The exam is not intended to duplicate course examinations, and emphasis is given to the ability to synthesize concepts and practices across the curriculum. Comps are normally taken in the student's final term. The exam, however, may be taken in the previous session if the student will have completed 30 semester hours and all required courses by the end of that term. The examination committee consists of three members of the SLIS faculty. Students are invited to request three committee members and an alternate.
Final selection is made by the director, with an attempt to equalize the load among the faculty.
Each member of the committee reads and evaluates the written exam prior to the oral exam. All three members attend the oral exam, participate in the questioning, and evaluate the responses. The written exam typically contains two questions. Five double-spaced pages and an additional bibliography of readings are expected in response to each question. A set of guidelines for these responses is provided.