This flagship meeting of the ISCB is renowned as the world's largest conference focused on bioinformatics and computational biology. ISMB 2024 showcases the latest international developments in the field and driving forward the future of this dynamic area of research and the involvement of the ISCB's Communities of Special Interest (COSIs) enhances the exceptional scientific program.

Congratulations Mohammad and Dr. Bozdag! Earning back-to-back selections in a competitive research field and conference is no simple feat and immensely commendable. The department looks forward to seeing all the more incredible work to come!

For more information on Mohammad’s research, click the link here:  Mohammad Al Olaimat - Google Scholar

For more information on the ISMB Conference, click the link here:  HOME - ISMB 2024 (iscb.org)

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PhD students earn major NSF graduate research fellowships

Three Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering graduate students have received 2024 National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowships for their promising quantum and metameterial antennas research.  

This year, the NSF awarded 27 students from CU Boulder , including 18 from the College of Engineering and Applied Science with the 2024 graduate research fellowship, a prestigious award recognizing students in a wide variety of STEM disciplines, exploring some of the most pressing issues of our time. 

Each recipient will receive three years of financial support, including an annual stipend of $37,000, as well as professional development and research opportunities.

Aliza Siddiqui

Advisor: Joshua Combes Lab: Combes Group

Bio: Siddiqui is a first-year PhD student with a research concentration in Quantum Engineering and Architecture. She graduated from Louisiana State University, home of the Tigers, with a degree in computer science.

My proposal involves creating a new benchmarking/testing framework for the next generation of error-corrected quantum computers. Given the noise of physical qubits, recent work has suggested combining the state of several physical qubits to create a logical qubit. I will collaborate with Dr. Josh Combes and Sandia National Labs for my PhD. Through this work, the quantum community will have a tool-kit that will help us determine how well a quantum computer performs, diagnose what and where the issues are and create solutions to realize full-scale, error-corrected quantum systems. 

Dylan Meyer

Advisor: Scott Diddams Lab: Frequency Comb & Quantum Metrology Lab

Bio: Meyer is a first-year PhD student in the FCQM group. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama in Electrical Engineering.

My research proposal is the development of highly stable and robust millimeter wave time and frequency (T&F) transfer, supporting T&F transfer between atomic clocks. T&F transfer is used to create clock networks that are essential for positioning and navigation, such as GPS and essential infrastructure like the Internet and power grid. These technologies support up to $1 billion dollars of trade and financial transactions a day. In addition, these clock networks are capable of fundamental science experiments capable of probing new and exciting questions related to physics and geodesy.

Advisors:  Cody Scarborough and Robert MacCurdy Lab Groups:  EMRG and MAClab

Bio:  Pham received their Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Electrical & Computer Engineering from the University of Oklahoma, where he conducted research on RF filters. After graduating, he worked for 3 years in industry as an RF engineer developing radar systems. He will begin his PhD this fall 2024. 

My research proposal is on the application of multi-material additive manufacturing techniques for metamaterial antennas. Metamaterial antennas are capable of more sophisticated capabilities and unique form-factors compared to conventional antennas. By leveraging multi-material additive manufacturing, there are more degrees-of-freedom for the shape and composition of the metamaterials. This research would enhance the design flexibility and capabilities of next-generation antennas to meet the growing performance demands of future wireless systems.

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