Comprehensive exam

Overview and purpose

The Comprehensive Examination for the PhD is a rigorous examination administered as early as possible in the student's tenure by the student's committee. An oral examination is required. The committee may also choose to require a written examination. The exam should cover aspects of advanced ecology and related disciplines necessary to the student's field of specialization.

Scheduling

The Comprehensive Examination must be scheduled with the Graduate School at least three weeks in advance of the exam date. A form to schedule this exam is available from the Program office.

When scheduling the Comprehensive Exam, check to be sure that:

• Students must be registered the semester of both the oral comprehensive examination and the final oral examination (even if taken during  a summer session).
• No missing or deferred grades can appear on a student's transcript when the candidacy exam, oral comprehensive examination or the final oral examination is scheduled.
• Students must have at least a 3.0 grade point average to schedule an oral comprehensive examination or final oral examination and to graduate.
• Doctoral candidates can be assigned letter grades for thesis research (ECLGY 600 [on campus], ECLGY 610 [off-campus]) for a total number of 12 credits. No 601 courses should be taken.
• Students cannot register for thesis preparation (ECLGY 601/611) until they have passed the comprehensive examination and have met the two-semester residence requirement.
• If the student has a minor program, at least 15 credits that aren't used to fulfill requirements in the major program must be counted toward that minor. In other words, the minor is 15 credits beyond the normal coursework. Check to be sure you are making progress on this coursework.
• A candidate for the PhD must have satisfied the departmental communication and foreign language requirement (if applicable) before taking the comprehensive examination. (For Ecology there is no formal requirement beyond what is required by the student's committee.)
• A candidate for the PhD must have satisfied any requirements put forth by the Candidacy Committee to satisfy the English competency requirement before taking the comprehensive exam.
• Time limitation: A doctoral student is required to complete the program, including acceptance of the doctoral thesis, within eight years of passing the candidacy exam. Be sure you will be meeting this deadline. Extensions may be granted in appropriate circumstances.
• Be aware of the residency requirement. After passing the doctoral candidacy examination, students must be registered full time for two semesters in a twelve-month period. This may include the semester of candidacy examination if it is taken during spring or fall.