Managing the Graduate School Experience: From Acceptance to Graduation and Beyond by Mark H. Rossman & Kim Muchnick & Nicole Benak

Author:Mark H. Rossman & Kim Muchnick & Nicole Benak [Rossman, Mark H. & Muchnick, Kim & Benak, Nicole]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General, Education, Adult & Continuing Education, Higher
ISBN: 9781475817959
Google: m-OwCQAAQBAJ
Goodreads: 54887712
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Published: 2015-05-21T00:00:00+00:00

POTENTIAL COMMITTEE MEMBER

Discussion: The CMSG provides a profile regarding your perceptions of the degree to which faculty members exhibit the characteristics of effective committee members. Characteristics rated 3 or higher are acceptable levels of attainment. Faculty members demonstrating “moderate” to “high” levels of attainment on those characteristics important to you probably would be effective committee members.

6

THE COMPREHENSIVE EXAM

I was scared stiff at the thought of returning to school, taking courses, and having to pass exams. I never did well on written exams and, as a result, had some doubts about my ability to complete a graduate degree. Could I sit in class, take notes, write papers, and study for tests the same way I did when I was an undergrad?

Well, I’m now in grad school and doing quite well. My family and I have discussed my concerns and we all have made the necessary adjustments. I’m preparing for my comps. I know it’s only a matter of time before I graduate.

—Paulette

Graduate programs frequently have something called a comprehensive examination, or “comp.” The comp usually is taken during the last semester of course work or immediately after course work has been completed. In some programs, it is referred to as the “prelims” or “qualifying exam.” It is designed to demonstrate competency and mastery of the program of study. Regardless of what it is called, it is a formal process and is generally considered to be the capstone experience regarding the course work you took as part of your program of study.

Many, but not all, master’s degree programs have a comp. It is very unusual for doctoral programs not to have one. Comps are most often a written exam lasting anywhere from two hours to two days. Many schools follow the written exam with an oral exam that is designed to provide further evidence of competence and mastery of the program of study. Some have only an oral. For those graduate programs in which the comp is offered, passing it is a major milestone.

Graduate students approach the comp with a feeling of dread and fear. For many, the thought of this type of exam causes the body to ache and the mind to turn to mush. This perception is especially true for the learner who has a bachelor’s degree, has been out of school for a number of years, and is thinking of returning to graduate school. Having completed an undergraduate degree, even with honors, does little to lessen the dread and fear. However, it is important to recognize that attainment of the bachelor’s degree is indicative of success and demonstrates an ability to take exams regardless of how many years ago it was completed.

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