PhD EXAMINATIONS
In addition to the usual examinations on course work, there are three types of special examinations which may be required (see individual program regulations) in the program leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy:
1) Qualifying Examinations: A qualifying examination is one in which the student is asked to demonstrate a reasonable mastery of the fundamentals in the major subject; it is designed to test the student's preparation for advanced graduate work. If such an examination is required, it must be administered and passed within one year after a student enters a graduate program.
2) Comprehensive Examinations: The comprehensive examination is one in which the student is asked to demonstrate a reasonable mastery of the field of specialization; it is designed to test the student's command of knowledge and ability to integrate that knowledge, after completion of all or most of the graduate course work. Normally, this examination is completed at the end of the second year of graduate study and is a prerequisite to admission to candidacy.
3) Final Examinations: The final examination of a doctoral candidate is an oral defense of the dissertation.