PhD Qualifying Exam

The Basics

• You must have an advisor before taking this exam.
• Approach it seriously, prepare rigorously, and pass it on the first attempt.

Sample PhD Qualifying Exams

• Sample of Past Ph.D. CS Qualifying Exams Spring
  • Theory of Computation
  • Advanced Algorithms
• Sample of Past Ph.D. CS Qualifying Exams Fall
  • Theory of Computation
  • Advanced Algorithms

Codification of Procedures

• The PhD Qualifying exam is composed of a Written exam, typically administered in the 4th week of the semester, followed by an Oral exam.
• A student may attempt the Qualifying exam twice.
• All students must attempt the Qualifying exam by their 3rd semester.
• Upon passing the Written exam, the Research exam can be scheduled and must be taken in the same semester of passing the Written.
• A failed Research exam does not require retaking of the Written portion.
• A failed Written exam must be retaken and passed upon the next offering of the exam.
• A failed Research exam must be retaken and passed by the end of the following semester.