The general examination is taken during year 2 and consists of a research seminar prepared under the supervision of a faculty member, followed by an in-depth oral examination. The exam is meant to show that the student is actively engaged in a program of research and has acquired all the appropriate technical background to produce doctoral-level research.
Examining Committee
The examining committee and the student agree upon a reading list for the exam. This document is to be made available to anyone present in the oral examination, and only questions pertaining to either the material described in the document or presented during the research seminar can be asked during the oral.
Reading List
Make a draft of your reading list with help from your adviser and share it with your committee members at least one month before the exam. They may suggest alterations, after which the reading list will become official.
Scheduling
The area exam must be scheduled during the fall, winter, or spring periods set by the Graduate School. Students are expected to pass by the end of their second year.
About two months before the beginning of each exam period the Graduate Coordinator will send a notice to all students eligible to take the exam. Detailed instructions on scheduling your general exam can be found here. Your exam will be announced publicly one week in advance, along with your final abstract and reading list.