K. Doctoral Degree – Preliminary Exams

Part 2: Written Preliminary Exam

Written preliminary examinations are given to allow the student to demonstrate mastery of the core competencies of the PhD Students will take a two-part examination covering core competencies after meeting coursework requirements administered over two consecutive days. The exam is comprised of two sections – the general section exam (Day 1) and specific emphasis section exam (Day 2). Each exam section is administered in a four-hour session each day.

The general section exam administered on Day 1 examines basic HSRP knowledge and theory, and their application of pharmacy and health services research/policy. Topics that will be covered represent the required HSRP courses that are taught in the Graduate Program: Dissemination, Implementation and Sustainment of Change in Health Services Research, Mixed Methods for Health Sciences: Purpose, Design and Approach, Community Engagement in Health Services Research, Social Behavioral Theories in Pharmacy, Drug Use, and Health Behavior, Grant Writing for Health Services Research, and Research Methods for Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy Research.

The specific emphasis section exam administered on Day 2 represents the individual student’s specialization or concentration within the major as well as their minor area of study. Questions within the student’s area of specialization can cover micro or macro level perspectives (e.g., individual actions and behaviors vs. organizational or systems perspectives), as appropriate. The specific emphasis section exam administered on Day 2 will include three sets of questions in which the student may choose one of the three questions in each set to answer during the exam.

The exam is offered at any time during the year. The advisor and student mutually select the dates of the examination. Students who are at the same stage in their Graduate Program do not need to select the same dates. The advisor will collaborate with the student’s Preliminary Exam Committee to design the general and specific emphasis questions for exams one and two. Specific instructions are given to the student on the day of the exam. Reference materials and the internet may not be used during the exam; the exam is considered a closed-book exam.

Part 3: Feedback Session with Preliminary Committee

The Preliminary Exam Committee will read and grade answers to all questions. Grading for each question will be on a pass/fail basis. Students must pass all questions in order to proceed to the oral preliminary exam. Students and faculty will meet to clarify answers prior to the committee finalizing the grade.

The Preliminary Committee will notify the student about the exam grade and provide feedback on their performance. If the candidate fails one or more of the questions, the individual will have an opportunity to revise or respond to a second written exam, which may include one or more new question(s) that evaluates the same competency. If the candidate does not pass the second written examination, then they will be terminated from the program. Written Preliminary Examination: Information for Candidates.

Part 4: Dissertation Oral Preliminary Exam & Advancing to Dissertator Status

In order to achieve official status as a dissertator, after completing their preliminary exam 1, students must  defend their choice of dissertation topic and demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and methods necessary for successful completion of the dissertation.  The dissertation oral proposal defense consists of a presentation describing the research that is planned as a basis for the PhD dissertation. The presentation is made to the student’s dissertation committee and is not open to the public. The student may be examined on details of the proposed work as well as on the underlying principles, methods and concepts of the field.

Enrollment as a graduate student is required during the semester the defense takes place. Summer term enrollment is required if a student chooses to defend during summer. To remain in good standing, the Part 4 Dissertation Oral Preliminary Exam should be completed within six months after having passed the written two-day preliminary examination and may be repeated (once if necessary). Students who do not pass the Part 4 Dissertation Oral Preliminary Exam after two attempts will be terminated from the program.

The proposal must contain a statement of the student’s research problem, a critical analysis of the relevant theoretical and empirical literature, a description of the student’s theoretical approach and hypotheses, a description of the proposed study design and procedures, and a timetable for the research project. The proposal should be double-spaced, and include tables, figures, references, and appendices. It will be evaluated based on its originality, appropriateness of methods and design, and clarity of presentation. The proposal and oral presentation to the faculty should demonstrate foundational knowledge necessary for conducting independent research. The final copy of the proposal must be circulated electronically to the student’s committee at least two weeks prior to the dissertation oral preliminary exam.

A formal “warrant” is needed from the Graduate School for this dissertation oral preliminary exam. At least one month prior to the exam the School of Pharmacy GPM must be notified of the date the examination will occur, so that a warrant may be requested. These requests should be submitted via the Warrant Details form. Provide as much detail as possible.  Below you can find a summary of tasks before the oral preliminary exam and deadlines.