The Comprehensive Exam
(Study Guide for BBD Orientation Quiz 2) |
What is the Comprehensive Exam?
Comprehensive exams are administered by the department and are required of all master’s students. Several conditions must be met in order to take the comprehensive exams. Those conditions include the following:
- Completion of Research Methods course (EDFN 500) prior to the semester you plan on taking the comprehensive exams
- The exams can only be taken during the last semester you are enrolled in courses within the master’s program (i.e., semester of your final internship course).
- A comprehensive exam application form must be requested during the first or second week of the last semester, from the department secretary (745-4953). The form must be filled out and returned. It is your responsibility to allow enough time for this process.
The exam is specific to your area: Student Affairs, Marriage and Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling, or School Counseling. The exam may consist of multiple choice questions and essay questions.
It is important that you consider the format of your essays. For example, essays need to contain an introduction, body, and summary. You will need to ensure that within the body of the text, all parts of the question are addressed. You should be concise, clear, and thorough as you answer each question. Finally, you will need to make sure that you use proper grammar, paragraph transitions, and an active voice. Remember, your essay answers must indicate that you can conceptualize the material, as well as construct a written response at the graduate level.
How Should You Study for Comprehensive Exam?
The best way to study for the comp exam is to do the following: (a) use your introductory course texts from CNS 550, CNS 560 and/or CNS 571 for a general overview; (b) review class handouts; and (c) practice taking essay questions (samples are provided in your application) by actually writing out the answers. Students in the Mental Health and Marriage and Family programs might consider using the following licensure study guides to help prepare for comprehensive exams: Encyclopedia of Counseling: Master Review and Tutorial for the National Counselor Examination and State Counseling Exams (By Howard Rosenthal); Vital Information and Review Questions for the NCE and State Counseling Exams (By Howard Rosenthal); and/or Study guide for the marriage and family therapy national licensing examination (By Robert Guise).
When is the Comprehensive Exam?
Comprehensive exams are offered once a term, summer included, on a Saturday morning and takes approximately two to three hours. Students are encouraged to plan their schedules ahead of time so that there are not day or time conflicts. Please see the links below for exam dates.
Please contact the coordinator of your program for additional information or
Dr. Aaron Kindsvatter (Comprehensive Exam Coordinator).
Related links
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