Examinations Assessing Academic Progress
Qualifying Paper
After the first full year in the program (during the second summer), candidates will be required to prepare a written Qualifying Paper that consists of a comprehensive literature review on a significant topic in educational leadership. The literature review will provide an opportunity to assess the candidate's substantive knowledge, analytical reasoning, and writing proficiency.
The written qualifying paper will be reviewed by a group of four
faculty, which will be composed of two members from UCI and two members from CSU and will include a faculty member from the candidate's home campus. All members must approve the candidate's qualifying paper in order for the candidate to receive a pass grade. Candidates whose papers do not fulfill the criteria for a pass grade will be permitted to resubmit the paper within three months. Any candidate failing on the second attempt will not be permitted to continue in the program.