Preliminary Exams
To attain the level of doctoral candidacy and begin research, students admitted to the PhD or DA program must first pass a doctoral preliminary examination consisting of two written exams, a minor sequence, and an oral examination (Statistics concentrators only). This process helps to determine the student's readiness to undertake thesis research.
Students who have completed 64 hours of graduate coursework and have passed the doctoral preliminary examination
are formally recommended to the Graduate College as doctoral candidates.
Students should consult the Graduate Handbook 
for additional details.
Preliminary Examination FAQ
- When are the written prelims offered?
- Prelims are offered once each year, typically at the end of the Spring semester. The date and time of each exam is arranged by the examiner in consultation with the students pre-registered for the exam. Students are allowed 3 hours to complete the exam.
- How do I register for a prelim?
- Students submit a registration form for each exam no later than February 28. Students who register
for a prelim, then decide not to take the exam MUST notify the examiner at least 10 days prior to the exam.
Failure to do so will result in a failing score on the exam.
- Which prelims must I take?
- The prelims are listed by major subject area within exam clusters . Students must complete two written prelims from two different clusters; the minor sequence must be selected from a third cluster.
- How can I prepare for the exams?
- Sample exams are posted on the website for review.
- How is the exam scored?
- Scores are reported on the basis of 1 (best), 2, 3, and 5 (fail). Students may retake a written prelim. Although scores of 2 and 3 are passing scores, the scores on the two written prelims cannot exceed 4. This score combined with the numerical score earned in the minor sequence cannot exceed 6.
- What is the minor sequence?
- The minor sequence consists of two 500-level courses that lead to a written prelim, without overlapping an area in which a written prelim is taken. The minor sequence requirement can be satisfied either by passing a written prelim in a third cluster OR by completing the sequence of courses and earning an appropriate score. The sum of the two written prelims and the numerical equivalent of the minor sequence cannot exceed 6.