Qualifying Exam

The qualifying examination, normally taken at the beginning of the third term (and no later than the beginning of the fifth term), is a six-hour written examination covering the six core courses as described above. Students failing the exam at the beginning of the third term have one additional final opportunity to take and pass the exam at the beginning of the fifth term.

All new entering graduate students can take the qualifying examination at the start of their first year. If the student passes the exam, it satisfies the requirement. If the student does not pass, it does not count against the student in any way.

Only under exceptional circumstances, at the discretion of the faculty, students who fail the qualifying exam for the second time may be permitted to take a Special Oral Examination, the outcome of which will determine whether the student in question will be permitted to continue in the program. The purpose of any such Special Oral Examination is to test whether the student, who has twice failed the written qualifying examination, is nevertheless sufficiently secure with the material of the core courses to eventually graduate with a Physics PhD. Any Special Oral Exam, therefore, should test whether this is the case by asking a number of questions at the level of and on the material of the written qualifying exam. The Special Oral Exam committee shall consist of 4 faculty nominated by the DGS.

Please make sure to look over the syllabus covering topics which may be on the qualifying examination.