Comprehensive Examinations and Application for Graduation

Comprehensive Examinations

Policies and Procedures for M.Ed. and M.S.A Candidates

  1. The exam is composed of 5 essay questions. Students will have four hours to take the exam, (typically 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Students must pass four of five questions to pass the exam on the first attempt. Any questions not attempted will be considered automatic failures. Many students choose to only attempt only four questions; however, if you do this, be aware that you must pass all four questions to pass the exam.
  2. If a student fails two or more questions, they must retake all of the failed questions again in the areas they did not pass. This includes any questions that were not attempted on the first exam. ALL questions must be passed on the retake to pass the exam. A student may retake the exam twice; if the student does not pass the second retake, they will not be awarded a degree.
  3. Students may have no more than 6 semester hours left to complete in their program of study, the semester following the attempting of the exam (not including field experiences). Students are responsible for knowledge of the entire core curriculum of their course of study. If they take the exam before having taken the entire core curriculum, it cannot be guaranteed that they will not have a question from a course they have not yet taken.
  4. Students should be aware that they might be given a question from a course in which they are currently enrolled during the semester they attempt the exam. Students are strongly advised to talk to each professor as to how to best prepare for a possible question from a specific course.
  5. Comprehensive exams are normally scheduled for the first Saturday in November and March. There may be (if needed) a special administration in June, which is limited to retakes only for M.S.A. students.
  6. Applications must be received by Sterling Tharrington, Graduate Admissions, by October 15th for the November session and February 15th for the March session

Policies and Procedures for Counseling Candidates

Comprehensive Examination Candidates completing a degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling will take the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) during the semester before their graduation semester. The CPCE is created by the Center for Credentialing & Education and stimulates student integration of knowledge in separate courses. Results of the exam provide students with comparative strength and weakness feedback.   Candidates should consult with their academic advisor early in their program regarding application and other process issues specific to the comprehensive examination. Importantly, candidates taking comprehensive examinations must be prepared to respond to questions based on all courses in their specific programs. Comprehensive Examinations are typically administered in October or November, the exact date is determined by the Center for Credentialing & Education and the CMHC Program Coordinator. 

Policies for Graduation Application

You must apply to graduate. The registrar’s office will post a link for you to apply on their webpage. The deadline for graduation will be posted when it is set by the registrar’s office. Your gown and hood must be purchased at the bookstore.

More about Graduation