Rules

1.

The examination will consist of two closed-book, written tests, each of duration three hours.

2.

One test is over Linear Algebra. The second test depends on the student's area of concentration:

• Applied Mathematics: Real Analysis
• Discrete Mathematics: Abstract Algebra or Combinatorics
• Statistics: Probability

Each test covers roughly one semester of study at an advanced undergraduate level.

3.

The two tests will be administered within a seven-day period and may be on consecutive days, but may not be on the same day.

4.

The examination will be given in August (before the fall semester) and January (before or during the first week of the spring semester).

5.

Students must pass the proficiency examination by January of their second full year in the PhD program at MTU.

6.

Each test will be graded by a committee of two or more faculty members, which will grade each paper on a pass/fail basis. If the committee is unable to agree on whether a particular paper should be graded as pass or fail, then the Director of Graduate Studies shall appoint an arbitrator.

7.

In order to pass the Proficiency Examination, a student must pass the two individual tests at a single administration. A student who either of these tests will be required to take and pass the full examination at the next administration.

8.

A student failing to pass the proficiency examination within the time limit is eligible to complete a masters degree (if applicable), but is not eligible to continue in the PhD program.

9.

Each test will follow the corresponding syllabus (attached).

10.

The Director of Graduate Studies will maintain a collection of tests from previous years. The syllabi and the test bank will be available to students at all times.

11.

The Director of Graduate Studies shall apply these rules. If a dispute arises, the final interpretation shall be made by the Graduate Committee.