A doctoral degree must be completed within eight years of the first semester of enrollment. See the Credit Policies section of this catalog for more detailed information about outdated credits and the time limit. Residency Doctor of philosophy students must register for at least two consecutive 6-hour semesters on the BYU campus. Comprehensive Examination Doctoral students must pass a written comprehensive examination in their field under the direction of the major department. This examination is normally given when the student has completed the required course work for the doctoral degree.
Some departments also require an oral portion of the comprehensive examination.
In the case of a declared minor, it is expected that the examination will include subject matter from the minor field. A student is advanced to degree candidacy only after successful completion of the comprehensive examination. Final examinations may not be held during the interim periods between semesters. All members of the BYU academic community are invited to attend the final oral examination, but only members of the student's graduate committee may question the candidate and vote on the candidate's performance. The committee may vote to pass, pass with qualification, recess, or fail the student.