Students must sign up to take the exams in the Higher Education-Educational Administration department office, Campion 205, by the publicized deadline. The examination will generally be given twice a year, once during the winter break or shortly after the beginning of the semester, and once in the summer, typically directly after the end of classes. Please note that summer exams will not be evaluated until the fall semester. The specific dates are determined by those students who sign up to take the examination in consultation with the Higher Education Program coordinator. The exams questions are written and graded by the core faculty.
Grades awarded are pass, pass with distinction, or fail.
To pass with distinction, the student must show outstanding analytical skills, command of the topic areas considered, and effective writing. If a student fails one section, he or she may be asked to rewrite the question. If successful the second time, the student will pass. Students may re-take the comprehensive examination only once. The student and the advisor must select a topic for the QP which will relate to the doctoral dissertation topic of the student.