Academics > Masters and Ph.D. > Ph.D.
Ph.D. Qualifying Examination
This page includes the requirements, procedures, and all necessary forms needed for completing the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination in Electrical Engineering. The Qualifying Exam is offered in the autumn and spring quarters of each academic year. Students should plan on taking the depth portion of the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination no later than one year after starting the Ph.D. program. An extension will be allowed in unusual circumstances by approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator upon petition by the student's advisor.
Students must be registered for a minimum of 2 credits during the quarter they take the exam.
Qualifying Examination Requirements and Procedures
Qualifying Examination Courses:
Quals Syllabi
Application For Qualifying Examination
- Application for the Qualifying Examination (including Breadth and Depth Requirements)
- Faculty Advisor Letter of Recommendation
(online recommendation to be completed by Faculty Advisor)
2. Optional Items to Submit
- Quals Course Substitution Form - Students wishing to petition to count a
course taken at another university toward a depth or breadth requirement should complete the
substitution form and present it to the faculty chairperson of the appropriate curriculum group or to the faculty who most often teaches the course. For
example, if the request is to substitute a VLSI course, then the chair of the VLSI group or the VLSI faculty who teaches the course would
make the decision. The Advising Office can provide the names of the curriculum
group chairs and faculty who most often teach the courses. After the faculty has decided whether or not to grant the course substitution, the
form is turned in to the Advising Office. It is advised to make quals course substitution
requests during the first quarter of study.
- Request for Waiver - Course Grade Less Than 3.5 - Students wishing to petition to count a course with a grade less than 3.5 towards a depth or breadth course requirement must complete this form. This form should be submitted with the Qualifying Examination application forms.
All items (both compulsary and optional) and faculty recommendations must be submitted by the end of the 2nd week of classes in the quarter that the exam will be taken. Please direct any questions regarding the Qualifying Exam Process to .
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