Ph.D. Oral Qualifying Examination and
Ph.D. Research Proposal

The oral exam involves a discussion of completed work and future research plans. Together, the exam and research proposal seek to determine whether the candidate has demonstrated a capability to conduct independent research, has identified an important and tractable research problem, developed a feasible plan of attack, and has the appropriate background and skills to bring the proposed research to a successful conclusion.

The Committee

Your qualifying exam committee should include at least 3 Geophysics faculty members (your advisor plus 2 others). Outside scientists (e.g. from the USGS) and other members of the Stanford faculty and academic staff may participate also. Exceptions to the number of geophysics faculty can be made for good reason and with the recommendation of your advisor. We recommend that you choose committee members as if they will become "co-advisors" who will follow your progress year after year, and will most likely serve on your Ph.D defense committee as well.

Advancement to Candidacy

The University requires Ph.D. students to advance to candidacy, which includes completion of the oral qualifying exam, in or before the 6th quarter of Stanford graduate registration (summer quarters are not counted). This also applies to students who did not enter Stanford in the autumn quarter. For students who were initially admitted to the M.S. or M.S.E.D. programs, the last permissible date for passing the department oral examination is determined by the faculty, but is no later than 6 quarters, and normally no more than 1 year, after admission to the Ph.D. program. In the past we have allowed students to convene their qualifying committee during the summer following their sixth academic quarter. While we continue to provide this grace period, you should still meet with your advisor during Spring quarter to schedule the exam. Also, this grace period only applies to students who entered the program during the Autumn Quarter. Sometimes it can be difficult to assemble a committee during summer because of faculty travel schedules.

Prior to the oral examination, students should prepare a written thesis proposal. Students are expected to discuss the proposal with their research advisor, and to submit a rough draft of the proposal approximately one month prior to the exam, although this may vary somewhat from advisor to advisor. The final draft of the proposal must be distributed to all members of the examining committee no later than one week before the scheduled exam.

The Ph.D. Research Proposal

The Ph.D. research proposal should be in the style and quality of a grant proposal, for example to the National Science Foundation. Students may obtain examples of grant proposals from their advisor. As in all proposals, the Ph.D. thesis proposal should: 1) Demonstrate that the applicant has the ability to conduct independent research. 2) Identify an interesting and relevant research problem, and 3) Develop a reasonable plan to answer the questions that have been raised. The first goal (1 above) is usually accomplished by a review of research the student has completed to date, although, in some cases this work may be loosely related to the proposed future research.

The Ph.D. research proposal must have a 1-2 page abstract stating precisely a) the specific problem to be solved, b) why it is scientifically important, and c) the method and data to be used. The text of the research proposal should include a review of previous works by other investigators on the proposed problem, a detailed statement of the approach, and a discussion of the work completed to date. The Ph.D. research proposal should also include a discussion of the data, field work, laboratory equipment, computer programming, etc. as appropriate for the proposed research. A time table with estimates for completion of the various phases of the work should also be included. The Ph.D. research proposal should be roughly 10 pages of double spaced, typed text, plus references, figures, and tables.

The Oral Examination

The oral examination consists of a presentation, typically 30 to 40 minutes long, of the proposed research by the student. The oral presentation should be based on, and generally follow the outline of, the written research proposal. This is followed by a period of questioning from the committee. Questioning covers relevant background material as well as specifics of the proposed research. The student's advisor will formally notify the student in writing of the outcome of the exam and this will be kept in the student's file.

After Quals: The Annual Review

Following the successful completion of the qualifying exam, all Ph.D. candidates must schedule an annual review at least once a year, usually within a few weeks of the anniversary date of the qualifying exam. This review is not an exam but is an opportunity for you to receive feedback and for us to track your progress towards the degree. For continuity, the annual review committee should have some members from your qualifying committee and some expected to participate on your Ph.D. defense committee. This is a good way to gradually familiarize the faculty with your work and to avoid surprises at defense time. It is your responsibility to schedule your review every year.

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