The student has approximately one month to develop a thorough understanding of the assigned topic and prepare a written report. The report is reviewed by committee members and committee chair. However, the duration can be longer if required. The questions may address the report or other areas appropriate to the objectives of the examination, including subject matter in allied fields. At the conclusion of the examination period, the student examinee and observers are excused from the room and the examination committee determines whether the student has passed the examination.
Unanimous agreement is required to pass the student.
If less than unanimous agreement is reached, the student is considered to have failed the first doctoral candidacy examination. The student can request a second examination. A student is considered to have passed the second examination if there is no more than one negative vote. A student who has failed the second examination is terminated from the graduate program. At the conclusion of the study and research program, each doctoral candidate completing a dissertation must successfully defend the dissertation.