Qualifying Examination 1.
Students are encouraged to complete the first qualifying examination as early as possible, preferably during the first semester or within the first year.
Research Problems.
I recommend that students work on at least two research problems: one in collaboration with me and one independently. Each student should find at least one problem on their own and make serious efforts to pursue it independently.
Qualifying Examination 2.
The second qualifying examination consists of two presentations: one on a topic outside the student’s thesis area, and one on the thesis problem together with a progress report. This examination should be completed no later than one semester before the thesis defense.
Thesis Defense.
The application for the thesis defense should be submitted one semester before graduation. Please discuss the list of referees with me three months in advance so that we can coordinate the thesis defense schedule on time. The defense date should be scheduled two months in advance, and the thesis should be distributed to the referees at least one month before the defense date.
Thesis Submission.
The thesis should be submitted three months before graduation.