Department of Anthropology
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Preliminary Examination
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 one week later. 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 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.
Questions on the written portion of the examination will be given to the student who must submit a typewritten response one week later. 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 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.