Doctoral students take two comprehensive exams covering foundations and research coursework. Exams are now solely offered as take-home, open-book exams. Direct any questions to Sarah Kirschner.

Open-book Comprehensive Exams

Take-home, open-book exams are offered once per academic quarter on the first Monday of October, February, April, and June. 

Examinees have 4 weeks to complete the exam and must sign up for the exam at least one month in advance of the next exam date. Examinees will receive their exam from Sarah Kirschner, Associate Director of Graduate Programs, on the scheduled exam date. Exams are distributed to SPU email.

Students who are taking the open-book research exam should have SPSS installed on their computers. A free version may be downloaded here.

Cancellations must be received in writing at least four days prior to the exam date. Email the graduate programs office at soe-grad@spu.edu to cancel. Students may not cancel or withdraw once the exam has been distributed. Students' Inability to submit a distributed exam will result in a non-passing grade.

Scheduled Dates for the 2023-2024 Academic Year

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