| Oral Qualifying Examination | | Print | |
| The University Oral Qualifying Examination is a defense of the dissertation prospectus. All other requirements, including language proficiencies, must be satisfied before this examination can be scheduled. At least two weeks before the examination, the student must submit the prospectus to the members of the examination committee, who may be, but are not required to be, the same as those on the Written Examination committee. The prospectus must be a substantially researched overview of the proposed dissertation that demonstrates that the student is fully prepared to undertake the dissertation project. Students are encouraged to consult with the members of their committee before the examination, which concentrates on the feasibility and significance of the project and the student's preparation for it. If the defense is unsatisfactory, the candidate may repeat the examination once, at the discretion of the faculty. After passing this examination, the student is advanced to candidacy and begins to write the dissertation. Candidates are encouraged to enroll in or audit seminars in their field whenever they are offered. If enrolled, candidates may satisfy all course requirements through work connected with the dissertation. |