This may be used in place of one of the three required oral exams normally taken as part of the Ph.D. qualifyin exam. The dissertation must constitute scholarly research in the advancement of knowledge in the theory or utilization of probability or statistics in one or more of the three areas of concentration offered by the Department. It is written in close consultation with the student s major professor. A large variety of research areas is represented among the research interests of the faculty. These interests form the basis for dissertation topics.
Students can consult the department brochure or flyer for details on faculty research.
The Ph.D. Qualifying Examination covers course work normally taken during a student s first three semesters of graduate work. The examination consists of a written and an oral part. This examination is taken concurrently with the M.S. Comprehensive Examination by those students seeking the M.S. degree. The Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination is taken after the student has begun work on a research topic. The essay contains a literature review of the problem, some preliminary research results and a plan for future research.