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The Preliminary Examination is intended to prove the student is making satisfactory progress toward the PhD and may be taken any time after successful completion of the Qualifying Examination. Prior to scheduling, the student must select a Doctoral Examination Committee in consultation with his/her advisor and submit a Request for Appointment of Doctoral Examination Committee at least 3 weeks prior to the exam and submit the Dissertaion Proposal at least 1 week prior to the exam to the Graduate Programs Office. The Preliminary Examination will consist of a written Dissertation Proposal and an oral presentation before the Doctoral Examination Committee. Passage of the Preliminary Examination will be determined based upon the vote of the Doctoral Examination Committee. A student who fails the Preliminary Examination must wait a minimum of six months before retaking the examination.
ISE requires a minimum of six months between the preliminary and final examinations.