Candidacy Examination for Doctoral Degree

The Examination

The purpose of the examination, which will take place approximately one month after the submission of the research proposal, is to assess the candidate’s approach to the research problem and their mastery of the research background and literature, as well as to evaluate their potential for doctoral degree.

The committee will determine the examination procedures.

The examination report will be submitted to the Dean of the Jacobs Graduate School, and will include an explicit recommendation for one of the following options:

• Pass the examination – no further requirements

• Pass the examination – with additional requirements

• Fail the examination

Failure in the Examination

In case of failure in the examination, there are two options:

1. A student who fails the candidacy examination will be given a second opportunity and will be allowed to retake the examination within one to two semesters, as determined. In this case, the student must submit a new research proposal to the advisor, one month before the examination date.

2. A student who fails the candidacy examination and the examination committee recommends discontinuation of their studies, will not be given an additional opportunity to retake the examination.