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Comprehensive Exam Requirements: Doctorate of Education

Comprehensive exams are designed for learners to illustrate their understanding of a body of knowledge at the level of synthesis rather than knowledge or comprehension. This is an opportunity to show how well you can analyze and apply what you have learned in your course work.

Please refer to the Doctoral Program Guide available online:
http://www.coe.uh.edu/mycoe/coestu/gso.cfm

Applications to take the comprehensive exam must be completed and submitted by each semester's deadline. These dates are available in the Office of Student Services (112 Farish Hall).

1. All Instructional Technology Doctoral students are required to pass a written departmental examination. The purpose of the examination is to demonstrate mastery in the student's major field of study.
2. Prerequisites for taking the Comprehensive Examination are completion of at least 36 semester hours of coursework and advancement to candidacy.
3. The Comprehensive Examination is composed of 3 three-hour written components related to coursework each student has completed. At least one of the comprehensive exam questions must be on the topic of research methodology. Check with your advisor for specific details on the examination format and requirements.
4. Departments notify the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies of the results of the Comprehensive Examination. Each student is notified in writing by the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies of the results (pass or fail) of the examination. Upon a student's written request, the department chairperson will provide a written explanation of the basis for the evaluation.

A student who fails the Comprehensive Examination on the first attempt may retake the examination a second time. Students should work with their advisor if this situation occurs.