The Comprehensive Examination

All EdD candidates must successfully complete the Comprehensive Examination before they can begin work on their dissertation. Failure to pass the exam could result in the end of your enrollment and no degree ... it's that important.

• You begin the process by reading the Guide to the Comprehensive Examination the term before you plan to take E7834.
• Next, but still in the term before taking E7834, fill out the Petition to Take The Comprehensive Examination (which is contained in the guide).
• Note that the Comprehensive Examination is independent of E7834. They are to be taken in the same term, however. You cannot register for the Comp Exam on the student portal.
• After your petition has been accepted, you will receive an email from the department with further instructions. You will be told the exam URL and given the password and logon. Go there immediately and familiarize yourself with all information. Part of the site will be closed until the exams open. That closed part of the site will be opened on the date communicated to you. You then have 6 days to write your responses to the exam questions.
• You will also be sent an account number and password for TurnItIn.com along with the deadline for turning in your paper. Failure to meet the deadline could result in automatic failure.
• Your results (Pass/Fail) will be communicated to you by mail sometime after the closing of the exam, but there is no specific schedule. A 'Pass' allows you to enroll in your dissertation classes next term.

NOTE: Procedures change over time and these reflect what was current information when the site was last updated. Always check with your faculty advisor the term before you are due to enroll in E7834. If you have any questions, please contact your faculty advisor.