Level 1

The goal of Level 1 is to provide a broad foundation in the field on which a student can later build a research project. Students take a series of courses, culminating with the Level 1 Qualifying Exams, which cover topics in Theory, Systems and Applications. The requirements for Level I are designed to encourage students to get involved with research early in their studies. Students begin research in seminars and prepare contributions to papers in journals and conference proceedings. However, the student should keep in mind that the preparation for and passing of the qualifying exam is the primary goal during this first phase, and research is secondary.

The Level 1 Qualifying Exams are offered each year in January. The entire examination must be taken at each attempt.  The Level 1 exams must be passed by January of the third academic year in the PhD program.

Please see the Reading List for Level 1 Qualifying Exams.

For information about the current Level 1 Qualifying Examinations, click here.