The intent of the Qualifying Exam is to ascertain the breadth of a student's knowledge and preparation. Three fields are considered necessary for that breadth. The student should be able to exhibit knowledge and understanding of the fundamental facts and principles inherent in his or her fields of study.

The exam also enables the faculty Committee to assess students' preparedness for a research career. Faculty examiners look for evidence that students are able to think incisively and critically about both the theoretical and practical aspects of the field.

At the iSchool, students are expected to present the topic for the Dissertation as part of the Qualifying Exam and answer questions about how they will pursue the research necessary to develop the selected topic. A typical Qualifying Exam lasts approximately three hours. Usually, the student takes the Qualifying Exam within one semester of having completed the requirements. If the student does not pass the exam may be retaken one time. A student must be registered to take the Qualifying Examination.

 

Qualifying Exam Committee

The Qualifying Exam Committee consists of four faculty members. At least two must be from the iSchool; at least one must be from another department, and up to two may be from another department. The chair and the designated outside member must be members of the Berkeley Division of the Academic Senate. Under campus regulations, the chair of the Qualifying Exam Committee cannot also serve as the chair of the student's Dissertation Committee. (See Appendix B for procedures.)

 

 

Dissertation Proposal

As part of the Qualifying Exam, the student prepares a Dissertation Proposal describing a plan for research that will be a significant original research contribution to the field of IMS. The written Dissertation Proposal normally includes:

 

• A concise problem statement that summarizes the central thesis.
• A motivation for the problem.
• A description of previous research in the area.
• A description of the relevance of preparatory coursework in the area.
• A summary of the course work done towards the Dissertation.
• A statement of how the student will attempt to investigate or support the thesis.
• A timetable for the student's Dissertation work, and (normally) a list of deliverables.

Summary of steps to fulfill the Qualifying Exam requirements:

1. Meet the Graduate Division's eligibility requirements
2. Meet the SIMS eligibility requirements
3. Form a Qualifying Exam Committee
4. Complete Dissertation Proposal
5. Pass the Qualifying Exam