Comps information page

Master of Arts Program in Criminal Justice
Proficiency by Examination

In addition to 30 credits of course work, the MA program in criminal justice requires its graduates to demonstrate proficiency by passing a comprehensive set of examinations (or by completing a graduate project). The examination covers four areas: research methods, data analysis (statistics), policy analysis or evaluation, and one subject area. The subject area is to be chosen by the student from among the courses offered by faculty housed within the criminal justice program (e.g., Criminology, Gender Crime & Justice, Issues & Trends in CJ, Juvenile Justice, Victimology, Violent Crime).

Examination Format
The comprehensive proficiency test will be administered during a full-day session. Test-takers will be given two hours for each of four questions, with a short break between the questions. Methods will be from 8am-10am, and data analysis/statistics will be from 10:15am to 12:15pm. Lunch will be from 12:15 to 1:15 (test-takers may store their lunches in the office fridge if they wish). Policy will be from 1:15 to 3:15, and the elective will be from 3:30 to 5:30. Test-takers may leave the testing room when they complete a question. Letters describing the event can be generated for those who need them to arrange for time off work.

Test Results
A faculty committee will evaluate the work of each student and forward the results of its evaluation to the Director of the Graduate Program in Criminal Justice, who will notify students of the results via email and certify to the Dean of the Graduate School that a student has fulfilled the proficiency requirement. If certification is denied, the student should plan to retake portions of the proficiency exam that were failed at a future test date. After sitting for the comps three times, students will need to secure permission from the program director to take it again.

Testing Dates
Normally, the comprehensive examination takes place on the second Friday of each semester.

Eligibility
Students who have completed 27 or more credits or who are in their final semester of course work are eligible to sit for the proficiency examination. Students who plan to sit for the comps must have completed the coursework for the comps. That is, they will be expected to have completed Methods, Data Analysis(statistics), Policy Analysis in Criminal Justice and the elective for which the student is taking the comps.

Application Procedure
Students who plan to take the proficiency examination must send a written request to Dr. Caputo at least 30 days before the testing date. Testing will take place the second Friday of each semester. The request should include the requested testing areas (policy, methods, data analysis, elective: name and semester).

 

Comprehensive Exam guides (below are some study guides to help you prepare for the comps)

Data Analysis (click here for guide)

Policy Analysis: use your syllabus and course materials as your guide

Victimology (click here for guide)

 

October 26, 2009