Comprehensive examinations provide the other of the two means for most students to complete the requirements for the Masters degree. Students wishing to pursue the comprehensive exam option should notify the Graduate Director and set down a tentative Plan of Study which indicates courses likely to be taken to meet the sub-field requirements.
Assuming they have completed a "Plan of Study" approved by the Department and the Graduate School, and also have no incomplete grades from previous terms, students may take these exams during the semester they are completing the required 32 hours but not in the semester when the student is taking one of the core seminars of the subfield except with approval of the Graduate Director.
Copies of previous exams for each sub-field are available to aid students in preparing for their comprehensive exams.
Students choosing to take comprehensive exams must successfully complete six graduate courses, three in one subfield, and three in a second subfield from the four subfields listed below:
There is no guarantee that all courses will be offered during the tenure of a graduate student in the department. It is the graduate student’s responsibility to consult with the Graduate Director as to the current course availability.
To graduate, a student must pass both comprehensive exams. Failing twice any of the comprehensive exams will result in the termination of the student from the master’s program.