Written and Oral Comprehensive Examinations

Before admission to degree candidacy, the student must pass a general examination in the chosen fields of study. This examination is intended to test the student's comprehensive knowledge of the major and minor subjects of study, both in breadth across the general field of study, and in depth within the area of specialization.

The examination is composed of two parts: (1) a written portion covering the major and minor fields, and (2) an oral portion which is to be conducted before a committee of five faculty members appointed by the Dean of the Graduate College, upon the recommendation of the major and minor departments.

The written and oral portions of the Comprehensive Examination are to take place within two successive semesters, not including summer sessions.

Students must pass the written examination and results must be reported to the Graduate Degree Certification Office before the oral examination is held. All policies for retaking the written examination are left to the discretion of the department or IDP. Deadlines for the submission of paperwork pertaining to the Oral Comprehensive Examination are available in the Graduate Degree Certification Office. The Comprehensive Examination is to be held when essentially all course work has been completed and no later than three months prior to the date of the Final Oral Defense Examination. No student will be permitted a second attempt to pass the Oral Comprehensive Examination unless it is recommended by the examining committee, endorsed by the major department, and approved by the Dean of the Graduate College. The second examination, if approved, may not take place until four months after the date of the first examination. Please refer at the Graduate College website for the complete policy.

* Also known in previous Graduate Catalogs as the Preliminary Examination.

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