Areas of Focus Each Ph.D. student will choose from a list of Areas of Focus (AOFs). These areas play several roles in structuring the curriculum, all of which are designed to better guide students through their preparation for the various job markets. First, each AOF will determine two of the eight first-year courses. Second, each AOF will determine the form of and preparation for the second-year field requirements. The current set of AOFs is as follows: Economic and Social Policy Energy and Environment Health Policy International Policy and Development Students can find detailed AOF requirements here. Qualifying Exam 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. 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.