PhD Qualifying Exam & Candidacy

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Within the College of Public Health, each concentration follows its own specific process for the comprehensive qualifying exam. It is the student’s responsibility to consult with their doctoral committee regarding the required style and format for their concentration.

1. Coursework

2. Qualifying Examination

3. Admission to Candidacy

4. Dissertation Proposal (Chapters 1–3)

5. Proposal Defense

6. Dissertation Research (Chapters 4–5)

7. Dissertation Defense

8. Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) Submission

PhD Map

For official USF policy on qualifying exams, refer to the USF Catalog.

The Qualifying Exam Application must be submitted through Archivum at least 4 weeks before the expected start date. Late or incomplete forms will be denied.

Between years 2 and 3, students should finalize their dissertation topic and begin preparing for the qualifying exam. Common formats include, but are not limited to:

• Concept Paper and Written Take-Home Format

• Written Take-Home Open Book Format

• Written In-College Closed Book Format

Some concentrations may also require an oral examination component.

To qualify for the exam, students must:

• Have an approved committee form in Archivum (submit at least 8 weeks before the proposed exam date)

• Maintain a GPA of 3.30 or higher

• Have no “I” or “M” grades (including IF/MF)

• Be enrolled in at least two credit hours during the exam semester

• Students must work with their committee to determine the date of the exam

• Submit the Qualifying Exam form in Archivum

  • Form must be submitted no later than 4 weeks before the proposed exam date

  • Retroactive submission of the qualifying exam form will not be allowed

For certain concentrations, students must submit a concept paper prior to the qualifying exam. A concept paper is a brief summary of the student’s research interests and proposed dissertation plans. Requirements vary by concentration; students should confirm expectations with their (Co-)Major Professor(s).

Once most coursework is completed, PhD students must pass a qualifying exam to advance to doctoral candidacy. The exam assesses knowledge in the major and related fields. Students must be registered for at least 2 credit hours to take the exam.

The exam format varies by concentration. Students should discuss specific requirements with their (Co-)Major Professor(s). When the student and committee agree on readiness, the Qualifying Exam Application must be submitted through Archivum at least two weeks prior to the exam start date.

After completion, committee members have two weeks to review the exam. Within three weeks, the student will receive written feedback from the Doctoral Committee Chair, including strengths, weaknesses, and an evaluative assessment for each question.

For official USF policy on admission to candidacy, refer to the USF Catalog. Once requirements are met, submit the Admission to Doctoral Candidacy Form and an unofficial transcript to cophdoctoral@usf.edu for signatures and processing. The Admission to Candidacy form must be submitted within 1 week after the qualifying exam result is posted.