The Ph.D. Qualifying Examination (QE) evaluates the student's ability to conduct independent research. Students must pass the QE by the end of their 9th academic quarter and may schedule the exam once all program requirements are complete and a dissertation advisor has been selected. With guidance from their advisor, students submit a proposal to the Graduate Program Committee (GPC) that includes:
- Proposed exam date
- Topics to be covered
- Four-member exam committee:
- At least 3 members from the Department of Mathematics
- 1 member from outside the department (per Graduate Council guidelines)
- The Dissertation Advisor may serve on the committee but cannot be the chair
Application Timeline
- 5–6 weeks before the exam: Submit the QE application to the Office of Graduate Studies via GradSphere.
- 4 weeks before the exam: Submit a detailed proposal, reviewed and approved by the Ph.D. advisor, to the Graduate Program Coordinator.
Written Component: Dissertation Proposal
The proposal (1–3 pages) outlines:
- Research context
- Problems addressed
- Methods and techniques
A sample Qualifying Exam Prospectus is available for reference [HERE].
Oral Component: Seminar Presentation
The oral exam is delivered as a 45-minute seminar (up to 3 hours total) on the proposed research. Committee members assess the candidate’s depth and breadth of knowledge and readiness to pursue independent research.
QE Outcomes
Following the oral exam, the committee submits a QE Report within 72 hours. Possible outcomes:
- Pass: No conditions attached
- Not Pass: Indicate whether the student must retake all or part of the exam, outline any additional requirements, and provide specific timelines for completing those requirements in order to achieve a Pass.
- Fail: Disqualifies student from Ph.D. program
Please note:
- If the committee is not unanimous, their report must detail majority and minority positions.
- Students who do not pass on the first attempt may retake once (within 6 months) if approved by Graduate Studies.
- Failing the second attempt results in program disqualification.