Requirements Other Than Course Credits

Students who choose a major program in which requirements other than course credits exist should consult with their advisers with respect to the nature and character of the requirements and the regulations and dates governing their administration and report.

Comprehensive Examinations

Students who choose a major program that requires a comprehensive examination should consult with their advisers on departmental regulations and dates governing the administration of the examination.

The department faculty determines whether the student's performance on the examination is "satisfactory" or "unsatisfactory" and reports this determination in those terms and in writing to the Office of Student and Academic Services. A department may, for good reason, "defer" a report, but in this event must arrange promptly for a determination of "satisfactory" or "unsatisfactory." In the event that the student's performance is rated and reported as "unsatisfactory," he or she may file a request with the department to take the examination a second time. Upon approval of the department faculty and the concurrence of the dean's office, a second examination may be given. A third examination is not permitted.

Some programs may allow students to write a thesis in lieu of taking a comprehensive examination. Students interested in that option should contact their advisers.