Graduate Programs

Master Comprehensive Examination Policies

  • Purposes
    • To provide the student with an opportunity to demonstrate a synthesis of knowledge gained through the Master's program course work.
    • To assess the student's knowledge gained in course work and his/her ability to retain and use this knowledge over a long period of time.
    • To assess the student's ability to clearly communicate information and ideas related to the profession.
  • Scoring the Exam

    The exam consists of three questions; each committee member provides one question. Each question will be evaluated on a "Pass or Fail" basis by the committee member (within two weeks.)

  • The exam will be evaluated as "Pass" pass all three questions; "Conditional Failure" (pass two questions and fail one question); or "Failure" (Fail two or fail three questions.)
  • If a student receives "Conditional Failure" on the exam he or she may arrange to meet with the committee member to determine the process for removing the deficiency.
  • If a student receives "Failure" on the exam, he/she must reapply to retake the exam on the next scheduled test date.
  • Candidates who receive "Conditional Failure" or "Failure" on three successive attempts of a comprehensive exam will be terminated from the program.
  • The evaluation committee will consist of three members**:
    • A faculty member from the major area.
    • A faculty member from the supporting area.
    • A faculty member from the Master common core area.
    **The student's advisor will be one of these faculty members.

Applications are available on the School of Education website at www.uhv.edu/edu/forms/forms.asp A satisfactory performance on the school’s comprehensive examination is required of all graduate students. Comprehensive examinations are required for a second master’s degree.