The Qualifying Examination
The qualifying examination comprises written and oral components in the following areas:
1. Theory: of and in planning and public policy.
2. Methods: including research design, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and advanced methods in the student's field(s) of specialization.
3. Major field: a primary topical specialization within planning and public policy, requiring broad familiarity with a substantive literature that is central to the student's anticipated dissertation research.
4. Minor field: a second topical or substantive specialization closely related to the student's anticipated dissertation research and defined so that the subject matter does not overlap with the major field (above); or a related field other than planning and public policy (e.g., civil engineering, computer science, economics, geography, political science, sociology, or another field) that the student can show is relevant to his or her degree program.
Selection of primary and secondary specializations comprising the major and minor field examinations is the responsibility of the student together with his or her examiner, in consultation with and approved by the doctoral program director (see Preparation for the Qualifying Examination).
5. The oral component of the qualifying examination will be scheduled by the student in consultation with all members of his or her examination committee, upon satisfactory completion of the written component(s).
Students may take the written and oral qualifying examination in methods at any time after completing the required coursework in methods (see Coursework Requirements). To take qualifying examinations in theory, major field, and minor field, students must have completed 48 coursework credits (including transfer of credits), have a minimum GPA of 3.5, and have no outstanding IN grades.
The doctoral program offers qualifying examinations in theory and in methods twice a year, once in the fall semester and once in the spring semester. The student must complete written examinations in theory, major field, and minor field, and a combined oral examination covering the three areas, within a single semester.
Should the student fail any part of the examination, the examination committee will advise the student to pursue one or more of the following options: (1) take additional courses or submit additional written and/or oral work; (2) retake part(s) or all of the exam at a specified time; (3) resign from the doctoral program.
Passing the qualifying examination constitutes formal admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree.
