Spring 2014
Take-Home Comprehensive Exam
M.S.Ed.–Adult and Higher Education
Students enrolled in the Masters of Education–Adult and Higher Education Program must take a Comprehensive
Examination towards the end of their academic work to fulfill the requirements for a Master’s Degree from Northern Illinois
University. In order to take the Comprehensive Examination, the NIU Graduate Catalog establishes the following minimum
requirements:
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A student must be enrolled in the term in which a comprehensive examination is taken.
A student must be in good academic standing, and must have departmental approval, to be eligible to take this
comprehensive examination.
The department may allow a student who fails this examination to repeat it after a period of time determined by the
department. A student who fails this examination a second time, or is not permitted a second attempt, will not be
permitted to continue work toward the master’s degree in that program, and admission to that program will be
terminated.
Take-Home Comprehensive Exam Guidelines
Eligibility. In order to be eligible for taking the Take-Home Comprehensive Exam, students in the M.S.Ed.–Adult and
Higher Education must meet all NIU requirements as listed above and in the Graduate Catalog, have accumulated at least 24
credit hours (including current semester’s enrollment) in the Master’s Program, and have an approved Plan of Study on-file
with the Graduate School.
Registration. Students should complete the AHE Comprehensive Registration Form and submit it to the CAHE Office by the
deadline established for the semester in which the exam will be taken. The Registration Form and schedule for deadlines and
the exam can be obtained from the CAHE webpage, under Resources & Forms.
Duration and Schedule. Students have six-days in which to complete the Take-Home Comprehensive Exam. In a typical
semester, the exam will be available in the Department’s main office beginning at 9am on the last Thursday of September or
the last Thursday of February. Contact the CAHE Office or your advisor for the specific dates. Students may also elect to
have an electronic copy e-mailed to them before noon on the respective Thursday. The completed examination (and copies)
must be returned to the Department’s Main Office by 4pm, the following Tuesday. Exams turned in beyond that day and time
will be considered void. Students may write the examination anywhere they choose. The Take-Home Comprehensive Exam
is only offered in the Fall and Spring semesters. Actual dates of each semester’s exam will be announced by the Department
each year.
Materials Permitted. Students are permitted to use any materials in writing their essay. However, exam essays should not
include any work previously submitted for academic credit, and must adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty.
Preparation. Students prepare for the Take-Home Comprehensive Examination by successfully completing approved
courses in M.S.Ed.–Adult and Higher Education, outside readings, and professional experiences. Students may form study
groups prior to the examination, or may prepare individually. During the exam period, all work must be done individually.
Students will be required to sign a statement certifying they had no assistance (content or editing) during the exam period.
Exam Questions. The Take-Home Comprehensive Examination is in two parts.
• In part one, exam takers will be required to choose and answer two essay questions from a list of questions. These
questions will focus broadly on the history, philosophy, theoretical foundation, research/assessment or socialcultural aspects of adult and/or higher education.
• In part two, students will select and answer one question from a list of questions. These questions will focus more
specifically in the student’s area of study in the program (generalist in adult education, community popular
education, human resource development, student affairs, etc.)
Format and Length. Each essay should be 8-10, double-spaced pages, using one-inch margins and a 12 point traditional
font, not including references (total of no more than 30 pages, excluding references). Students should begin their essays by
identifying the specific question answered. The bibliography should reflect only those references cited in the examination.
Essays should adhere to strict APA Guidelines.
Submission. Students should deliver the following materials to the Department of Counseling, Adult and Higher
Education, Gabel Hall 200, by the established deadline:
• A completed and signed Comprehensive Exam Cover Page Form.
• Four complete printed copies of the examination. The student’s name or other identifying information
should not appear on the exam. Faculty readers are not told the names of exam writers.
• An electronic copy of the examination in either Microsoft Word or PDF Format.
Evaluation. Exams will be graded by a minimum of three readers, and evaluated based on the following criteria:
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Discussed the question/statement with sufficient depth.
• Answered the questions with an understanding of the breadth of theories, concepts, and philosophies of adult and/or
higher education.
• Demonstrated knowledge of particular aspects of literature in adult and/or higher education.
• Provided appropriate and sufficient citations and references.
• Used appropriate examples to explain the narrative.
• Organized a logical presentation.
• Used appropriate APA Style.
Results. Students will be notified of the results of their exam in writing about 6 weeks after the exam is submitted. Students
who do not pass the Comprehensive Exam must retake the exam in its entirety in a subsequent semester.
Alternatives to this Exam Format. Students in the M.S.Ed.–Adult and Higher Education may also fulfill the requirements
of the Comprehensive Exam by completing the Thesis Option of the program or by completing the requirements in CAHA
598.
–Passed by AHE Faculty, September 27, 2005