The final draft of the paper is due on August 31, with one copy going to the Ph.D. office and one copy each to the readers. This draft is the basis for the readers' evaluation of the summer paper which serves as one input to the third semester review. Qualifying Examination Qualifying exams in the student's core area and area of specialization are given in two stages at the end of the student's third semester of study. Exams in the core area are given in the middle of December, after completion of the Fall Semester of study. Exams in the area of specialization are given during the second week of January.
Qualifying exams test the student's competence in their chosen field of study.
Because the GSIA doctoral program emphasizes mastery of fundamental principles and quantitative tools necessary for continuing professional growth, a requirement in a minor areas is included to prevent narrow specialization. The minor area requirement must be fulfilled by the end of the student's third semester of study. Early in the fourth semester, the GSIA faculty carefully review each student's progress. The faculty evaluate a student's performance on the qualifying examination as well as in course work and research activities, including the summer research paper. If specific areas of weakness are identified, corrective actions are recommended.