Comprehensive Examination

In the final semester of the senior year every student takes a comprehensive examination in the major field. The examination is designed to test the breadth and depth of understanding of the field, and to assess how well material from individual courses has been integrated.

The nature of the examinations varies from department to department. Some are developed entirely by the department, while others may consist of a national standardized test supplemented by locally developed questions. Some exams include an oral or laboratory component or a recital. Both general and departmentally specific guidelines for comprehensive exams are available from all academic division chairs.

The grade received on the comprehensive examination becomes part of the total academic record, appears on transcripts and figures into the calculation of grade point average (GPA), with the provision that the cumulative GPA does not exceed 4.00. Quality points are added or subtracted according to performance using the following scale:

Grade # of Quality Points
A, A+ +6
A- +5
B+ +4
B +3
B- +2
C+ +1
C 0
C- -1
D+ -2
D -3
D- -4

Students with transfer credit receive a prorated fraction (total hours complete at Maryville College divided by 128) of the quality points earned according to performance. Passing the comprehensive examination is a requirement of graduation.