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Comprehensive Examinations

The purpose of the comprehensive examination is to demonstrate a student’s knowledge of:

• Research at the doctoral level.
• Core theories of the practice of organization development.
• Core organization development processes as identified by the Organization Development Institute.

The desired outcome is for examiners and the student to agree the student is ready to begin doctoral research.

Written examination information: 

• A “sit-down” examination of up to eight hours. It will be composed of a few questions that will let students demonstrate their knowledge.
• The written examination will be evaluated by two faculty who hold a doctoral degree, one being the student’s advisor.
• The second examiner will be assigned by the department chair. (Students are assigned an advisor when they enter the doctoral program. When a faculty member is on sabbatical, another member of the faculty will serve as advisor during the sabbatical period.)

Oral examination information:

• The oral examination will follow the written examination and will be up to one hour in length.
• Examiners will be the same faculty who read the written examination.
• Oral examination can be done through a conference call or video conference.

The outcome of the examination will be either pass, or identification of areas in which the student needs to improve.

Students may retake the comprehensive examination when they are ready. Only the areas identified as needing improvement will be examined. Students may retake the examination no more than twice, allowing for three chances total to pass the examination in its entirety.

Students must pass the comprehensive examination before beginning doctoral research.

This is not to say that students, working with their advisors, should not be preparing to start the research. Students are also expected to pass the examination before attending the pre-dissertation session for the cohort. Exceptions may be made, but must be approved in writing by the student’s advisor and submitted to the department chair.

When the student passes the comprehensive exams, they are considered doctoral candidates.