Radford University
Graduate Catalog
for 1999-2000
FINAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
A final, comprehensive examination is required of all Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Social Work, Master of Fine Arts, and Educational Specialist degree candidates. This examination can be written or oral as deemed appropriate by the department. It should be taken during the last semester of the student's graduate program and should be scheduled by the student and the adviser at least two weeks before graduation. The student must have at least a B average in the major area and in the overall program at the time of application for the examination. The necessary examination form is available in the Graduate College Office, 213 Preston Hall. It is recommended that forms be requested five days in advance of the examination date.
For a Master of Science degree candidate, the committee conducting the examination must consist of three faculty members, including the student's adviser, at least one additional faculty member from the student's major department and at least one faculty member familiar with the student's work in a minor area if the graduate program has a distinct minor.
For a Master of Arts or Master of Fine Arts candidate, the committee must consist of the student's adviser and at least two additional faculty from the major department, including the thesis or graduate recital director if this person is not also the adviser.
The student, in consultation with the adviser, can suggest the names of faculty to serve on the committee. All members of the committee must be full or associate members of the graduate faculty and must sign the Report of Final Comprehensive Examination. A majority of the committee must recommend "satisfactory" in order for the student to pass.
It is important that the student doing a thesis or recital choose the committee before beginning work on the thesis or recital and that the committee members be kept informed of the student's progress in the preparation of the thesis or recital.
A candidate who fails the examination may request re-examination no earlier than the following semester. A student who fails to pass the examination on the second attempt will be dropped from the degree program.
Students should note specific departmental requirements for the final comprehensive examination in the course descriptions section of this catalog.
Please see the Academic Policies section of this catalog for more information concerning academic policies and requirements at RU.
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