Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination is mandatory for master’s and doctorate courses. There are no credits requirement for the exam.

Master’s qualifying examination

The objective is to evaluate the student’s general knowledge in his field, his communication capabilities and the methodology and theory basis of his project. The application for the exam must occur in up to seven months after enrollment. The qualifying examination will happen until 60 days after the application. If the student happens to fail, a second exam must be performed in up to 30 days after the first one.

Doctorate qualifying examination

The objective is to evaluate the student’s maturity and autonomy in his field, his synthesis and knowledge transmission capabilities, highlighting any innovative factors in his work for science development. Students with a master’s degree must apply for the qualifying examination in up to 12 months after enrollment. Straight to doctorate students, including transferees from master’s course, must apply for qualifying in up to 25 months after enrollment. If the student happens to fail, a second exam must be performed in up to 30 days after the first one.

Examining committee

The examining committee is composed of three members, along with the professor and his assistant. At least one member must be part of the program.

The qualifying examination

The solicitation for the exam must accompany a summary from the project with up to two pages, printed and the electronic file. The student will make an oral exposition during between 40 and 60 minutes, in which form, content and didactic aspects will be assessed. The applicant must show wide knowledge, not only focusing his project. The presentation must include at least a synthesis of the current scientific context related to his project and its contribution to the field. For master’s preliminary results may be presented, and are on obligation for doctorate. Students whose projects were accepted with reserves must explain the adjustments made to fulfill the committee requirements. After the presentation, each member of the examining committee will have up to 30 minutes (60 for doctorate) to question the candidate.