The objective of the Preliminary Examination is the early assessment of a student’s potential for satisfactory completion of the doctoral degree. The exams are entirely closed – no books or notes are allowed.
Please note that Masters-only students who do not plan to move on to the PhD do not have to take the Preliminary (Prelim Exam).
All students admitted to the MS/PhD program on entry are required to take the examination no later than the end of their first year.
Current 5th Year and M.Eng Students who wish to add PhD or D.ENG degree must pass the examination within their first year as well, after their change of degree goal request is approved. This policy is to ensure a transparent, thorough, and fair application review process, independent from an applicant’s current or past enrollment at Berkeley.
For more details about taking the Prelim, please see the Prelim Section of Chapter 7.