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Comprehensive Examinations are the second and final set of exam requirements for the Ph.D. degree. In these examinations, students are expected to demonstrate their knowledge and comprehension of the literature in three doctoral fields:
Students must demonstrate their capacity to analyze and assess critically the major concepts, theories and research of each field and their ability to present these perspectives in a well-documented, cogent, clear and logical manner.
The exams are essays based on the current state of knowledge in each field as indicated by the literature. A field examination is not based upon specific courses taken at Wagner or elsewhere. Doctoral students are therefore urged to consult the Doctoral Field Descriptions and appropriate faculty for assistance in preparation for the exams.
The Research Methods comprehensive exam is a take-home exam in which students are asked to do a critical review of the methods used in an empirical study. It is offered both fall and spring semesters.
The other comprehensive exams typically consist of a choice of two or three questions to be answered within a five hour time period. However, specific guidelines may vary, so students should speak with the faculty member(s) coordinating their specific exam for details.
Each field exam is scheduled once a year, in the spring semester. Students should consult the academic calendar for exact dates.
Preparation for the Comprehensive Exams includes planning, coursework, independent study and, when possible, group study.
Each examination is graded anonymously. There are at least two independent graders for each exam. Each set of graders convenes to resolve differences between graders. Some of the factors considered in grading a field exam include: comprehension of the answer, breadth and depth of knowledge, comprehension and critical appraisal of the appropriate literature including the demonstration of familiarity with well established authors in the field, capacity to use theories and concepts to assess issues and problems in the field, logical organization of the answer, and clarity of presentation.
Students are notified of their final grades approximately four weeks after taking the exam. Students who do not pass are encouraged to contact the Chair of the comprehensive exam for that field as soon as possible, to be briefed and learn about possible ways to improve.