Oral examinations are the primary ways the university assesses learning by graduate students. These examinations also gauge whether students’ accomplishments meet expectations associated with earning advanced degrees. Oral examinations must involve the full engagement of all participants simultaneously, and unobstructed communication among participants is essential.
Preliminary Oral Examinations
The Graduate College requires a preliminary oral examination of doctoral degree students; most programs add a written portion to the preliminary oral examination. The doctoral degree preliminary oral examination rigorously tests a graduate student’s knowledge of major, minor, and supporting subject areas as well as the student’s ability to analyze, organize, and present subject matter relevant to the field. A Preliminary Oral Exam Request must be submitted to the Graduate College at least two weeks before the proposed date of the examination.
Final Oral Examinations
Thesis and non-thesis master’s students and all doctoral degree candidates must pass final oral examinations. The final oral examination must be held by the final oral examination deadline date for the semester in which the degree is granted. All coursework in the Academic Plan (AP) must either be completed or in progress before the final oral examination can be scheduled. This examination is oral; it may also include a written component if specified by the student’s Academic Plan Committee (APC). A Final Oral Examination Request must be submitted to the Graduate College at least three weeks before the proposed date of the examination.
For both types of oral exam, the student and major professor(s) should discuss the choice of modality with the committee, and for remote or hybrid meetings, arrange for facilities and equipment to ensure full video and clear communication.