IV. GENERAL DEPARTMENTAL ACADEMIC DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

THE PsyD COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

DESCRIPTION

The purpose of the Comprehensive Examination is to establish high standards of mastery for the integration of knowledge representing what should be known by professional psychologists, and the ability to express that knowledge. Prospective candidates for the doctorate will not be permitted to proceed to the Comprehensive Examination unless their record in course work and supervision demonstrates evidence of satisfactory progress toward doctoral-level practice. This evidence consists of both grades from course instructors and/or written evaluations from supervisors. Successful completion of all three parts of the exam: (General, Program Specialty and Program Oral Specialty) is required before the Dissertation Defense can be held. The General and Program segments are administered once each year, and should be taken as soon as students have completed the major portion of their course requirements.

No student may register for any segment of the Comps until an approved Program Proposal is on file. This does not apply to the Clinical Dept. Approval by the student's Advisor is also necessary through a Comps Authorization Form obtained from the Student Services Coordinator or your Program Administrator. Applied Students must get the permission slip from the Program Administrator. It is to be completed and signed by your Advisor and returned to the Program Administrator. You may choose to take one or both (general and/or program) segments.

• The General Exam is given once a year, usually in early August.
• The Clinical Program Exam is given once a year in August, usually the week following the General Exam.
• The School Program Exam is given once a year in June.
• The Organizational Psychology Exam is take home exam and can be scheduled at any time.
• Students schedule the Oral Specialty Exam.