Comprehensive Exam

The purpose of the comprehensive exam in a PhD program is to determine the preparedness of students to perform tasks composing the scientific research process in the field of computing. This includes having knowledge in core areas of their specific emphasis, understanding relevant scientific literature, designing and writing software components, and presenting technical information both orally and in writing.

Please refer to Appendix B in the Student Handbook for detailed comprehensive exam procedures and a helpful checklist.

About the Comp Exam

The comprehensive exam is comprised of four elements:

Emphasis core courses: The purpose of this requirement is for the students to have a breadth of knowledge and practical understanding in their particular emphasis area.
Synthesis paper: The purpose of this requirement is to prepare the students early on their scientific reading and writing abilities.
Computing artifact: As the program grants a PhD in Computing, the purpose of this requirement is that students who graduate from this program will be able to make a contribution in their respective emphasis areas through computation.
Oral presentation: This is a presentation of the content of the synthesis paper and a formal examination on advanced knowledge necessary for the synthesis paper and computing artifact.

Computational Math Science and Engineering:

MATH/CS 566 Numerical Methods II
MATH 567 Numerical Methods for Differential Equations
CS 507 Computing Foundations for Computational Science
COMPUT/ME 571 Parallel Scientific Computing

Computer Science:

CS 521 Design and Analysis of Algorithms or CS 561 Theory of Computation
CS 552 Operating Systems
CS 573 Advanced Software Engineering.

Cyber Security:

CS 567 Applied Cryptography or MATH 508 Advanced Public Key Cryptology or MATH 509 Symmetric Key Cryptology
CS 575 Software Security or CS 622 Advanced Network Security
CS 546 Computer Security

Data Science:

CS 533 Introduction to Data Science
CS 534 Machine Learning
MATH 562 Probability and Statistics II
MATH 572 Computational Statistics

FAQ

Can I take the comp exam in the summer?

Students may complete their comprehensive exam in the summer, but should be aware of the abridged timeline they will need to adhere to. Presentations must be completed 1 week before the final day of course instruction refer to the current academic calendar for the exact date.

Before requesting a permission number for summer comprehensive exam students must confirm that all of their committee members are available during the summer months.

Students must work with their advisor to set firm deadlines for when they will send their work to the committee for review and set a presentation deadline early on so that committee members can plan accordingly.

Can I complete core classes in the same semester I complete the comp exam?

Yes. With advisor approval you may complete the required core courses in the same semester you complete the comp exam. If you plan to take core courses concurrently you will document it on the Pre-Registration form and your advisor will sign off.

If you do not earn a B or better in a required core class taken concurrently with the comprehensive exam this will result in failure of that exam element and you will need to request a retake as outlined in the student handbook.

What are the deadlines for completing the comp exam?

Registration: Students may register for Comput 691Comprehensive Exam up until the 2nd week of classes. Submit the Pre-registration form to request a permission number.

Presentation – Presentations must be scheduled to occur at least 1 week before the final day of course instruction. Refer to the current academic calendar for the exact date. Submit the Presentation Notification form to notify the program once it’s been scheduled.

Comp Exam Form – The Comprehensive Exam form must be submitted by the last day of course instruction. Refer to the current academic calendar for the exact date. If the form has not been submitted by that date a grade of F will be entered.

What forms do I have to submit for my comp exam?

To enroll in COMPUT 691 comprehensive exam submit the Pre-Registration Form to request a permission number.
Prior to submitting your synthesis paper and computing artifact for committee review submit the Affirmation of Original Work.
After finalizing your presentation date submit the Presentation Notification Form.
On the day of your exam, submit the Comprehensive Exam form after your presentation.

Who is the CompEE?

The Comprehensive exam External Evaluator (CompEE) is a computing faculty member appointed by the program co-directors. They read your synthesis paper, look at your computing artifact, and attend your oral presentation. They also vote on if you pass the comp exam. They must attend your comp exam presentation.