Examinations, Dissertation, and Final Defense

Qualifying examination

The required qualifying examination is recommended to be taken during the second semester of enrollment. The qualifying committee consists of three faculty members from the educational psychology department.

Comprehensive examination

Before admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree, the student must pass a general oral comprehensive examination as required by the Graduate College. To prepare for this comprehensive examination, the student must meet two department requirements: 1) Prepare and present a literature review, and 2) Conduct and report an empirical research study. Passing the comprehensive examination indicates that the student is knowledgeable about the field and prepared to conduct and defend dissertation research.

Dissertation and final defense

When the required standards of scholarship have been met and research ability has been demonstrated in the dissertation, the candidate submits an oral examination in defense of the dissertation.

Learn more in the doctoral student handbook.