Comprehensive Examination

A comprehensive exam is required of all math majors in their final year. It is administered by the mathematics faculty and covers all required courses for the B.A. or B.S. degree. Those who do not pass the first time have a second opportunity to take the Comprehensive Exam prior to May graduation of that school year.

The Comprehensive Exam consists of a written section covering four major disciplinary areas: Abstract Algebra, Real Analysis, Pure Math, and Applied Math. A score of 70% or better qualifies the student to procede to the oral examination.

The oral section of the Comprehensive Exam is intended to further explore the students' understanding of Mathematics, their facility with the concepts and processes of Mathematical thought, their approach to problems using the Mathematical tools they have been given, and their ability to communicate their thoughts and ideas.