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 student's department faculty determines whether the performance on
the examination is "satisfactory" or "unsatisfactory" and reports this
determination in those terms and in writing to the Office of 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.
