After being accepted into the graduate program in ESS, formal entrance into the PhD Program is gained via the Prelim exam. An exam that results in “Pass to PhD” will allow the student to proceed into the PhD program. A student who receives “Pass to MS” may continue work on the Masters program and then petition to be entered into the PhD program. See the Prelim Policy on the Policies and Procedures page for details. A student who receives a “Pass to PhD” may still pursue a Masters if they desire.

While a First Year Committee is not mandated by the Graduate School, ESS first year graduate students are required to appoint and work with a First Year Committee during their first year of graduate school. The First Year Committee should consist of your inviting Faculty Advisor (e.g., who you were admitted to work with), and one or two other faculty in your research interest area. The role of the First Year Committee is to mentor new graduate students during their first year, and to help prepare them for the Preliminary Exam. First Year Committees are automatically disbanded after a student has taken a Preliminary Exam.

The Prelim Exam is taken at the beginning of the second year. The exam is an oral presentation of a research proposal and is just one part of the assessment of progress. Two weeks before the quarter starts students submit a research proposal, a copy of their transcript, and a letter from their advisor detailing the progress thus far. The proposal should contain a tractable research goal, brief review of the important background information or context, and a short discussion of the proposed approach to solve the problem and is limited to three pages. Details about the Prelim Policy can be found on the Policies and Procedures page under the “Students (Graduate)” section.

After passing the Prelim, ESS PhD students should begin putting together a PhD Supervisory Committee and aim to have the committee approved and submitted to the Graduate School by the end of Winter Quarter in their second year, and no later than Spring Quarter of their second year.

Responsibilities of the Doctoral Supervisory Committee include the approval of a course of study which will fulfill the general course requirements of the student’s major and supporting fields; the conducting of the student’s General Exam, and when appropriate, recommending advancement to candidacy. The Doctoral Supervisory Committee assists and guides the students to carry out appropriate research for the dissertation.

The Supervisory Committee is formally appointed by the Graduate Program Coordinator, in consultation with the student and appropriate faculty members. The committee consists of at least 4 members (Chair, Graduate School Representative (GSR), and 2 others), at least 3 of whom must be members of the Graduate Faculty. Detailed information can be found in the Graduate School Policy 4.2: Supervisory Committee for Graduate Students.

Students should fill out this form to provide the names of proposed committee members directly to the Graduate Program Coordinator.

The purpose of the General Exam is to assess the breadth and depth of the student’s knowledge related to the proposed dissertation research. The exam consists of a written dissertation research proposal, followed by a an oral presentation (open to the department) and discussion. The student will explain the significance and impact of the research problem, and demonstrate their mastery of the relevant fundamentals and research methods needed to pursue the plan.

Registration as a graduate student is required the quarter that a General Examination is taken. A candidate certificate and the doctoral degree may not be awarded the same quarter.

Up-to-date University requirements can always be found on the Graduate School’s webpage.

See the General Exam Policy on the Policies and Procedures page for full details and official ESS policy on the general exam.

The Candidate must present to the faculty a dissertation representing original and independent investigation and achievement. It should reflect mastery of research techniques and ability to select an important problem for investigation and to deal with it competently.

Instructions for the preparation of the dissertation can be obtained from the Graduate School webpage, and the candidate’s supervisory committee should provide additional guidance regarding formatting and content. Dissertations must be read and approved by the dissertation reading committee to be accepted by the Graduate School for degree conferral. 

Examples of dissertations written by graduate students in ESS can be found in the UW Library Archives.

When the Supervisory Committee believes the Candidate is prepared to take the Final Exam, the student, in consultation with the PhD Committee, will propose a reading committee to the Graduate Program Coordinator, consisting of three members of the Supervisory Committee, including the Chair of the Committee. The Reading Committee reviews the Candidate’s dissertation, and submits approval to the Graduate School electronically via MyGrad Program.

The Final Exam is an oral exam given by members of the Supervisory Committee and interested Graduate Faculty members. It is based on the dissertation and an oral presentation of the results of research by the Candidate. Members of Graduate Faculty, non-voting faculty and visitors may attend and question the candidate. The Chairperson, at least two members of the Supervisory Committee, and the Graduate School Representative must be present.

If the Final Exam is satisfactory, the Supervisory Committee signs the Graduate School’s warrant. Final changes in the written dissertation may be recommended. If the exam is unsatisfactory, the Committee may recommend that the Dean of the Graduate School permit a second examination after a period of further study.

1. Fulfill University Graduate School Requirements. The most up to date requirements can always be found on the Graduate School’s webpage.
2. Student receives a “Pass to PhD” on the preliminary exam.
3. The Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) approves entrance of student into Department PhD Program.
4. The student forms a Supervisory Committee with the assistance of the GPC no later than 2 quarters after being admitted into the PhD program.
5. The student and Supervisory Committee select a date for the General Exam (at least 4 months after forming the committee) in consultation with the GPC.
6. The General Exam is held with the Chair of the examining Committee, two members of the examining Committee, and the Graduate School Representative present. After successful completion of the General Exam, the student is awarded candidacy by the Graduate School.
7. Supervisor advises the GPC to request that a Reading Committee be appointed by the Graduate School. Student submits dissertation to Reading Committee ahead of the exam. The Supervisory Committee should confirm with the student how far in advance of the exam the student should submit their manuscript.
8. The student schedules their Final Exam via MyGrad program in consultation with their Supervisory Committee. It cannot be in the same quarter that a student has taken their General Exam and no later than the quarter the student intends to graduate.
9. The Supervisory Committee prepares appraisal and recommendation. The student must submit an electronic copy to Student Services, as well as submit copies to the Graduate School as detailed here.