Qualifying Exam and Candidacy

Daytona Beach

Qualifying Examination

The student must pass a written qualifying examination or an alternative verification of fundamental competencies in the field of study. At the discretion of the department, the qualifying examination may also include an oral examination. Upon successfully passing the qualifying examination, the student is considered for admission to candidacy for a Doctoral degree.

Usually, students will sit for the qualifying exam during or immediately following their last semester of coursework.

If the performance on the examination is unsatisfactory, the Doctoral program chair will determine whether the student is allowed to retake the examination or any part of the examination according to the individual program requirements.

Admission to Candidacy

Admission to a Doctoral program does not automatically include admission to candidacy for the Doctoral degree. The faculty of the department must evaluate the progress of the student and determine that the student has completed all coursework and other requirements, has passed the qualifying examination, and is otherwise qualified to complete successfully the research requirements leading to completion of the Doctoral dissertation.

Doctoral programs may follow different procedures for the qualifying examination and formal admission to candidacy. Doctoral students should consult with the Department Chair, School Director, or College Dean for information on these procedures.

Doctoral programs may also require a second formal examination at some point following the qualifying examination designed to support the candidate's preparation for the dissertation topic research.