MA/Qualifying Exams
The Master’s Thesis Committee Nomination form must be emailed to SAO (Janeth Ruvalcaba): https://grad.ucla.edu/academics/masters-studies/nomination-of-masters-thesis–committee/
The Master’s Advanced to Candidacy form must be emailed to SAO (Janeth Ruvalcaba) no later than the second week of the quarter in which the award of the degree is expected: https://grad.ucla.edu/academics/masters-studies/masters-advancement-to-candidacy-petition/
The Exam consists of two essays based on the student’s coursework, research interests, and familiarity with the field. Students have two weeks to complete both essays.
- First essay: seeks to evaluate the student’s knowledge of the CCS field. It will consist of a literature review based on a reading list of a minimum of 50 texts drawn up by the student in consultation with his/her/their dissertation advisor. The core part of this bibliography will be based on the department reading list.
- Second essay: related to the student’s dissertation research; it will require a theoretical grounding in the student’s areas of specialization, an ability to define and apply interdisciplinary methodology, and a well-supported argument. Advisors should work closely with students to discuss the focus of Question 2.
Before taking the Exam
- You must email the Written Qualifying Examination Nomination Faculty Committee to SAO (Janeth Ruvalcaba) the quarter before taking the Exam.
- Track A: You must have completed six graduate courses that are exclusive to the Ph.D. requirements.
- Track B: You must have completed eleven graduate courses that are exclusive to the Ph.D. requirements.
This examination is focused on the student’s dissertation proposal, which should draw from Essay 2 of the Written Qualifying Exam. Open only to the members of the doctoral committee (typically 4 faculty) and the student.
Nomination of the Doctoral Committee form must be emailed to SAO (Janeth Ruvalcaba), the quarter in which you will defend your oral prospectus.
The dissertation proposal of approximately 30 pages, excluding bibliography, will be presented to the entire dissertation committee in a two-hour meeting. For more information about the proposal, students and advisors should consult the Graduate Handbook (2020, p. 34).
In consultation with the dissertation advisor, students choose three other committee members who will collectively be responsible for supervising, reviewing, and approving the doctoral dissertation. Faculty interests and fields of expertise should align with the proposed area of the dissertation. The exact constitution of the committee must follow Grad Division guidelines.