After the first year of coursework, and before the beginning of the third semester, PhD students must pass the Qualifying Exam (Q-Exam). The exam focuses on statistics (Chi-square, ANOVA, correlation, regression, and other inferential statistics) and research methods (qualitative studies, surveys, and experiments).

The Director for Graduate Programs solicits exam questions from faculty, administers the exam, and distributes completed exams to the contributing faculty for grading.

• The exam is administered in May following the student’s second semester in the program.
• Students will have 4 hours to complete the exam.
• A score of 75% or higher on each question is required to pass.
• Students have two opportunities to pass the exam.
  • If a student falls below standard on one question, they may rewrite that question at a second sitting.
  • If a student falls below standard on two or more questions, they must rewrite the entire exam during the second administration in July.
  • If the standard is not met on the rewrite (partial or full), the student will be recommended for separation from the program to the Graduate College.