The examination may be attempted no more than two times. Failure of the examination on the second attempt will result in dismissal from the program. On answers deemed unsatisfactory by at least two readers and no more than two readers, students may elect to attempt to orally defend their answer. At least on reader must have accepted the answer before it can be defended . This oral defense allows students to further explain responses in an effort to persuade the committee to accept the answer.
Oral defenses are limited to no more than two questions .
Answers to questions and grader comments will remain confidential until after all defenses and question re-writes for the term have been completed . Faculty who graded the answer, in addition to members of a student's comprehensive exam committee, may be present during the oral defense. Return to Top of Page Return to Communication Home Page Thesis or Final Project 1. The thesis is a manuscript that thoroughly examines previous research in a specific area or on a specific problem and provides new research or theoretical insights into the problem. The final project is designed in close consultation with the student's advisor.