Comprehensive Examination

A comprehensive examination is required as the student nears completion of coursework in the doctoral program. The examination is designed to ensure that the student has a firm foundation of knowledge and application in the three core areas of the program. Successful completion of the comprehensive examination attests to the student’s ability to undertake independent research and marks the student’s Advancement to Candidacy. Advancement to Candidacy is required before the student may defend a dissertation proposal.

The following policies and procedures apply to the comprehensive examination:

• The examination may be taken after the student has satisfactorily completed 42 hours (or is registered for the 42 nd hour) and upon recommendation of the student’s advisor.
• The examination consists of three questions covering the three core areas: leadership, research and communication.
• The questions may be integrative of material across core areas or focus on individual core areas.
• Questions will be responded to by students in sessions of three-hours each, two on the first day and one on the second day
• The Comprehensive Examination Subcommittee of the doctoral program will coordinate the examination process.
• Examination responses will be evaluated by a committee comprised of faculty members writing the three questions included on the examination.
• An oral examination may follow the written examination at the recommendation of the evaluation committee.
• A student must pass all three questions in order to pass the examination.
• If a question is failed, the student may be retested over the area covered by the failed question, not retake the entire examination.
• A student failing a question twice will not be permitted to continue in the program.
• Students passing the examination will be “Advanced to Candidacy.”
• Students may not defend a dissertation proposal until they are Advanced to Candidacy.

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