Doctoral Milestones

Preliminary Exam

The Preliminary Exam is required of all HCDE PhD students during the first quarter of their second year in the program. The Preliminary Exam consists of a formal paper and public presentation of research to the faculty, and a review of the candidate's record. More »

General Exam

The General Exam is taken after the student has completed at least 60 hours of coursework, and consists of a written exam and an oral exam. More »

Dissertation Proposal

After passing the General Exam, the student is expected to develop a proposal characterizing the work he/she intends to do for his/her dissertation. More »

Final Exam

The final exam represents the culminating milestone in the PhD process. More »