Comprehensive exams

You will take a comprehensive examination during your last semester of coursework. You will need to sign up for the exams the semester PRIOR to the exam by contacting the comprehensive exam coordinator (Dr. James Gall at 970 351 1609 or email him at james.gall@unco.edu). 

We use comprehensive exams as a way of assessing your understanding of the discipline. We also use these exams as a way of evaluating how well we have achieved our program goals.

Comprehensive exam dates are scheduled for:

  • M.A.      February 25-28, 2010
  • Ph.D.     February 3-7, 2010

Comprehensive exams tend to create anxiety for most students. Over the years, however, a strong majority of students pass the exam on their first try! Those few who don’t, tend to pass it on the second try. To reduce the anxiety of the comprehensive exams, try these things:

  1. Think of the comprehensive exam as your chance to integrate everything you’ve learned in the program in a way that is meaningful to you.
  2. Contact the comprehensive exam coordinator and ask for assistance and practice questions.
  3. Consider joining a study group.
  4. Look back to your program evaluation plan and review the specific objectives of each course.
    See How you are Evaluated in the MA School Library Education Program
    See How you are Evaluated in the MA Educational Technology Program
    See How You are Evaluated in the PhD Program