At UC, Riverside, a Ph.D. student is expected to pass two written qualification exams (quals) choosing from six subjects: algebra, applied math, complex analysis, PDE, real analysis, topology. The exams typically take place at the end of September, before fall quarter starts. Each exam committee consists the professors that have taught the subject in each quater the year of. The committee writes, proctors and grades the exam.
Student-run seminars are held weeks prior to quals in order to help, give guidance, and answer questions that students might have.Â