Doctor of Philosophy—Comprehensive Screening Examination

The student must pass a comprehensive examination in their major field and related subjects (including mathematics). The examination is normally taken at the completion of the Ph.D. course requirement, but may be taken earlier at the request of the student and with the approval of his/her advisor. Generally, the student should pass this examination prior to the formal start of his/her dissertation research.

The examination consists of a written test followed by an oral test. If the student fails the comprehensive examination, they are normally allowed to repeat it once during a following semester or summer. Failure the second time, usually results in dropping the student from the Ph.D. program. Subject to the results of the examination, the student may be required to take remedial courses in accordance with the committee's decision.

The comprehensive examination is administered by a committee consisting of three graduate Civil Engineering faculty members from the student's major area (or related fields if necessary) in addition to his/her advisor. The student's advisor is considered a non-voting member of the committee; however, the advisor is an examiner and assume the committee's chairmanship. The advisor shall ask the Department Chairman (through the Director of Graduate Studies) to appoint the examination committee. Upon the committee's appointment, the advisor shall arrange the comprehensive examination. The advisor is also responsible for transmitting the results of the examination to the student in writing (with copies to the committee members, the Department Chairman and Director of Graduate Studies, and the student's file).

The comprehensive examination may cover basic concepts in engineering, mathematic and science, and shall include advanced topics in the student's major and related fields. The purposes of the examination are to ensure that the student is of Ph.D. caliber, that the student has total command of the major field and supporting areas, that the student is completely familiar with recent developments and literature in the field, and that the student is capable and ready to start the Ph.D. research. The examination committee members should inform the student in advance of the general subject matter to be covered in the examination. The committee shall also evaluate the student's course work program and require any changes or addition deemed appropriate. Upon the successful completion of the Comprehensive examination, the student is formally considered a Ph.D. student.