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ECE PhD Qualifying Exam

ECE PhD Qualifying Exam

The ECE PhD Qualifying Exam is administered by a panel of three faculty members, selected by the student and major advisor but not including the student’s major advisor. It comprises:

  1. a written critical review of current literature on a research topic selected by the student under guidance of his/her major advisor and approved by the administering faculty, and
  2. a presentation on the approved topic, including an oral examination covering the topic and related fundamental knowledge.

Students must take the Qualifying Exam within twelve months of entering the PhD program. A second and final attempt is allowed within 24 months of entering the PhD program. Attendance is limited to the student and the administering faculty.

The graduate committee advises that the written report is no more than 10 pages, which should be submitted to the examination committee at least one week prior to the oral examination, and the oral examination is one hour long, including student presentation and Q&A.

Upon completion of the examination, the panel faculty must fill out the Pass/Fail FormThe student should print this form and bring it to the examination.

PhD students in computer engineering and electrical engineering are required to take and pass the Qualifying Exam. PhD students in computer science are not required to take the Qualifying Exam. Please consult your major professor and the departmental catalog for further instructions.

View more information on conducting a literature review.


Register for the ECE PhD Qualifying Exam