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 s/he has taken (e.g., Victimology, Criminology, Issues and Trends in Criminal Justice, etc.).
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 days 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 Criminal Justice Program,
who will notify students of the results and certify in writing 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 when it is next offered.
Testing Dates
Normally, the comprehensive exams will be offered each spring and fall during
the second week of the 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/stats,
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 apply using the
link below and submit their transcripts and any other required documents to
the departmental secretary at least 30 days before the testing date.
Signing up to sit for the comps:
To sign up for the comps, please complete this form
Comprehensive Exam guides (below are some study guides to help you prepare for the comps)
Data Analysis (click here for guide)
Methods (click here for guide)
Policy Analysis: use your syllabus and course materials as your guide
Victimology (click here for guide)
Click here to return to the CJMA information for students page.
August 1, 2006