Comprehensive Exam & Portfolio Requirements
MAT and some MPS candidates are required to pass a final comprehensive written examination. This exam is administered twice each year, once in the fall and again in the spring. With the prior approval of a committee of School of Education faculty, students may request that an individual project be accepted in lieu of the exam. This formal request must be submitted one full semester prior to the start of the project. Final Project Information sheets are available in the Education Office.
It is recommended that the Comprehensive Examination be taken one semester prior to a student's planned date of graduation. Those who fail the comprehensive examination may take a second exam the following semester. If the second exam is also unsatisfactory, the student will be required to complete additional coursework.
Candidates for the MPS in Literacy and the MPS in Special Education and Literacy must fulfill a portfolio requirement in lieu of the Comprehensive Examination. Since the portfolio is cumulative, portfolio guidelines should be consulted immediately upon admission to the degree program. Guidelines are available in the Education Office.