Comprehensive Assessment
A comprehensive assessment is administered in the term in which the student expects to receive the degree. Each graduate program must have a comprehensive assessment of their students’ broad knowledge of the field. Since such knowledge is beyond the scope of any single research component, the assessment cannot be limited to the content of a thesis. The comprehensive assessment must include a written component. This written component may take one (or more) of several forms:
- multiple choice (including ETS-type exams)
- take-home essay(s)
- timed sit-down essay(s)
- reflective portfolio essay(s)
Each program may choose to add additional components, such as portfolios, oral defenses, or proposals. However, such requirements do not necessarily meet the required assessment as described above.
The 5-Year Review should mandate each department present the comprehensive examination framework to demonstrate breadth and the comprehensive nature of the examination.
Students who require special accommodations should contact the Graduate Office no less than 48 hours prior to test date. The student must have been admitted to candidacy to be eligible to attempt the comprehensive assessment and must have a 3.00 GPA in all coursework. Application must be made prior to or no later than the third week of the trimester the student plans to complete the comprehensive assessment. Approval will be determined by the Dean of the Graduate School in consultation with the student’s advisor. Students must achieve the minimum of an overall “B” grade in order to pass. If students lack two required courses (maximum of six semester hours), they may apply to complete the comprehensive assessment. If approved by the graduate advisor and Dean of the Graduate School, a student who fails the comprehensive assessment for a master’s degree may take it again. The maximum number of times the student may attempt the comprehensive assessment for the master’s degree is three, in three separate sessions, in fall, spring, or summer. The Specialist in Education candidate may request approval to attempt the comprehensive assessment once after failing.
The comprehensive examination will be offered each trimester during a testing period and at a location or mode of delivery to be specified by the department that is responsible for the examination. Request for flexibility in extenuating circumstances may be considered upon petition, with supporting documentation, to the Graduate Dean prior to the scheduled examination.