Current Students

The Preliminary Exam

Introduction
The purpose of the preliminary examination is to provide an early assessment of a student's proposed dissertation research topic. In particular the examination is intended to assess the suitability of the proposed topic as well as the suitability of the student's background for carrying out the proposed research. A student normally takes the preliminary examination during the term in which they have completed the 18 letter-graded coursework requirements. Students who pass the Qualifying Examination, complete the minimal RFT and coursework requirements, and pass the preliminary examination are advanced to Ph.D. candidacy. Candidacy status substantially decreases tuition and affects enrollment status as described in the Graduate Student Handbook.

Preliminary Examination Format
Students taking the preliminary examination must be enrolled during the term the exam is administered. The student must form a dissertation committee in consultation with their faculty research advisor, who is the dissertation committee chairperson (click here for information on forming a dissertation committee). The selection of the dissertation committee members is subject to approval by the ME Graduate Program Committee. If the research topic is of an interdisciplinary character, the student may choose to have two co-chairpersons for the dissertation committee. The chairperson or at least one co-chairperson must be a member of the Mechanical Engineering faculty. Once the Ph.D. dissertation committee is formed, the preliminary examination is scheduled as the first meeting of this committee. The student should consult with the chairperson as to when to provide committee members with a written thesis proposal prior to the preliminary examination. The written thesis proposal is a short (3-4 page) document which consists of a cover page, a description of the proposed research, a short biographical sketch, indication of financial support, and a list of all graduate courses taken and planned. Note, however, that this official thesis proposal is usually supplemented by a more detailed technical document, which is given to the committee members at the same time as the official thesis proposal. The brief proposal is required for the student's record in the Academic Services Office (ASO).

Upon completion of the preliminary examination, the Dissertation Committee Chairman prepares a memorandum addressed to the ME Graduate Program Chair (a sample memo is attached). The memorandum should state the outcome of the preliminary examination and list the dissertation committee members. The memo should be submitted with the Advancement to Candidacy and the Dissertation Committee forms to the ASO. This information will be used to process the student's nomination for advancement. It is important to know the deadline dates for candidacy so you may plan early when to schedule the preliminary examination and allow for processing time. Click here for deadlines.