Each student in the Ph.D. program must demonstrate an aptitude for conducting a program of independent scholarly research. This examination should be completed no later than the second semester of residence.

Students wishing to take the Research Aptitude Test should send a formal request in writing to the IE Graduate Liaison. It should contain the names of two IE professors who will serve as examiners and the semester in which the examination will be taken.

Research aptitude will be assessed using the following procedures:

1. The student selects two faculty members to administer the research aptitude exam.
2. The student must complete the exam within a period of time agreeable to both faculty members, but the time cannot exceed one semester.
3. The exam will consist of a thorough investigation of an existing research area in industrial engineering. The student will receive a written statement of the assignment, which will be prepared jointly by the two faculty members. The student must perform independent research on the problem.
4. A written report will be prepared by the student for evaluation by faculty. The report will include at least the following elements:
• A review of research papers provided by the faculty and those identified by the student in the literature.
• Development of computer codes applicable to the problem.
• The conducting of pilot studies as appropriate for experimentally-based research to elaborate on results reported in the literature.
• A discussion of possible extensions of the research area examined, including the appropriate experimental methodology and analysis techniques.

The report must reflect an in-depth understanding of the research area. It will be evaluated by the two faculty members who may at their option also request the student to appear for an oral examination covering the report. The faculty members will then make a recommendation to the IE Graduate Faculty regarding continued enrollment of the student in the Ph.D. program.

Waiving Qualifying Examination

A student who has completed a masters degree and written a quality thesis from a recognized industrial engineering program in the U.S. may request the IE Graduate Studies Committee to waive the qualifying examination.

The committee will review the coursework and thesis, after which the student will meet with the committee to answer any questions regarding the coursework or qualifying examination.