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The examination is composed of two parts: a written exam followed by an oral examination covering materials from at least three graduate level classes that the student has taken at Syracuse University, as well as relevant materials from undergraduate coursework. The purpose of this examination is to assess the student's background knowledge in his/her their primary subject area(s) and his/her their preparedness for Ph.D. level research. The result of this examination is a decision by the exam committee as to whether or not the student should continue in the Ph.D. program.
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Following the examination, the dissertation committee confers to determine if the student is a suitable Ph.D. candidate based on his/her their performance on the candidacy examination, as well as to determine if the student should be required to take additional coursework beyond the minimum required for the degree.
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