As a student's research progresses, he or she must select a primary, and possibly secondary, area of focus from the areas of research in the College and then pass a Qualifier in that area or areas. The Qualifier is a student's first step toward achieving candidacy in the doctoral program. It will typically be near the tenth week of the semester.
All students taking the exam at the same time in an area take the same exam.
This component evaluates the student's depth of knowledge in his or her chosen areas. This component evaluates the student's creative and research abilities, along with the potential to do dissertation research. An oral presentation and examination which also allows for follow-up on the first two parts. The student must identify a research advisor and an exam committee of at least three other faculty from the area to oversee the Qualifier. The exam committee is responsible for determining if a student has passed the Qualifier.