Preliminary Examination Dates

The doctoral preliminary examination includes two components, both of which include written and oral presentations.  The clinical case study is an in-depth reflection on a single counseling case, and serves as an exemplar of clinical competencies in the role of counselor.  The dissertation proposal includes a literature review and method section for a proposed dissertation project, and serves as an exemplar of academic and scientific proficiency.

The Doctoral Training Committee has created a rubric for scheduling administrations of the clinical case study (Preliminary Examination Part 1).

Preliminary Exam 1 will typically be administered on Monday of final exams week during the spring and fall semester, unless changed by faculty vote. The following is the exam schedule through Spring 202​9.

Dissertation proposal meetings are scheduled on an individual basis. At least 4 weeks before your planned proposal date, contact the department’s ​Graduate Program Manager (GPM), and complete the Dissertation Proposal Defense Request Form. This form requires your advisor’s signature, certifying their approval of your proposal document. This form provides the ​GPM with the information needed to obtain your Preliminary Warrant from the Graduate School. In addition, it provides a list of committee members and possible proposal dates, which the ​GPM will use to coordinate your proposal meeting.