Qualifying Examination and Committee Composition Forms and Information
Appointment of Committee
- To establish a Guidance Committee, complete the form at least 2 semesters before your qualifying examination.
- To establish a Dissertation Committee, complete the form as soon as possible after passing your qualifying examination.
- To establish a Master's Committee, complete the form at least a semester before defending your thesis.
Process
- Download the PDF.
- Have your committee members sign the form.
- Submit the form to the office of your Department Chair.
- The Department Chair will send the form to the Dean.
(Exceptions to requirements must be approved by Dean.) - The Dean's office will send the signed form to your department.
Change of Committee
If you need to change your Guidance, Dissertation or Master's Committee, complete this form as soon as possible. Follow the same steps as for establishing your committee.
Request To Take the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination
This form should be completed at least 30 days before start of the examination. Requirements for the Qualifying Examination are: a minimum of 24 units in residence, a GPA of at least 3.0, and a Guidance Committee approved and on record.
Process
- Download the PDF.
- Submit the form to the office of your Department Chair.
- Your department will verify that requirements have been met.
- Your department will send the form to the Dean.
- The Dean's office will send the signed form to your department.
Role of the Outside Faculty Member of Guidance
and Dissertation Committees
The primary responsibility of the outside member, who serves as the representative of The Graduate School, is to ensure the university's commitment to the equitable treatment of all students and that the highest quality education standards are upheld. The outside member's departmental affiliation must be different from that of the student.
