Geography Department > Graduate Study > Doctoral Program > Examinations
Examinations
Comprehensive Examination
Comprehensive examinations are required of all doctoral students in Geography. Comprehensives assess whether the student has attained an adequate level of geographical knowledge to continue with dissertation research, and are taken after the student has completed their coursework requirements. The exam will consist of questions directly related to the student’s field of specialization, but may also test a general understanding of the history of geographic thought, the nature of critical inquiry and research methodologies appropriate to the student’s field.
Each student will begin the comprehensive examinations with the development of a bibliography. The bibliography will be generated by the student in consultation with each committee member and constitutes the core knowledge upon which the written and oral examination will be based.
Written Exam
The doctoral committee will determine the format and content of the written exam. Each committee member may ask a question or a series of questions that require no more than four hours to complete. The exams will take no more than five consecutive workdays for a five member advisory committee.
Oral Exam
The oral exam will be a maximum of three hours in length. The advisory committee will determine the format and content of the exam. Students will be asked to clarify and elaborate on written exam answers, and may also be asked other questions on their field of specialization, and general questions on philosophy or methodology in the natural or social sciences.
