The General Examination (GE) consists of two parts, with the relevant first year courses, as follows:
- ESI 6912 – Fundamentals of Mathematical Programming
- ESI 6417 – Linear Programming and Network Optimization
- Deterministic Modeling and Optimization
Applied Probability and Stochastic Processes
- ESI 6321 – Applied Probability Methods in Engineering
- ESI 6546 – Stochastic Modeling and Analysis
Note, however, that the exam is not limited to the contents of these courses. You are expected to have a thorough understanding of the course material and are recommended to read related reference books to master the subject material. The Graduate Committee will prepare a list of topics as well as a list of reference materials for each of the two components of the GE on which you will be tested.
Each part of the GE will receive a grade of High Pass, Pass, or Fail, and to pass you need to receive a passing grade on both parts of the GE. If you fail one of the two parts of the GE, you need to retake all parts on which you did not receive a grade of High Pass. If you do not pass the GE after the second attempt you will not be allowed to continue in the Ph.D. program; moreover, if you were on assistantship, continued funding will no longer be guaranteed.
If you enter the Ph.D. program in the Fall semester, you are required to take the GE in May of your first year of study with an opportunity for a second attempt in August of that year. If you enter the program in the Spring semester, you are required to take the GE in May of your second year of study with an opportunity for a second attempt in August of that year. If you enter the Ph.D. program in the Fall semester with a Bachelor’s degree only, you may petition the Graduate Committee to take the GE in your second year of study.
It is highly recommended that you prepare for the GE by attempting as many relevant problems as possible in the textbooks used in class. It will also be useful to meet occasionally in groups and discuss your solutions or any issues that arise with each other. Do not necessarily limit yourself to what was taught in the different required courses that are offered in the first year of the Ph.D. program. While mastery of the course materials is essential, several problems on the exam will test your ability to abstract from these and apply your knowledge in other areas.