Each student is expected to pass a qualifying examination by the end of September of the third year in the program. If you fail the exam, it may be retaken once, by the end of the third year.
Prior to the qualifying examination, each student will be expected to turn in the Qualifying Examination Petition Form with the signatures of the director of graduate studies and the advisory committee.
Students pursuing joint degrees in Cognitive Science and another discipline may postpone the taking of the qualifying examination by one year. Any other students who believe they are unable to complete the exam by the normal deadline must petition to have the deadline extended.
The examination is expected to have a written and an oral component and to demonstrate:
- in-depth knowledge of the student's Content Specialization
- knowledge of some other area of Cognitive Science
- academic writing competence
- the ability to defend a position in an oral setting
In consultation with their advisory committee, the student will agree on the format of the examination. Within these constraints, two broad categories of qualifying examinations are possible.