Comprehensive Examination

All students in the Leadership, Learning, and Educational Change EdD program will take a Comprehensive Examination once they have completed and passed all core courses required in the degree plan. For most students, this examination will occur during their second year in the program, after the fall semester. Students who have yet to complete all core courses will arrange to take the examination once their work in core coursework is finished. 

The Comprehensive Examination will consist of two questions, each requiring full essay responses that draw on ideas from multiple core courses. Answers to these questions will be evaluated by faculty who teach these courses. Responses will be evaluated based on clarity of argument, integration of course concepts, and critical thinking. 

Passing the Comprehensive Examination allows students to proceed in the program—to begin or continue taking elective classes and to plan and move forward with their dissertations.  Students who do not pass the examination will work with the EdD Graduate Program Director to discuss their plans for moving forward, which will include retaking the Comprehensive Examination.