Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive examination provides a learning experience which encourages the student to synthesize the knowledge gained through coursework and tests the student's competency as a generalist/specialist planner. Students are eligible to begin taking the examination after they have completed and/or waived 24 hours in the Planning Program and have completed specific prerequisite courses. It is not necessary to attempt all questions at the same time. There are two sections to the examination:
a) Theory and methods (three questions). One question in Planning Theory and Practice (prerequisite: UBPL 815); one question in Urban and Regional Theory (prerequisite: UBPL 850); one question in Planning Methods (prerequisites: UBPL 705, UBPL 741, UBPL 742).
b) Area of concentration (two questions). Students may take this part when they have completed nine hours of courses in the specialty area.
The examination is given in two three-hour sessions on one day at least three times a year, normally during January, April, and August. The dates are announced one month in advance; all students sit for the exams at the same time. The questions are developed by the faculty teaching the respective subjects; they may be evaluated by the entire faculty. A student who fails to pass any specific element of the examination need repeat only that element. The Program sets no limit to the number of times that the examination can be taken. However, the Graduate School stipulates that all degree requirements must be fulfilled within seven years after the first semester of graduate coursework is begun.
Thesis
In lieu of the comprehensive examination, the thesis experience provides an opportunity for the student to apply individual research skills in the context of his/her area of interest. Thus the thesis is a continuation of the student's course of study rather than a separate academic effort. The format, medium, and focus of the thesis vary with the problem addressed. Six hours of academic credit is given for the thesis. A student desiring to prepare a thesis must develop, with the assistance of a faculty advisor, a thesis proposal to be submitted to the Faculty Thesis Committee no later than the first day of classes of the semester prior to the semester in which the student plans to graduate. The Committee must approve the proposal for the student to pursue the thesis option. For Spring (May) graduates, the proposal must be submitted by the start of classes of the preceding fall semester, and the Committee will decide by September 15. For Fall (December) graduates, the proposal must be submitted by the start of classes of the preceding spring semester, and the Committee will decide by February 5.
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