The Comprehensive exam will consist of two components: 1) Standardized and 2) Specialized. The standardized component of the comprehensive exam will consist of a take home written exam in which students are required to prepare answers to three questions. For the specialized component, students will develop a dissertation research plan in consultation with their research advisor and guidance committee. Once a plan is approved, the student will give an oral defense of their written plan.

For more detailed information, please see the Comprehensive Exam section of the Graduate Student Handbook

Comprehensive Exam Resources

• Comprehensive exam advice
• On the science of scientific writing
• Strategies for doing a literature search

Example Questions

Passing Answers and Faculty Feedback

Core Course Syllabi

• NEU 804 - Molecular and Developmental Neurobiology
• NEU 807 - Strategies in Neuroscience Research
• NEU 811 - Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience
• NEU 827 - Physiology and Pharmacology of Excitable Cells