EE Ph.D. Qualifying Examination

The Ph.D. Qualifying Examination is offered only during the Fall and Spring semesters. The student must pass the examination by the end of the third semester of his or her program. The first semester of the program is defined as the semester in which an EE graduate course is taken as a Ph.D. student. Only two attempts to pass the examination are allowed.

The examination consists of a Mathematics section with five questions, and an EE section with a total of six questions in three areas selected by the student. Each section requires an overall grade of 70% to pass. The examination is closed book and closed notes. Non-programmable calculators will be supplied by the Department during the examination. All work must be shown to receive full credit. It is given in a single day, with a total of eight hours for both sections. After the overall grade has been compiled, the student may review the examination but is not allowed to keep the examination. One mathematics question is provided from each area listed below. At the time of the examination, the student selects three of the five mathematics problems to work. An average score of 70% is required to pass.

• Probability and Random Processes
  
• Differential Equations
  
• Vector Calculus
  
• Matrix Theory
  
• Transform Techniques

Prior to the examination, the student selects three of the following electrical engineering areas. Two questions will be supplied from each area. The student must work four of the six questions, with at least one from each area. An overall score of 70% is required to pass. The courses listed by each area cover the material the student will be tested on.

• Communication Systems (ELEC 462/464)
  
• Digital Signal Processing (ELEC 304/463)
  
• Control Theory (ELEC 444/451)
  
• Electronic Circuits (ELEC 316(circuits)/361)
  
• Digital System Design (ELEC 370/476)
  
• Electromagnetics (ELEC 306/467)
  
• Materials and Devices (ELEC 316(materials)/421)
  
• Power Systems (ELEC 438/406)
  
• Optics (ELEC 480/486)

Information concerning the course outlines and appropriate books can be obtained from individual professors who have recently taught the courses. See the EE graduate secretary for recent teaching assignments or check the department web page. A general description of the courses can also be obtained in the UNL Undergraduate Bulletin.

An announcement of the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination sign-up will be posted at the beginning of each semester. The student should register for the examination with the EE graduate secretary on or before the posted deadline, specifying the three areas he or she wishes to be tested on. The examination date will be set by the Graduate Committee Chair and will typically be one to two months after the beginning of classes each semester.