What is quals?

"Quals" is a colloquial term for "qualifying exams", which are comprehensive exams taken by students in graduate school to demonstrate mastery of their field of study and ability to continue onto the dissertation phase. Quals are often taken after a student has completed coursework and before beginning their research project, and typically cover a broad range of material related to the student's focus area. Depending on the institution and field, qual exams may be written or oral, individual or group, and can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. The outcome of the exam can determine whether a student is allowed to continue in their program or must leave with a master's degree. Qualifying exams can be very challenging, but successful completion signals a major milestone for PhD candidates nearing their ultimate goal of earning a doctoral degree.