Examinations

Students who choose to transfer to the Ph.D. program once admitted to the M.Sc. program will need to complete a Reclassification Examination. Students admitted directly to the Ph.D. program (either with or without an M.Sc. degree) will need to complete a Qualification Examination unless otherwise indicated by their supervisory committee. These examinations take place roughly 18 months after commencement in the program.

When students meet all course requirements and the Supervisory Committee has read and approved the thesis, they may schedule an M.Sc. oral exam. M.Sc. oral exams should take place 2 to 2.5 years after first registration. This examination is a formal defence of a thesis based on original scientific research conducted in the Department and a test of the student's general scientific knowledge and abilities.

M.Sc. Thesis - Organization & Content

M.Sc. Exam Committee & Scheduling

M.Sc. Examination Process

Defending an M.Sc. with Subsequent Admission to the Ph.D. Program

When the candidate meets all course requirements and the supervisory committee has read and approved the thesis, students may proceed to the Ph.D. oral exam. The Department expects that the typical Ph.D. student will take about 5.5 years after first registration to complete the Ph.D.-related research, course work and thesis writing. The Department expects that a Ph.D. thesis will contain at least two complete data chapters. The Ph.D. thesis exam is a formal defence of a thesis based on original scientific research and a test of the student's general scientific knowledge and abilities.

Ph.D. Thesis - Organization & Content

Ph.D. Exam Committee & Scheduling

Ph.D. Examination Process

Commitments that Conflict With the Completion of a Student’s Degree