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. Â 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 the Comprehensive Exam Guide provided in the Computing PhD Student Handbook for detailed comprehensive exam procedures and a helpful checklist.
About the Comp Exam
Comp Exam – Elements
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.
Comp Exam – How to Register
All students must request a permission number to enroll in comprehensive exam
- Talk to your advisor about forming your supervisory committee and start identifying potential members
- Submit the Pre-Registration Form
- Once the Pre-Registration form is approved you will receive your permission number and may enroll in COMPUT 691 Comprehensive Exam.
FAQ
Can I take the Comp Exam in the summer?
No. Students may register for the Comprehensive Exam in fall and spring semesters only.
Can I complete core classes in the same semester I am enrolled in the Comp Exam?
Yes. With advisor approval students may register for core courses and COMPUT 691 Doctoral Comprehensive Exam. Students who plan to take core courses concurrently must indicate this on the Pre-Registration form. However, if a student fails to earn a B grade or better in a required core class taken concurrently with the Comprehensive Exam, this will result in failure of the Emphasis Core Course exam element and failure of the Comp Exam. Students who fail the Comp Exam must seek resolution according to the specific Graduate College and Computing PhD processes detailed in the Computing PhD Student Handbook.
What are the deadlines for completing the Comp Exam?
Registration: Â Students may register for COMPUT 691 Comprehensive Exam according to the Office of the Registrar’s established calendar and deadlines for registration. Submit the required Pre-Registration form to request a permission number.
Presentation: Presentations must be scheduled to occur at least one week prior to the final day of course instruction. Refer to the current academic calendar for the exact date. At least two weeks prior to the presentation, submit the Presentation Notification form to notify the program that you have confirmed a date and time with your committee members and CompEE.
Comp Exam Form – The Comprehensive Exam Approval 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 registered.
What forms do I have to submit for my Comp Exam?
- To enroll in COMPUT 691 Comprehensive Exam, submit the Pre-Registration Form to confirm advisor approval to take the exam and to obtain a permission number.
- Prior to submitting your synthesis paper and computing artifact for committee review, submit the Affirmation of Original Work.
- As soon as you finalize your presentation date, submit the Presentation Notification Form.
- On the day of your exam, submit the Comprehensive Exam Approval 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. The CompEE reads your synthesis paper, examines your computing artifact, attends your oral presentation and is a voting participant in a student’s passing or failure of the Comp Exam. The assigned CompEE is required to attend the Comp Exam presentation.