Preliminary examinations are administered by several programs to determine students’ qualifications for further graduate study. Qualifying and/or comprehensive examinations are required in all doctoral programs. The candidate passes if no more than one negative vote is cast in a five-member committee, and the negative vote does not come from the committee chair.

Most master’s programs also require written or oral comprehensive examinations. The candidate passes if no more than one negative vote is cast in a three-member committee, and the negative vote does not come from the committee chair.

Candidates should refer to the appropriate program’s section of the catalog or consult with the program for additional information about exams.