Completing this requirement entails passing 8 out of the 12 areas or their course equivalents. A student must satisfy 6 out of the 8 areas to be admitted to candidacy. Also, satisfying 5 out of 8 areas in the first two years is considered reasonably progress. This document describes the expected preparation for each of the area exams as well as specifying the course alternatives. All examinations are one hour.
All examinations assume a certain mathematical sophistication and programming abilities.
Proofs of correctness for simple programs may be required. Calculators are allowed in all exams. Computers are only allowed in the open book exams. For some areas, two courses are listed and both must be taken for a pass. It is recommended that one of these alternatives be used when a student has passed the AI section and a basic course in logic would be redundant.