Computer Science ScD Qualifying Examination Policy and Information
	Quals Syllabi	Quals FAQ	Sample Exams	Quals Schedule

Introduction

The ScD Qualifying Examinations ("quals") consist of three core exams and one area exam:

• Algorithms
• Foundations
• Languages
• An area exam

Policies concerning the quals

• The quals consist of four separate exams. In order to "pass the quals," a student must pass each of the four parts.
• Students are strongly urged to choose an Area Exam in consultation with a prospective thesis advisor.
• A student has a maximum of three consecutive offerings of the quals to pass all three core exams.
• A student must take at least two core exams in each given offering within the three-consecutive-offering period, unless the student has already passed two core exams and has only one core exam remaining to take or re-take.
• A student is allowed at most two attempts to pass each part of the quals. That is, if a student fails an exam on the first attempt, the student is allowed only one more attempt to pass it.
• An area exam can be taken whenever the student and the prospective thesis advisor think is the right time, which may or may not be within the three-consecutive-offering period. A student is allowed at most two attempts to pass it in two consecutive quals offerings.
• A student must sign up at least two weeks in advance of the start of an offering during which he/she plans to take one or more exams.
• Students in the Computational Mathematics Option will take two of the core exams (that is, select two from Algorithms, Foundations, and Languages) and two exams in the Department of Mathematical Sciences.
• If for any personal reason a student cannot take an exam that he or she has signed up for, it is the student's responsibility to provide written documentation for approval on the reason for his or her absence. Otherwise, the student will automatically receive a failing grade for the exam.
• Any exception requires a petition to the Graduate Committee.

For further information ...

Students with questions about the quals may contact Dr. J. Wang:

Office: Olsen Hall 201

E-mail : wang@cs.uml.edu

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