PhD Qualifier Exams

MEGA has put together a brief resource guide for the 2025-36 Qualifying Exam takers with the most updated information. Hope this guide will prove quite useful to you for your Quals preparation.

Quick Links (Woodruff School site):

About ME Quals and Format:

Starting in the Fall of 2021, the Woodruff School is using a new qualifying exam format that applies to students seeking a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering

Objective & Expectation

  • Students must read and analyze research literature (e.g., journal papers).
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of research structure and content.
  • Show research methodology knowledge.
  • Be prepared for successful graduate research.

Exam Format Summary

  • One oral exam (max 1 hour).

  • Based on 3 technical publications chosen by the exam committee from a pre-approved list.

  • Committee members ask questions related to the selected papers.

  • Student performance is evaluated using a standard rubric.

Pre-Exam To-Do List

  • Administering RAG (Research Area Group) proposes an exam committee:

    • 3 tenure-track Woodruff School faculty (excluding PhD adviser).

    • Committee members can be from different RAGs.

    • One member assigned as Committee Chair.

    • The committee likely overlaps with proposal/dissertation committees.

  • The committee selects 3 exam papers and schedules the exam.

  • Notify the graduate office of exam intent at least 3 weeks before the semester’s end.

  • Exams held in Fall/Spring; must be completed by the end of the second month of the semester.

  • Deadlines:

    • With MS: Take the exam within 1 year of enrollment.

    • With BS: Take the exam within 2 years of enrollment.

Qualifier Process

  • Committee selection and responsibilities are as above.

  • The exam covers one of the School’s Research Area Groups (RAGs):

    • Acoustic & Dynamics

    • Automation, Robotics, & Controls

    • Bioengineering

    • Computer-Aided Engineering & Design

    • Fluid Mechanics

    • Heat Transfer, Combustion & Energy Systems

    • Manufacturing

    • Mechanics of Materials

    • Micro & Nano Engineering

    • Tribology

  • Each RAG maintains a repository of 20–50 publications (updated annually, not public to students).

  • The committee selects 3 papers relevant to the student’s research area:

    • No committee member or adviser can be an author.

    • Papers shared with student 2 weeks before the exam.

Exam Preparation & Conduct

  • Students may write a 3-page summary of the papers (optional, not graded).

  • May bring hard copies of assigned papers to the exam.

  • Committee questions cover technical content, research methods, and rubric criteria.

  • The committee may focus on any/all of the three papers.

  • After approval, students receive completed evaluation forms as feedback.

Preparation Period Rules

  • Once papers are assigned:

    • No discussion about the papers with anyone (advisers, peers, family, etc.).

    • May consult any literature (cited or not), books, or notes.

    • No formal/informal consultation allowed regarding exam content for 2 weeks before the exam

MEGA initiatives for Quals-prep help

Study Groups at “MEGA Club for Quals”

Click on the following link to get connected at MEGA Teams group.

MEGA Club for Quals Teams Chat

To join a study group: Like and reply to the post depending on the quals subject you are planning to take.

 

Study Guide Rubric

MEGA got in touch with students who took a trial run of the new exam format to learn more about their experience studying for and taking the QE in the new format. Their experience and study tips have been compiled in a Study Guide that acn be found by clicking on the link below.

Download Study Rubric here:

Quals Study Guide Rubric

Quals Prep Planner

Use this Quals Prep Planner (linked below) to find out what MEGA plans to offer this semester as you prepare for success in the upcoming QE.

Download PDF here:

Quals Prep Planner

 

MEGA Post-Quals celebrations

MEGA organizes Quals completion celebrations end of every semester to celebrate the hard work of our Graduate students.

 

PhD Qualifiers FAQs:

How should I prepare for the qualifying exam?

  • Critically review and discuss technical literature in your research area.
  • Participate in research group activities, journal clubs, and peer study groups.
  • Attend MEGA-organized info sessions, workshops, and social events.
  • Seek feedback from your advisor, lab group, and senior students

2. Are there official resources or workshops to help with preparation?

  • Yes. MEGA offers information sessions, workshops, and social events each semester to support exam preparation

3. Can I form or join a study group for the exam?

  • Yes. Peer-to-peer coaching and dedicated “QE prep” student groups are encouraged for collaborative preparation

4. What is the format of the qualifying exam?

  • One oral exam (up to 1 hour) based on three technical publications selected by your exam committee.

5. How are the exam papers chosen?

  • The committee selects three papers from a pre-approved, non-public repository relevant to your research area; none may be authored by your adviser or committee members.

6. When will I receive the exam papers?

  • You will receive the three selected papers two weeks before your scheduled exam.

7. Can I discuss the assigned papers with anyone during preparation?

  • No. Once papers are assigned, you may not discuss them with anyone (including your advisor, lab mates, or friends) until after the exam.

8. What materials can I use during the preparation period?

  • You may consult any literature, books, lecture notes, or cited papers-just not people.

9. Can I bring notes or summaries to the exam?

  • You may prepare a three-page written summary of the papers (optional) and bring hardcopies of the assigned papers; the summary is not graded but can be shared with the committee.

10. Who forms my exam committee?

  • The administering RAG, in consultation with your adviser, appoints three tenure-track faculty (excluding your adviser); one serves as Chair.

11. When should I notify the school of my intent to take the exam?

  • Notify the graduate office at least three weeks before the end of the semester prior to your exam.

12. When are the qualifying exams held?

  • Exams are administered during Fall and Spring semesters, no later than the end of the second month of the semester.

13. What happens during the exam?

  • Committee members ask questions about the technical content, research methods, and broader implications of the assigned papers.

14. How will I be evaluated?

  • Your performance is assessed using a standardized rubric; formal feedback is provided after results are approved.

15. Can I retake the exam if I do not pass?

  • Yes, you may retake the exam once, usually at the end of the same semester