The purpose of the comprehensive examination is to establish high
standards of mastery for the integration of knowledge representing what
should be known by professional psychologists and the ability to
express that knowledge. Prospective candidates for the doctorate are
not permitted to proceed to the comprehensive examination unless their
record in coursework and supervision demonstrates evidence of
satisfactory progress toward doctoral-level practice. This evidence
consists of both grades and narrative evaluations.
All
candidates for the degree of doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) are required to take
the written segments of the comprehensive examination, which are
administered each summer, as soon as a major portion of course
requirements is completed. Prior approval by the student's adviser is
necessary.
The examination is composed of three parts:
1. The written general part applies to all Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology students and
covers areas of knowledge common to the general field of professional
psychology. Questions are solicited from and prepared by faculty from
each program working jointly. The general part is given over two days.
2. The written program part is designed for students in the
individual programs and requires knowledge of the particular
discipline. Faculty from each program devise their own examinations. Students in the school psychology program are required to take the Praxis II School Psychologist Test administered through the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Passing this Praxis fulfills requirements for the program specialty written test.
3. The oral specialty part examines a segment of the student's
actual work with clients or consultees. The student is expected to
present faculty examiners with a written, audio, and/or videotape of a
work sample. The case write-up is to reflect the student's thinking and
theoretical orientation. The examination generally lasts one to two
hours.
The clinical Psy.D. program requires that the written
general and program sections of the comprehensive examination be
completed successfully before the student may accept an internship.
The school Psy.D. program requires that students pass the written general section of the comprehensive examination and the Praxis II exam before they can begin an internship.
