Anthropology
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Preliminary Examination
The preliminary examination is intended to demonstrate mastery of the student's anticipated research problem and to certify that the student is competent to work on the dissertation. In order to be admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree, each student must pass a Preliminary Examination which is to be taken normally during the second semester of course registration for the PhD degree, but no later than the end of the fourth semester of course registration in the PhD program. The examination will include both written and oral sections and will include (besides method and theory) other areas from within the specialty declared by the student in consultation with his/her committee. The examination will be constructed and evaluated by the student's committee in the areas chosen and under the direction of the major professor.
Questions on the written portion of the examination will be given to the student who must submit a typewritten response two weeks later. (Department Policy, 3/23/2010) Page limits or guidelines are set by the examining committee. Upon completion of the written examination, an oral examination is scheduled. Successful completion of both parts of the preliminary examination admits the student to candidacy for the PhD degree.
The major professor must notify the Dean of the Graduate School (through the Department's Graduate Office) of the oral portion of the examination. This must be done at least two weeks in advance of the examination, and the Dean may then appoint additional members to the examining committee.
A student must have the approval of at least three members of the preliminary examination committee to pass the preliminary examination. A student who fails the exam may retake the exam only if the examining committee so recommends. A student who fails any area upon retake may not be given a third try except upon recommendation of the examining committee and with special approval of the Graduate School. Students that have passed preliminary exams will be considered to be advanced to candidacy. (Graduate School Policy)
A preliminary examination passed by a student whose graduate study and/or professional activity has been inactive for five years or more is considered invalid (Graduate School Policy).
