Preliminary Examinations

Preliminary examinations are given for each core sequence in the fields of algebra, analysis, and geometry-topology at the beginning, middle, and end of each academic year. The exams will be designed and graded by a committee of three members.

A first-level pass signifies that the student has the basic knowledge to start research with a thesis advisor in this particular area. A second-level pass signifies that the student has a very good understanding of the basic concepts, but not necessarily enough to conduct independent research.

Ph.D. students must obtain a first-level pass on at least one of the three written preliminary examinations and a second-level pass on at least one other. Students must complete the full three-course sequence in the field associated with the preliminary examination in which they did not achieve a first-level pass. Students may take the preliminary examinations as often as they wish.

Ph.D. students should complete the preliminary examinations and core sequence requirements by the end of their second year in order to make satisfactory progress. If a graduate student does not fulfill these requirements by the end of their second year, they may be placed on academic probation, depending on their progress in the program. If a graduate student has not fulfilled these requirements by the end of their third year, they are subject to dismissal from the program.