OILS Doctoral Comprehensive Examination Guidelines University of New Mexico As stated in the UNM Catalog, “A doctoral student must pass a Comprehensive Examination in the major field of study. This examination, which may be written, oral or both, is not limited to the areas of the student’s coursework, but tests the student’s grasp of the field as a whole.” (p.52) The student is to meet with the Program of Studies Committee Members to determine the topics of the exam questions. The written exam is typically administered on three consecutive days, four hours per day (12 hours total). The student is to respond to one question per day and may choose the question they wish to answer on any given day. The Program Coordinator proctors the exam. The three questions are intended to assess the student’s understanding of his or her emphasis and specialty areas, and the relationship between the minor area of study and the major. Therefore, students will receive one question that covers each of the following: The theory that underlies the student’s major emphasis area in OI&LS Program. The theory that underlies the student’s specialty within his/her emphasis area. The relationship between the minor area of study and the student’s current area of study in the OI&LS Program. Any of these questions may address aspects of the student’s dissertation area if a topic has been chosen. In addition, any of these questions may have a research methodology focus or component. Students are expected to work with their Program of Studies Committee Members to determine their questions. Students will not be told the exact question, but will know the content area that will be covered. Students are responsible
OILS Doctoral Comprehensive Examination Guidelines University of New Mexico As stated in the UNM Catalog, “A doctoral student must pass a Comprehensive Examination in the major field of study. This examination, which may be written, oral or both, is not limited to the areas of the student’s coursework, but tests the student’s grasp of the field as a whole.” (p.52) The student is to meet with the Program of Studies Committee Members to determine the topics of the exam questions. The written exam is typically administered on three consecutive days, four hours per day (12 hours total). The student is to respond to one question per day and may choose the question they wish to answer on any given day. The Program Coordinator proctors the exam. The three questions are intended to assess the student’s understanding of his or her emphasis and specialty areas, and the relationship between the minor area of study and the major. Therefore, students will receive one question that covers each of the following: The theory that underlies the student’s major emphasis area in OI&LS Program. The theory that underlies the student’s specialty within his/her emphasis area. The relationship between the minor area of study and the student’s current area of study in the OI&LS Program. Any of these questions may address aspects of the student’s dissertation area if a topic has been chosen. In addition, any of these questions may have a research methodology focus or component. Students are expected to work with their Program of Studies Committee Members to determine their questions. Students will not be told the exact question, but will know the content area that will be covered. Students are responsible