Eligible students are encouraged to form study groups to prepare for the exams. The Ph.D. Qualifying Exam Committee is made up of faculty members representing different areas of linguistic study. The committee may also solicit questions from other members of the Linguistics Program faculty to ensure appropriate questions are designed for the examinees. The Qualifying Exam consists of three written, in-class exams which usually take place over two days. The Exam Committee determines which of the three areas are to be tested and prepares approximately two to three questions in each area.
Students choose to respond to one of the questions in the required areas.
Students have two hours per question to write an answer, making the exam a total of six hours in length. The Qualifying Exam Committee determines exactly which areas will be covered in a particular year. The content is based on the core, introductory courses, Ling. Students should be aware that if the core courses for their program are not taken within the same two-year cycle as they take the qualifying, their information may be dated. The exam is normally given annually in January.