During their second year, Ph.D. students start the transition from coursework to dissertation research. In addition to the minimum of six courses taken for a quality grade and completion of a field, students must also complete a qualifying paper.

Comprehensive Exams

Ph.D. students must pass a qualifying exam, as specified by their Area of Focus, by the end of the summer of their first year of study. This might be a GPA minimum in specified courses, a written exam, or some other assessment as determined by faculty in the Area. For most students, to waive the qualifying exams they will need to earn a B+ over the necessary course sequences. Students who do not meet the requirement will be removed from the program. Students can appeal removal by submitting an Appeal Form for Program Continuation to the Program Director 14 days before the start of autumn quarter of their second year of study at the latest; the request will be reviewed by the Ph.D. Committee and a decision, an Appeal for Program Continuation Outcome Form, will be sent to the student in writing.

Qualifying Paper

Ph.D. students must complete the qualifying paper requirement according to guidelines prescribed by the Ph.D. committee and must present the paper in an appropriate University of Chicago forum. An acceptable qualifying paper will show evidence that the student is developing the capacity for formulating and conducting an independent research project and for creating a scholarly argument. Although co-authors are allowed per the approval of the student’s advisor, only one student may submit this paper as a qualifying paper. There is no exception to the rule. All other student coauthors must send an email to the Program Director stating that they approve using the paper for that student's requirement; All faculty coauthors must send an email to the Program Director explaining how the student's contribution makes the submission appropriate. Ideally, the qualifying paper will constitute a step toward completion of the student’s dissertation proposal. The paper’s length should approximate that of a conference paper or a paper to be sent to a top journal in the student’s field.

Students are expected to complete this qualifying paper by the end of the summer of their second year of study. Completion for this purpose involves having both faculty members of the student’s qualifying paper committee indicate to the DGS that the work is adequate to meet the requirement on the Approval Form for Qualifying Paper. Students who need additional time for their paper may request an extension from the DGS in writing by September 1. Students who do not meet the deadline and do not have an extension are not in good academic standing, may be placed on academic probation, and risk dismissal from the program.