Comprehensive Exam FAQ
Is the comprehensive exam required in order to graduate?
When in my program will I complete the comprehensive exam?
When is the comprehensive exam offered?
Where and how will the exam be administered?
What if I require a related accommodation for the exam?
Will study material be provided?
What is the format of the exam?
Is the exam open-book?
Is the exam letter-graded or pass/fail?
If I don't pass the exam, can I retake it?
Is there a fee associated with the exam?
Will Financial Aid cover the cost of the comprehensive exam?
Will I be able to obtain assistance on my Comprehensive Exam (i.e. submit my exam to the Writing Center for review)?
What does the comprehensive exam entail?
The Comprehensive Exam for Master of Arts programs in the School of Organizational Leadership consists of essay questions about cases provided as a part of the examination. The exam tests the following skill areas, including: the role of consultant, organizational dynamics, organizational development, assessing organizations, appropriate use of research, organizational interventions/recommendations, use of assessment tools, organizational leadership, human performance, training, and integration of clinical skills.
For Master of Arts programs in the School of Professional Psychology, mental healthcare specializations, the exam includes items involving case conceptualization, differential diagnoses, assessment, diversity, ethical and legal considerations in the therapeutic process, treatment planning, and outcome measurement.
For Master of Arts programs in the School of Professional Psychology, non-mental healthcare specializations, the exam format consists of questions that test the student’s knowledge in the foundations of psychology and in their specialization. Students will answer questions covering the program learning outcomes associated with their declared program and specialization.
Is the comprehensive exam required in order to graduate?
Students pursuing a Master of Arts degree are required to complete and pass the comprehensive exam in order to graduate.
When in my program will I complete the comprehensive exam?
The exam follows the final course in your program.
When is the comprehensive exam offered?
The comprehensive exam is offered on the following dates:
- January 3-7, 2013
- February 7-11, 2013
- March 21-25, 2013
- May 2-6, 2013
- June 13-17, 2013
- August 1-5, 2013
- September 19-23, 2013
- November 14-18, 2013
Where and how will the exam be administered?
You will have 96 hours to complete the exam, and you may take it from the comfort of your own home.
What if I require a related accommodation for the exam?
Students seeking accommodation for a disability should contact the Office of Student Access and Wellness at access@rockies.edu directly to discuss the requested accommodation.
Will study material be provided?
There will not be a study guide provided specifically for the exam. Since the questions will be derived from the learning outcomes of your program, you should keep a printed copy of your syllabus for each course and also keep your textbooks throughout your program.
What is the format of the exam?
The exam will be in essay format.
Is the exam open-book?
Yes.
Is the exam letter-graded or pass/fail?
The exam is pass/fail.
If I don't pass the exam, can I retake it?
You will be given three attempts within one year of your Last Date of Attendance; for each attempt, the case studies are likely to change. If after three attempts, you do not successfully pass the exam, you will be dismissed from the program.
Is there a fee associated with the exam?
Yes. The exam fee is $300.00 per attempt.
Will Financial Aid cover the cost of the comprehensive exam?
It may. You will want to discuss this with your Student Advisor to see if funds are available.
Will I be able to obtain assistance on my Comprehensive Exam (i.e., submit my exam to the Writing Center for review?
No. You are not allowed to submit your exam to the Writing Center for review or receive help from a third party (i.e., instructor, tutor, colleague) during the exam. If it is discovered that you received any type of third party assistance on the exam, you will be reported to the Dean and to the Student Community Standards Committee for Academic Dishonesty violations. If you are then found to have breached the University Academic Dishonesty policy, you will receive a grade of No Pass, and at a minimum will be required to re-take the exam. You also may face consequences up to and including dismissal from the University. You are allowed to contact your Student Advisor during the exam with questions of clarification and/or technical assistance.