Graduate Student Resources

Specialist Comprehensive Exam

After students have completed all of their program's coursework and the Ed.S. thesis or project, they must take and pass the Specialist Comprehensive Examination. The Comprehensive Examination (often referred to as "comps") will evaluate the student's competence in applying skills and knowledge consistent with the original program goals. The format used to satisfy the comprehensive exam requirement may vary by department or program. Each Ed.S. Supervisory Committee is responsible for developing and administering the examination to their students. Please check with your supervisory committee or with your program advisors to learn more about Comprehensive Exam procedures in your chosen program.

Registration Requirements

Students must be in active degree-seeking status and enrolled for a minimum of two (2) hours of graduate credit during the semester in which the Comprehensive Examination is taken. If the exam is taken between semesters, the student must be enrolled for a minimum of two (2) hours of graduate credit in the semester before or following the exam.

  • Note: If students take the comprehe