The doctoral field 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 Research Methods and two other fields (one of which must be either finance, policy or management); 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. All three comprehensive exams must be taken within 3 semesters of the first exam. Students may take three exams in three different semesters or may take two exams in one semester. Students should pass all three comp exams within two years of passing the PQE or by the end of their fourth year in the program. The comprehensive examinations may not be waived. Students who do not pass a comprehensive exam on their first try must take the exam again during the next scheduled exam period. Except under unusual circumstances, students who fail any of the fields twice will be terminated from the doctoral program.
Design of the Comprehensive Exams
The exams are essays based on the current state of knowledge and state of the art 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.
Preparation for the Comprehensive Exams
Preparation for the comprehensive examinations begins with planning and selecting appropriate coursework in relation to the fields of concentration Rather than focusing on individual courses as ends in themselves, the approach should be to consider them as tools to access aspects of a given field.
Students who have planned their coursework in relation to fields, have written papers on the literature for courses, followed up on recent bibliographical references, and consulted with full-time faculty teaching courses or doing research in those fields, will have a definite advantage in preparing successfully for these examinations. The program recommends that students form study groups in preparation for the exam. Sample questions from previous exams are available from the Director of Academic Services.
Grading of the Comprehensive Exams
Each examination is graded anonymously. There are at least two independent
graders for each exam and often three when there is no consensus. Each field
committee 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 performance.
