Students who have passed the Preliminary Examination at the Ph.D. level are expected to continue to broaden their general computer science background and to take courses in their areas of special interest. Before starting substantial work on a dissertation, the student is required to take the Candidacy Examination.
The Candidacy Examination is a comprehensive examination in the field of the major subject. The purpose of the Candidacy Examination is to assess the student’s readiness to conduct research in their chosen area. The format of the Candidacy Examination will be determined by the student's Candidacy Examination Committee, which is composed of the student’s advisor and two other graduate faculty members. The Candidacy Examination Committee must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator. The student must complete the Candidacy Examination at least one year before the Dissertation defense.
It is expected that a full-time graduate student entering the graduate program with a bachelor's degree will normally pass the Candidacy Examination prior to the end of the student's fifth calendar year at Kent State University. A full-time graduate student entering the Ph.D. program with a Master's degree is normally expected to pass the Candidacy Examination prior to the end of the student's fourth calendar year at Kent State University. Timetables for part-time students or students who transfer graduate credit from another institution will be set in consultation with the CS Graduate Coordinator. When an extension of this deadline seems to be necessary, both the student and the student's academic advisor must petition, in writing, the CS Graduate Coordinator. Extensions will only be granted by the CS Graduate Coordinator in consultation with the Graduate Studies Committee.
Candidacy Exam Guideline
The Candidacy Examination and the Research Prospectus are two distinct requirements, though they may be combined at the discretion of the Candidacy Examination Committee and the Dissertation Committee, chaired by the student’s advisor. The Candidacy Examination is expected to take place by the fourth semester or earlier, once all coursework has been completed. The Prospectus defense should occur by the sixth semester or earlier, after the dissertation topic has been identified and some preliminary research has been conducted.
Candidacy Exam Format
The Candidacy Examination consists of two parts: a written examination and an oral examination.
Timeline: This examination will be taken when departmental requirements have been met, but it should not be taken later than nine months before the student expects to receive the degree. Students are not permitted to continue with the dissertation unless the candidacy examination requirement is satisfied.
Committee Formation: The research advisor forms the Candidacy Examination Committee, which includes the advisor and two additional Computer Science graduate faculty members familiar with the student’s chosen research area.
Reading List: In consultation with the committee, the advisor selects a set of papers and other materials considered fundamental in the research area and provides this reading list to the student.
Written Examination: Approximately one month later, the written examination is administered. The student receives a set of questions prepared by the committee and submits written responses. Each committee member evaluates the student’s written answers.
Oral Examination: The oral examination is typically held within a few weeks of the written exam. During this session, the committee discusses the student’s written responses, seeks clarification, and may pose additional related questions.
Outcome: The committee determines the outcome (pass/fail) based on whether the student demonstrates familiarity with fundamental issues in the chosen research area, addresses them adequately, and shows readiness to engage in intensive research.
Documentation: Upon successful completion of the Candidacy Examination, the Report of Candidacy (DOCX) form must be completed, signed by the advisor, the graduate coordinator, and the department chair, and then submitted to the college.
Progression: Upon passing the Candidacy Examination, the student becomes eligible to enroll in CS 89199 - DISSERTATION I.
Prospectus Format
Timeline: The Prospectus defense must be completed no later than the semester preceding the one in which the candidate intends to graduate.
Format: The structure and format of the Prospectus defense are determined by the dissertation committee.
Documentation: Upon successful completion of the Prospectus defense, the Approval of Dissertation Topic form must be completed, signed by all members of the dissertation committee, the advisor, the graduate coordinator, and the department chair, and then submitted to the college.