DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (Ph.D.)
Examinations & Candidacy
Screening
Exam
A screening examination is taken after completing the four core courses.
The exam is given once a year, usually in June. The examination is
written and comprehensive: it is designed to be diagnostic and to assess
student mastery of principles of public administration, organization
theory, research, and public policy. The examination is prepared,
administered, and graded by an Examination Committee appointed by the
Ph.D. Director.
Screening exam rewrites should be completed within one semester. Screening exam retakes must be completed within one year. A second failure is considered final and dismissal from the program is recommended to the Graduate College.
Comprehensive
Exam
Upon completion of course work, and before dissertation research, the
student is given a written examination in two areas of specialization. In
consultation with the student, the student's Supervisory Committee
determines the precise form of the comprehensive examination in keeping
with Ph.D. program policy. The written examinations are followed by
a single oral examination. If the student should fail one or more
components of the examination, a re-examination may be administered no
sooner than three months and no later than one year from the date of the
original examination. Approval for this re-examination must be obtained
from the supervisory committee, the Ph.D. director, and the dean of the
Graduate College. A second failure is considered final and
dismissal from the program is recommended to the Graduate College.
As of Fall 2005, students must complete their comprehensive exams within 5 years of passing the screening exam. Students who have been continuously enrolled, and have already exceeded this time limit, will be allowed 5 years from Fall 2005. The Graduate College requires no more than 5 years from the completion of the comprehensive exam to the completion of the dissertation.
Candidacy
Doctoral students should apply for admission to candidacy immediately
after they have met all requirements for the degree, except the
dissertation.
