After completing their master's thesis and required course work, students take a qualifying examination. The qualifying exam assesses students' knowledge of, and ability to synthesize, the theory and methods that were covered in their required and elective courses and in their specialized field of study. It covers the I.R.H.R. literature that forms the foundation on which the student's career and future research are based, as well as the research methods and data analysis techniques that are relevant to the student's chosen area of specialty. After passing the qualifying exam, students are awarded the master of science degree and are admitted to Ph.D. candidacy.