The Supervisory Committee arranges for comprehensive examinations at least seven months prior to the final oral examination (defense).
The written comprehensive examination is an investigation of the student’s breadth of understanding of the field of knowledge of which his/her special subject is a part. It is not a repetition of course examinations.
An oral comprehensive examination may be required at the discretion of the Supervisory Committee.
The oral exam may include the minor or related fields in addition to the major field of study.
If an oral exam is required, it is part of the comprehensive exam requirements to be met before candidacy.