The Department of Educational Psychology has agreed to the following procedure for the master's comprehensive examination to be administered three times per year. This exam is only allowed to be completed three times and may be taken no more than 24 months prior to the date of graduation. It is the Department's recommendation that you complete Masters Comprehensive Exams the semester prior to your intended graduation date.
For the purpose of the examination the Department is considered to be arranged in four areas of emphasis: (a) Counseling, (b) Development, (c) Learning Sciences, and (d) Quantitative, Qualitative, and Psychometric Methods (QQPM). Subtests for each of four areas will consist of objective items and/or essay-type questions. Each subtest will require approximately 45-50 minutes to complete. Selection of items to comprise these subtests will be made up by representatives from each of the four areas for each administration of the comprehensive examination.
Students are required to complete a minimum of three subtests. Counseling Psychology students should select the Counseling track option and two other tests*. DLS students should select two out of three questions from Learning Sciences, Development, and Behavioral Learning, as well as one of the three subtests from the QQPM area. QQPM students should select two subtests from QQPM plus either Development or Learning Sciences. School students should select Development, Measurement, and Behavioral Learning. Selection of the subtests to be taken should be made by the student in consultation with his/her advisor.
Students will meet with their advisor to confirm selection of their subtests and then register (no later than one week prior to the exam date) via the following Qualtrics survey link: https://unlcorexmuw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AdWs2bzjtX5hlA
Evaluation decisions with regard to the examination are made on the basis of a uniform percentage criteria. One percentage is based on the total point value of the subtests completed. For example, for a student taking three 50-point subtests his or her percentage score would be based on 150 points. The percentage score necessary for passing is 70% (i.e., 105 points). In addition, the minimum passing percentage of each of the subtests is 60%.
The comprehensive examination is only allowed to be taken three times. The soonest time for retaking the exam will be the next regularly scheduled administration. If the passing percentage for the entire examination is less than 70% then the entire comprehensive examination must be retaken. If a satisfactory passing percentage is obtained for the exam, but one or more of the subtests have less than a 60% passing score, only the unsuccessful subtest(s) must be completed again.
Information has been prepared to assist students in their preparation for the comprehensive examination in the form of learning objectives for the subtests. Click on the appropriate links below to view this information.
*Beginning academic year 2027-2028, the Counseling Psychology program plans to require the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE) in lieu of the exam detailed above. The CPCE tests students on the same eight domains as the National Counselor Examination: Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice, Social and Cultural Diversity, Human Growth and Development, Career Development, Counseling and Helping Relationships, Group Counseling and Group Work, Assessment and Testing, and Research and Program Evaluation.
The program’s passing score on the CPCE, and in turn comprehensive exams, is 80. Students will be authorized by the program to register for the exam. The cost to students is $75 for registration. For full details, please see the Counseling Psychology MA Program Webpage.
Comps will be administered on the FIRST FRIDAY of: March, June, and October. There are no alternative dates to take the exam.
The exam will begin at 9:00am and end at 1:00pm. The exam will take place on campus (building and room number will be e-mailed to students the Monday prior to the exam). The use of notes, books, or additional electronic devices, including but not limited to bluetooth enabled headphones, smartwatches, and/or glasses is not allowed.
The use of AI is strictly prohibited in any form. All essays will be run through AI detection software.
Registration Deadline Dates are set for the Friday one week prior to the posted dates of the exam. Late applications will not be accepted. If you require testing accommodations, you must have accommodations on file with SSD and submit your accommodation paperwork at the same time you submit your COMPS registration form.
NOTE: Beginning June 2024, all Masters Comprehensive Exams will be offered via Canvas. Students must have Respondus Lockdown Browser on their computers in order to take the exams. If you do not have a laptop with access to Respondus Lockdown Browser, you may borrow one from HuskerTech for Free. Please visit the following link to learn how to checkout a laptop from Huskertech: https://nusupport.nebraska.edu/TDClient/33/Portal/Requests/ServiceOfferingDet?ID=19
Students can download Respondus Lockdown Browser on their laptops for free using the following link: https://nusupport.nebraska.edu/TDClient/33/Portal/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=93
Please contact Zee Cronin at mcronin6@unl.edu or call 402-472-2223 if you questions.