Ph.D. Qualifying Exam
The Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Ph.D. Qualifying Exam is offered only during the Fall and Spring semesters.
- For Ph.D. students with a prior MS degree: Only two attempts to pass the exam are allowed. These students need to pass by the third semester of his/her program, and the latest they can use their first attempt to pass is during the second semester of their program.
- For direct Ph.D. students with a BS degree: Only two attempts to pass the exam are allowed. These students need to pass by the fifth semester of his/her program, and the latest they can use their first attempt to pass is during the fourth semester of their program.
For both cases, the first semester of the program is defined as the semester in which an ECE graduate course is taken as a Ph.D. student.
The examination consists of a Mathematics section with six questions, and an ECE 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, closed notes, with no calculators or computers allowed. All work must be shown to receive full credit. The examination is given in two consecutive days, with three and a half (3.5) hours for the Mathematics section in the first day and four and a half (4.5) hours for the ECE section in the second day.
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 six mathematics problems to work. An average score of 70% is required to pass.
- Differential Equations (MATH 221)
- Discrete Math (CSCE 235)
- Linear Algebra (MATH 314)
- Probability and Statistics (ECEN 305/Math 380)
- Transform Techniques (ECEN 304)
- Vector Calculus (MATH 208)
Prior to the examination, the student selects three of the following electrical/computer 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.
- Bioinformatics (ECEN 450/453)
- Communication Systems (ECEN 462/464)
- Computer Networks (ECEN 4660)
- Computer Organization and Architecture (ECEN 310/4330)
- Control Theory (ECEN 444)
- Digital System Design (ECEN 370/474)
- Electromagnetics (ECEN 306/467)
- Electronic Circuits (ECEN 316 (first half)/361)
- Materials and Devices (ECEN 316 (last half)/421)
- Optics (ECEN 480/486)
- Power and Energy Systems (ECEN 406/428)
- Signal Processing (ECEN 304/463)
Information concerning the course outlines and appropriate books can be obtained from individual professors who have recently taught the courses. Check the department web page for recent teaching assignments. 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 must complete the examination registration form, specifying the three ECE areas he/she wishes to be tested on and submit the completed form by email to Teresa Ryans at teresa.ryans@unl.edu. If for some reason you are not able to email the form to Teresa you can schedule an appointment to meet with her in person at Nebraska Hall E419 in Lincoln or PKI 200 in Omaha on or before the sign-up deadline to turn in your form.
The examination date will be set by the Graduate Committee Chair and will typically be held on a Saturday in November for the Fall term and in April for the Spring term. The information on the logistics of the examination will be sent to students by e-mail approximately one week before the examination. Students will also be notified by e-mail of their examination results.