Format of M.A. or Ph.D. comprehensive exams?

Question

What is it moostly? Essay, multiple choice? Are you allowed to have your books or do you have to memorize almost everything?

Answer 1

In the humanities and social sciences, comprehensive exams at the doctoral level are usually essays that you write without any sources at hand.

However, some master's programs have comprehensive exams or qualifying exams that are "take-home" and thus do allow for the use of books and articles.

At the doctoral level, you choose the general topics beforehand, in consultation with your professors, and you compile a comprehensive bibliography on those topics. The exams will each consist of a question (or series of questions) on those topics. You are given a certain amount of time (usually from two to four hours) for each exam.

Of course, all of this varies from field to field and from university to university.

Answer 2

If you are going to ask a question like this, you should really provide more information.

Every university is different and every program is different.

For example, in mathematics or finance, you are usually given several problems to solve using information learned in the basic classes.

A friend who took the exam in British Literature was told that the exam would be on two books (one book of criticism and one novel). The test was several essay questions asking her to tie the two together.

Most departments provide their students with sample exams from previous years. They should give you a good indication of what is expected.

Answer 3

Differs by university, and differs by subject.

I had a comprehensive master's oral exam in math. No books, just writing answers on board in front of professors.

Other subjects would no doubt be different.

This is the sort of question that might be better answered by your professors, rather than here at Yahoo Answers.