Comprehensive Exam for the MSEd in Science/Math Education
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Purpose: The purpose of the Comprehensive Exam is to determine the degree candidate’s level of knowledge
and ability to apply that knowledge to their teaching assignment, as well as the impact of degree coursework on
the candidate’s professional knowledge.
Format: The comprehensive exam is composed of both written and oral examinations. Exam questions are
determined by the Program Committee and may cover topics from the major emphasis, supporting courses,
pedagogy, and research. The written exam is administered by a proctor (identified by the candidate). The
Program Committee conducts the oral exam in person or by conference phone; the oral exam may include
questions designed to follow up on written answers but may also introduce new questions as necessary to judge
the candidate’s knowledge.
Outcome: At the conclusion of the oral exam, the Program Committee will determine the level of performance
exhibited by the candidate. The Degree Program Committee determines whether the candidate should be (1)
passed without reservation, (2) passed with reservations which are specified and documented, or (3) failed,
according to the rubric below. The student is immediately notified of the outcome of the Comprehensive Exam
and a report of the outcome of the Comprehensive Exam is filed with the Office of Graduate Studies and
Research. In cases where the student is passed with reservations, the Program Committee may request
additional evidence of mastery from the student. If the student does not pass the exam on his/her first attempt,
the exam may be taken a second time in the following semester. If the student does not pass the exam on the
second attempt, he/she is dismissed from the program.
Descriptor
Evidence of knowledge and/or content mastery assessed
in the following areas:
a) Content / concepts specific to the area of emphasis;
b) Content / concepts of science/math outside the area
of emphasis (supporting coursework);
c) Research specific to discipline;
d) Student learning in the discipline;
e) State and national standards for curriculum
Fail
(Unacceptable
Performance)
Responses
demonstrate
insufficient
knowledge in
more than one
area of
examination
Pass with
Reservations
(Acceptable
Performance)
Responses
demonstrate indepth knowledge
in most areas and
deficiencies in one
area of
examination
Pass without
Reservations
(Target
Performance)
Responses
demonstrate indepth knowledge
in all areas of
examination
Proctor: The proctor for the written portion of the comprehensive exam is a person who verifies the identity of
the student taking the exam and ensures that the exam is administered under the proper conditions. A suitable
proctor may be a building administrator, school principal, librarian, or coworker. The proctor cannot be related
to the test taker.
Deadlines: The exam is taken in the last semester of the program and must be completed at least three weeks
prior to the end of the semester. Written questions are submitted by the Program Committee and forwarded to
the proctor at least one week prior to the due date for the exam. The written portion of the exam is closedbook and must be completed in the presence of the proctor and within the time frame specified in the exam
materials (usually 3-4 hours). Responses to the written questions are to be received by the Program Committee
as soon as possible and at least three business days prior to the oral exam.
Questions regarding the comprehensive exam and its administration should be directed to the Program Director
(email: msedsci@unk.edu).
Application for the Written Comprehensive Exam
MSEd in Science/Math Education
To be completed by the student:
Student Name: _____________________________________
NUID: _____________________
Street address: __________________________________________________________________
City: _____________________ State: ____________ Zip: _________
E-mail: _____________________ Phone: _____________________
Area of Emphasis: _____________________
Have you completed a Candidacy form? YES ___ NO___
Have you completed a Program of Study form? YES ___ NO___
To be completed by the exam proctor:
Proctor Name: _____________________________________
Title/Position: _____________________
Street address: __________________________________________________________________
City: _____________________ State: ____________ Zip: _________
E-mail: _____________________
Work Phone: _____________________
Relationship to student: _____________________________________
Date exam will be administered: _____________________
I hereby agree to serve as an exam proctor for the above named student. I will provide a quiet atmosphere for
the student to take the exam, will monitor the student during the assessment period, and will submit the
completed test along with verification and identification materials, as specified in the examination materials.
Proctor Signature:
_________________________________________
Date: ______________