THE PROCESS
PURPOSE: As a student's research progresses, he or she must select a primary, and possibly secondary, area of focus from the areas of research in the College and then pass a Qualifier in that area or areas. The Qualifier is a student's first step toward achieving candidacy in the doctoral program. (This Qualifier functions as Georgia Tech's Comprehensive Examination)
EXAMINATION: The Qualifier consists of three parts:
A one-day written examination covering the pertinent research area(s). It will typically be near the tenth week of the semester. All students taking the exam at the same time in an area take the same exam. This component evaluates the student's depth of knowledge in his or her chosen areas.
The submission of a high-quality research deliverable, as evidenced by a portfolio consisting of an exam-committee-reviewed and publishable article, and possibly other work products as approved by the exam committee. This component evaluates the student's creative and research abilities, along with the potential to do dissertation research.
An oral presentation and examination which also allows for follow-up on the first two parts.
THE EXAM COMMITTEE: The student must identify a research advisor and an exam committee of at least three other faculty from the area to oversee the Qualifier.
RESULTS: The exam committee is responsible for determining if a student has passed the Qualifier. The results of the Qualifier will be communicated to the Ph.D. coordinator by the respective area advisor. The student should fill out the Qualifier Form after passing the Exam. Each student is allowed two opportunities to pass both the area knowledge and creativity components of the examination. The two components are treated independently, so a student need not pass both at the same time. Students who are not able to pass the Qualifier after two attempts will be encouraged to seek a Master's degree, and they will not be able to continue in the doctoral program.
After successfully completing the Qualifier, student focuses on research leading toward a dissertation. Students should register for doctoral dissertation hours (CS 9000) after passing the Qualifier rather than registering for Special Problems (CS 8903). The topic of the student's research is formalized through both a written dissertation proposal and an oral presentation .
THE STEPS
REGISTERING: Students may register for one of two Qualifier prep courses during the term they plan to take the Qualifier:
Both of these courses are permit only. Email Barbara (barbara@cc) your permit request, letting her know which course you prefer.
ATTEND MEETING: In a meeting soon thereafter, the Ph.D. coordinator will explain the process to these students. A date for the exam will also be set during this meeting.
TAKE THE WRITTEN EXAM: On the exam day, pick up the exam from Barbara at 9am. If you are from another building, you can pick it up from her at 8.45am. You have until 5 p.m. that day to complete the exam. Return your exam to the Ph.D. coordinator by 5 p.m. that day. Again, if you are from another building, you have until 5:15 p.m. to return the exam.
PUT TOGETHER A RESEARCH PORTFOLIO: In consultation with your advisor and the committee, assemble a research portfolio before the oral exam. The nature of the portfolio is decided by the committee. The portfolio shall be handed over to the exam committee at least one week prior to the oral exam.
SCHEDULE THE ORAL EXAM: Schedule an oral exam in consultation with the committee. The oral exam should preferably be held before the end of the semester. The oral exam date and the names of the exam committee members should be communicated to Barbara.
Spring 1996