The subject matter covered by the written exam is largely derived, but not limited to, the departmental courses, seminar presentations and the student's research experience. The oral examination usually follows the written exam within 3-5 days. This exam allows the committee to explore with the student any areas of apparent weakness revealed the written exam, and to review the adequacy of performance in coursework, research and seminars. After successfully completing the written and oral exams, the student is qualified as a Ph.D. candidate. All graduate students are required to attend the weekly departmental seminar.
Seminars consist of presentations by guest speakers, faculty members, and students.
After one year of residence, graduate students are called upon to present seminars on a regular basis. The seminar may be based on progress achieved in their research or on a literature review of work related to their research. Prior to the end of the first semester of graduate studies, each student must choose a faculty research advisor. The advisor, in conjunction with the student selects a dissertation research project, follows the student's progress in coursework and research, and chairs the student's comprehensive oral examination committee and dissertation defense committee. Each Ph.D. candidate is required to submit and defend a dissertation resulting from research of sufficient originality and quality for publication in peer reviewed scientific journals.