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 (970 351 2807). Shortly after that, you will receive a letter explaining how to go about taking the exam. Starting Fall 2007, students will be required to submit a comprehesive web-based portfolio using iWebFolio. This portfolio requirement is in addition to the written comprehensive exam.

For Master’s degree students, the letter looks like this.

For Ph.D. students the letter looks like this.

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.       June 26-30, 2008
    • M.A.       February 7-10, 2008 and October 2-6, 2008
    • Ph.D.      February 27-March 3, 2008 and  October 15-20, 2008

    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

    For more information about comprehensive exams email Dr. David Falvo (david.falvo@unco.edu).