Master's Degree Comprehensive Examination

All Master's degree candidates are required to pass a written comprehensive exam. This exam normally is taken after a student has completed course work.

Students will select a faculty committee composed of a major advisor, a minor advisor, and one additional member selected in consultation with the major advisor. The faculty committee is responsible for administering the exam.

Students should master material for core reading lists of books broadly covering major and minor fields in preparation for comprehensive exams.

The exam begins with a written section, consisting of broad essay questions in both major and minor fields. The essays will be administered on a take-home basis. Once a student finishes the essay portion, a follow up oral exam, usually lasting an hour, will be conducted by the candidate's three committee members.