Departments | Curriculum, Instruction & Professional Studies
The Comprehensive Examination
During the final semester of the program, the student will take a comprehensive written examination. During the semester prior to the exam, the student should pick up a study guide from the program coordinator.
The examination will be graded as PASS or FAIL. A student who fails the examination may take it again during the next semester. Should a second failure occur, a third attempt is possible upon the recommendation of the program coordinator and on a favorable vote from the Graduate Council. If the student's request to take the third examination is denied, or in the event of a third failure, the student will be dismissed from the program.
Portfolio Presentation
During the final semester of the program, the student will present to the program coordinator a portfolio of materials created throughout the program (e.g., research papers, action research projects, diagnostic summary reports, media presentations, and integrated units). The student should meet with her/his advisor the semester before the graduation term to begin planning the specific portfolio contents. They will discuss the courses completed and the products developed; they will tentatively outline a 1-2 hour presentation to be scheduled the following regular semester.
The portfolio presentation is a culminating activity that allows the student to review, analyze, evaluate, and present artifacts and research she/he has developed throughout the program. The presentation must utilize advanced technology in some part. The student may be presenting to his/her advisor, other program members, and/or the program coordinator.
The presentation will be graded as PASS or FAIL. A student who fails the portfolio presentation may, after a period of one month, schedule a new presentation. Should a second failure occur, a third presentation is possible upon the recommendation of the program coordinator and on a favorable vote from the Graduate Council. If the student's request to take the third portfolio presentation is denied, or in the event of a third failure, the student will be dismissed from the program.