Qualifying Exam FAQ

Q: When is the qualifying exam offered?
A: The AE qualifying exam is offered twice per year - the week before classes begin in January and around the beginning of classes in August.

Q: When do I have to take the Qualifying Exam?
A: Students in the direct PhD program must take the Qualifying Exam no later than the third offering after their first term of enrollment.  Students in the regular PhD program must take the Qualifying Exam no later than the second offering after their initial term of enrollment.  Example: a student who initially enrolls in the fall semester, must take the exam on or before the following fall (if regular PhD program) or the following spring (if direct PhD program).  You may take the exam earlier, if desired, with advisor permission.

Q: How do I sign up to take the Qualifying Exam?
A: An email with information about the qualifying exam will be sent to all graduate students in early fall for the January offering and in spring for the August offering. Students interested in taking the qualifying exam will need to reply to the email and include a list of all coursework taken since the BS degree.

Q: Are copies of old exams available for study purposes?
A: Yes. Once you notify Graduate Programs that you plan to take the exam, you will be added to a BOX folder with past Qualifying Exam information for your review.

Q: Can I learn who else is taking the exam so that we can study together?
A: Unfortunately, no. The names of students taking the qualifying exam cannot be released, even to the faculty, until after the exam.

Q: Are calculators/tables/lists of equations/etc. permitted?
A: You will receive a letter from the Chair of the Qualifying Exam in your area which will detail what is acceptable.

Q: When will I learn the results of the exam?
A: The department tries to notify all students of the results no later than two weeks after the exam.