The PSOM Graduate programs require all candidates to pass a final comprehensive examination. The examination is not merely a test over course work, but a demonstration of the candidate's ability to integrate materials in the major and related fields. The purpose of the comprehensive exam is to demonstrate the student's ability to speak and write intelligently about his or her major area in music and its relation to the overall field of music. It is given in the final term of a student's degree program and is administered by the student's Master's Committee.
Purpose and Philosophy of Oral Comprehensive Examinations
The purpose of the oral comprehensive examinations for the Master's degree at the Petrie School of Music is to assess the overall learning and understanding of general knowledge in the areas of music theory, music history, and the material presented specifically throughout the student's degree program.
Policies and Procedures
Students will take the comprehensive examinations in the final term of study before their proposed graduation date (i.e., students who plan to graduate in May of 2027 will take their comprehensive examinations during Spring Term of 2027). It is the student's responsibility to schedule the comprehensive exams during their final semester.
The comprehensive examinations will be administered at a time that is convenient for the three committee members and the student.
The administration of all components of the comprehensive examinations will be coordinated by the Music Office in cooperation with the Chairperson of each student's Master's Committee.
Oral Examination
- The oral comprehensive examination will be administered by the Master's Committee.
- The Oral Examination will focus primarily upon the student's major area, although the Master's Committee members are free to ask questions about music history and theory, as well.
- There will be a one-hour period of time allotted for the Oral Examination.
- The Oral Examination will be scheduled by the Master's Committee Chairperson.
Evaluation of Comprehensive Examinations
Following the Examinations, the Master's Committee will meet to consider the student's performance on the examination.
- Students who do not successfully complete their Examination may re-take the exam. The time of the retest will be determined at the discretion of the evaluating faculty.
- Graduate Comprehensive examinations may be repeated only once. A second failure results in the termination of the degree program.