Comprehensive Examination
for English Half of the M.S. Degree

A comprehensive examination is required for the English half of the M.S. degree in English for Adolescence Education and English for Middle Childhood Education. This examination is in addition to the portfolio required for the Education half of the degree. The examination in English is a paper-and-ink examination involving the writing of essays with a choice of three questions from a larger group. Books, notes, and laptops are not allowed. The examination is offered only on fixed dates each semester and lasts four hours.

Each student’s examination is individualized to focus on the specific English courses taken.  Each question asks about material from one specific course. The plan is to give each student ten questions in all, two questions from each course other than ENG 510.  The student will write on one of the two questions for each of three different courses. All three of a student’s answers will be read by three instructors, where possible the original instructors of the courses.

A comprehensive examination is required for the English half of the MS degree in English for Adolescence Education and English for Middle Childhood Education. This examination is in addition to the portfolio required for the Education half of the degree. The examination in English is a paper-and-ink examination involving the writing of essays with a choice of three questions from a larger group. Books, notes, and laptops are not allowed. The examination is offered only on fixed dates each semester and lasts four hours.

Each student’s examination is individualized to focus on the specific English courses taken. Each question asks about material from one specific course. The plan is to give each student ten questions in all, two questions from each course other than ENG 510. The student will write on one of the two questions for each of three different courses. All three of a student’s answers will be read by three instructors, where possible the original instructors of the courses.

A student who is unsuccessful on the MS comprehensive examination, may be allowed to sit for a second administration after a three-month period of study and review. Sometimes a student will be successful on two questions but not all three attempted. Such a student will then be allowed to sit for a second administration after three months and will then answer one question from among two new questions for each of the three courses other than ENG 510 and the two courses on which the student has written satisfactory answers at the previous administration. Similarly a student who is unsuccessful on two questions the first time the examination is attempted will be allowed to sit for a second administration after three months and will then answer two questions from among two new questions for each of the four courses other than ENG 510 and the course on which the student wrote satisfactory answers at the previous administration. A student who fails one or more questions on a second administration may petition to take the examination once more but may be required to take an additional course or to undertake directed readings to be eligible for an additional retake.

While taking courses, students should keep in mind the requirements for the comprehensive, saving texts, course materials, and their own notes to refresh recollection in preparation for the examination when course work is nearing completion. Several weeks in advance of the administration date desired, a student should inform the graduate advisor (dennis.pahl@liu.edu") of the intention of sitting for the examination on that date and should provide a list of courses taken with the teachers’ names. Students may take the examination while completing their last semester’s work. Examination dates are available in the summer as well as during fall and spring semesters.

Examination Dates for MS English Comprehensive