Ph.D. Program: Admission to Candidacy

Each student must be admitted to candidacy by the end of the first quarter of the student's fifth year. Students in all areas must pass a candidacy exam. Students in the areas of Computational Math and Theory must also pass a foreign language competency exam.

A candidacy exam is administered by the student's Examination Committee. Prior to the exam, the student must have an exam proposal approved by each member of the Examination Committee. The committee will decide the format of the exam, but two formats are common.

In the areas of Artficial Intelligence, Computational Math, and Theory, the candidacy exam is usually based on a reading list. The student and the committee agree on a set of papers that covers the student's proposed area of research interest. The exam often consists of a talk by the student about the papers followed by a private oral exam that tests the breadth and depth of the student's knowledge of the material.

In the areas of Programming Languages and Systems, the candidacy exam usually has the form of a thesis-proposal defense. It provides the opportunity for the committee to evaluate the intellectual merit and feasibility of the candidate's proposed research. The specific requirements for the candidacy exam are a written thesis proposal, typically 10-20 pages, and a public oral presentation that is based on the proposal. The written proposal should be discussed with the candidate's advisor and committee members prior to scheduling the exam. While the details may vary, a typical proposal will address the following questions:

  • What is the problem that is being solved?
  • Why is it important and difficult?
  • What other work has addressed this, or related, problems, and how is the proposed work different?
  • What is the research plan?
  • What work has been completed?

Candidacy exams must be announced at least two weeks in advance and a copy of the reading list or thesis proposal should be given to the Program Administrator.

After completing the exam, the student must file a "candidacy exam" form signed by the Examination Committee and the Director of Graduate Studies with the Program Administrator.

If a graduate student changes advisor after completion of the candidacy exam, the new advisor may require the student to retake the exam.