1. Bonnie Holaday Sue Limber
Comprehensive Exams 101
Bonnie Holaday
Sue Limber

2. What are Comprehensive Exams?
What are “comps”?
What is the purpose of comps?
Demonstrate integration and synthesis across and beyond course content
Enhance professional expertise and research competency in targeted subject matter areas
Demonstrate professional potential through the following competencies:
Understanding of the research process
Application of theory and research to address practical problems with diverse populations
Effective conceptualization and communication of complex ideas
AKA qualifying examination
A major step on your way toward earning the PhD
Marks a transition between the coursework phase of your PhD program and your independent research

3. When Do You Take Comps? Comps are taken AFTER:
Your Plan of Study (GS2) has been filed with the Graduate School
80% of your coursework in the program (not counting your dissertation hours) and FCS 890 (Research Project, if applicable) are completed.
But begin thinking and planning sooner than later.

4. What are the Possible Formats?
Two of the following:
Publishable paper (one or two permitted; student as first author)
E.g., original empirical study, literature review, concept analysis, theoretical article
Papers written for class cannot count
Grant proposal (one permitted)
Course development (one permitted)
Written open-book exam (one or two permitted)
Will include questions from one or two areas: (a) family & community life; (b) human rights & social justice, (c) community development and policy analysis.
3-5 questions per area; students complete all but one question

5. More about Written Open-Book Exam Option…
Includes questions from one or two areas:
family & community life
human rights & social justice
community development and policy analysis
Number of questions per area:
3-5 questions per area
students complete all but one question
No reading list provided
May consult any scholarly sources, but properly credit sources

6. How To Decide on Formats and Topics?
What comps format should I select?
Consider your personal and program goals.
What topics should I select?
Before you write your comps proposal discuss potential topics with your
chair and committee members.
Select a topic that builds on previous course work or projects.
Select topics that advances the progress on your dissertation or advances
career goals.

7. Examples of Comprehensive Exams…
Publishable paper:
“There’s something I need to tell you: Disclosing bullying to formal and informal supporters at school.” Student was first author on paper which is currently under review.
Course development:
Developed an undergraduate course, “Global Perspectives on Child Advocacy” to be taught this year within the Child Advocacy Studies Program at USC-Upstate.
Open book exam:

8. Developing a Comps Proposal
Consult with your DAC Chair
2-6 pages, which summarizes all proposed comps products.
Includes:
Summary and statement of how the proposal meets the goals of the IFCS DCE and will be useful to your professional development
Timeline
Open book exams: Which one or two areas will be covered
Written exams: Detailed description of each product (format, background, source of data and analysis plan, likely publication outlet, your role in the product)

9. Who Reviews Comps Proposals and Exams?
Your Dissertation/Advisory Committee
4 faculty who are current members of the CU graduate faculty
The majority must be full-time CU “Regular” (Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Instructor) OR “Administrative” faculty (deans, provost, associate provosts, president, etc.)
Special faculty (adjunct faculty, research faculty) or Emeritus faculty may serve as long as the chair is a permanent faculty.
The chair, co-chair, or at least half of the committee must have primary appointment in YFCS.
OR a minimum of three tenure-track faculty from YFCS

10. Completing Comps How long do you have to complete comps?
Publishable paper, grant proposal, course development: 6 months
Open-book written exam: 4 days each
How are comps graded?
Reviewed by DAC
Oral defense
Evaluation:
Pass with distinction; pass; fail with opportunity to repeat once; fail

11. Some Words of Advice/Challenges to Avoid
Select formats and topics that will serve you well, not necessarily ones that you think will be “easiest”.
If proposing a written exam format, you may want to have an “extra” idea or two for your committee to consider.
Pay close attention to deadlines for completion.
Be ready to begin once your proposal is approved.
Don’t let the comps process get drawn out.
Consider this as an “exam”
Remember that your chair and DAC members cannot comment on the exam prior to grading it.
Don’t stress about the defense!