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Comprehensive exam
The purpose, timing, administration and format of this exam for Hershey-based Genetics students.
What is the purpose of a comprehensive exam?
Successful completion of the comprehensive exam indicates that the student has a broad and in-depth background in their area of specialization. It marks the watershed from taking courses to being a full-time researcher. The exam serves to allow the committee to thoroughly examine the student's preparation for thesis research.
When does a student take the comprehensive exam?
To take the comprehensive examination, a student must be registered full or part-time, and must have maintained a 3.0 grade point average. Generally, the comprehensive exam is taken when a student has finished essentially all course work and is ready to focus on research work for the thesis. Typically, students take the examination some time after the second year; however, it is strongly encouraged not to delay beyond the third year. At the request of the program head, the Associate Dean of the Graduate School officially schedules the examination. Two weeks notice is required.
Who administers the comprehensive exam?
The student's Doctoral Committee administers the comprehensive examination.
What is the format of the comprehensive exam?
The student must prepare a formal research proposal and distribute it to members of the committee prior to the oral exam. The proposal will cover an area of research distinct from the thesis work. The committee can work out details of the format. The oral portion of the comprehensive examination provides an opportunity for the student and committee to critique the student's proposal in great depth. Part of the student's defense will naturally test the student's familiarity with the literature and the basic foundations of the science.
Who grades the comprehensive exam?
The comprehensive exam is not given a letter grade. Two-thirds of the Doctoral Committee must agree that the student has passed the exam, and this information is relayed to the Genetics Program Office and the Office of Graduate Student Programs for official entry into the student's record.
What are the requirements of the student after completion of the comprehensive?
The student must keep the committee informed of his/her progress on an annual basis. The thesis advisor should be consulted in planning regular meetings of the committee. Annual meetings with the committee are strongly encouraged. At the discretion of the committee, the student may be required to submit an annual written progress report.