All HCDE PhD students may participate in the preliminary exam during spring quarter of their first year or autumn quarter of their second year in the program.
Eligible reviewers include all HCDE faculty who advise doctoral students as well as adjunct faculty who recruit and advise HCDE PhD students.
Possible outcomes for the exam are: pass, a master’s pass (which is satisfactory for awarding a master’s degree but not to continue in doctoral studies), or fail.
Committee feedback to the student may include (a) changes that are required before a passing evaluation is given and/or (b) changes that are suggested to strength the work, to better communicate it, or to continue or extend this line of research. In other words, the exam is also a valuable opportunity to provide feedback to students that can help improve their scholarly work.