Comprehensive Exams for MA in Mathematics

To complete the MA in Mathematics, comprehensive exams (also known as comps) in mathematics are required. 

Exam Details

Two comprehensive exams – one depth and one breadth – are taken in their last semester of the MA in Mathematics program.

Depth: Choose one class from the required math courses (MATH 501, 503, 511, 512, 515) for this exam. This choice must be made at the beginning of the semester that comprehensive exams are taken. Once this choice of course is made, it cannot be changed. If a student is enrolled in a core class during the semester they take comps, that course cannot be chosen as depth.

Breadth: The breath comp will be made of questions from the other courses. If a student is currently enrolled in a core course at the time they take comps, then that course will not be included in the breadth. In the rare case that a student is in 2 core classes at the time of comps, the student will work directly with the MA Program Coordinator on a case-by-case basis.

Exam Scheduling & Timing

Testing windows will run Saturday to Saturday to give students more flexibility. Tests will be given the third full weeks of March, June, and October. Students will be given unlimited time to take the two exams, but they will be written to complete within four hours. Note that testing center hours of opertaion do provide a possible constraint.

Schedule Comps Form

At the beginning of the semester that you plan to take comps, please fill out this form to pick your depth exam and schedule when you will take the exam.

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