<h2>Candidacy</h2> <p>A PhD student must satisfy all Graduate School requirements to become a candidate. Acceptance to PhD candidacy is contingent upon the completion of all core courses while maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.25 and successful completion of a written and an oral test in the student's area of concentration. </p> <h3>Examination Committee</h3> <p>Academic advisor coordinates the activities related to the candidacy examinations.&nbsp; The examination committee consists of least three faculty members.&nbsp; It includes the student's academic advisor and at least one additional member from each of the two campuses, chosen by the student's advisor and in consultation with the student.&nbsp; Questions for the written and oral examinations are prepared by the members of the examination committee.</p> <h3>Written Examination</h3> <p>First a written examination is conducted that tests the student in at least two major topics within the chosen area of concentration.&nbsp; Student must score 70 percent or higher on each major topic being tested.&nbsp; A second chance is given for each topic in which the student scores less than 70 percent.&nbsp; Students who cannot pass the written examination after a maximum of two attempts on each major topic are not admitted to candidacy.</p> <h3>Oral Examination</h3> <p>After successful completion of the written examination, an oral examination is conducted in the student's area of concentration.&nbsp; Students who fail the oral examination are given a second chance to pass it.&nbsp; Students who cannot pass the oral examination after a maximum of two attempts are not admitted to candidacy.</p>