The Comprehensive Examination
Description of the Exam
The written exam for the M.A. degree consists of two parts: a written take home exam and an in-class section. The take home exam consists of four scenarios. Students are responsible for answering the instructional design question and then selecting two other scenarios to respond to from the needs assessment, evaluation, and consulting area. Responses should be complete and well-thought out and reflect a student’s expertise in Human Resource Development.
Scheduling the Exam
Students are eligible to take the exam during their last semester after applying for graduation. The Exam is offered once each semester, usually on a Saturday morning, from 8 A.M. to Noon. In unusual circumstances, alternative arrangements may be made. Prior arrangements need to be made with one's advisor if the exam cannot be taken at the scheduled time.
Grading the Exam
Exam books are divided by question, rather than by student, and each. question is graded by two faculty members. For example, all answers to question 1 will be graded by faculty members A and B, all answers to question 2 will be graded by faculty members C and D, etc. Each question will be graded on a 5-point scale. To pass, the answer to a question must receive a score of at least 4 from each grader. If the graders disagree, that question will be graded by a third faculty member. To pass the exam, students must receive a score of 70% on each of the two sections.
Retaking the Exam
Students who do not pass the exam may retake it during a subsequent semester.
The written exam for the M.A. degree consists of two parts: a written take home exam and an in-class section. The take home exam consists of four scenarios. Students are responsible for answering the instructional design question and then selecting two other scenarios to respond to from the needs assessment, evaluation, and consulting area. Responses should be complete and well-thought out and reflect a student’s expertise in Human Resource Development.
Scheduling the Exam
Students are eligible to take the exam during their last semester after applying for graduation. The Exam is offered once each semester, usually on a Saturday morning, from 8 A.M. to Noon. In unusual circumstances, alternative arrangements may be made. Prior arrangements need to be made with one's advisor if the exam cannot be taken at the scheduled time.
Grading the Exam
Exam books are divided by question, rather than by student, and each. question is graded by two faculty members. For example, all answers to question 1 will be graded by faculty members A and B, all answers to question 2 will be graded by faculty members C and D, etc. Each question will be graded on a 5-point scale. To pass, the answer to a question must receive a score of at least 4 from each grader. If the graders disagree, that question will be graded by a third faculty member. To pass the exam, students must receive a score of 70% on each of the two sections.
Retaking the Exam
Students who do not pass the exam may retake it during a subsequent semester.