Successfully passing the exam for PhD candidacy will make the student eligible for presenting a dissertation proposal at a later date. If the student is initially enrolled in the BME PhD program, the exam must be taken within three semesters of residence. If a student first obtains a M.S. at CMU, then the exam must be taken within two semesters after successfully defending and filing the finalized MS thesis.
Summers count as semesters.
Format The format of the exam is as follows. The student's exam committee, which is comprised of at minimum four faculty including the advisor, will agree on examination areas. It is required that the exam areas be communicated to all parties in memo or email form, and a copy be sent to the BME office at least one month before the scheduled exam. The time limit will be strictly enforced. Thereafter, there will be approximately 2-3 hours of questioning by the committee members in the mutually agreed upon areas.