FAQs on the Comprehensive Examinations

Department of Computer Sciences

1. What are the purposes of the comprehensive examination?
   • The comprehensive examination is to verify that the student has attained a minimal level of competence.
   • The comprehensive examination is aid the student in reflection on what they have learned.

2. What kinds of questions can be expected on the exam?

   The examination is general in scope. The scope is not limited to the material in a particular textbook or to the material covered by a particular instructor in a particular course. Questions vary by topic. Some topics lend themselves to problems that can be solved, other topics lend themselves to expository explanations of concepts.

3. How many individual tests must I take?
   • Master's of Science in Computer Information Systems students must take three separate tests:
     1. Algorithms and Data Structures
     2. One exam in software: (Programming Languages, Software Engineering, Compilers)
     3. One exam in systems: (Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, or Networks)
     Nota bene: Students are given a test in one area of software and one area of systems. For example, they choose to be tested on just one area of software: compilers, programming languages, or software engineering and just one area of systems: computer architecture, operating systems, or networks. Each of the three test they are given has questions from just one area; the algorithms and data structures test is required of all Master's of Science in Computer Information Systems students and they pick one test in software and one test in systems.

   • Master's of Science in Computer Science students must take four separate tests:
     1. One exam in applied software: (Artificial Intelligence, Database Systems, Computer Graphics)
     2. One exam in foundations: (Algorithms, Formal Language, Discrete Mathematics)
     3. One exam in software: (Compilers, Programming Languages, Software Engineering)
     4. One exam in systems: (Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, or Networks)
     Nota bene: Students are given a test in one area of applied software, foundations, software, and systems. For, example, they choose to be tested on just one of: databases, programming languages, or software engineering. The four tests they are given just has questions from the one area they selected from the category.

   • Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science students must take eight separate tests:
     1. Two exams in applied software: (Artificial Intelligence, Database Systems, Computer Graphics)
     2. Two exams in foundations: (Algorithms, Formal Language, Discrete Mathematics)
     3. Two exams in software: (Compilers, Programming Languages, Software Engineering)
     4. Two exams in systems: (Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, or Networks)

   Nota bene: Students are given two tests in the areas of applied software, foundations, software, and systems. For, example, they choose to be tested on exactly two of: databases, programming languages, or software engineering. Each test they are given just has questions from one area.

4. Do I have to take courses in all of the listed areas?

   No, Master's students are only expected to take one course in each area. Ph.D. students are expected to take (at least) two courses in each area.

5. How long is the exam?

   Each test is designed to be completed in one hour.

   The Computer Information Systems Master's exams are given on one day (usually the Friday of the 10th week of the term). The Computer Science and Doctor of Philosophy exams are given on consecutive Fridays (usually at the end of the 10th and 11th week of the term). These exams are to be taken in the order listed.

   • First Friday:
     • Systems (Computer Architecture, Computer Networks, Operating Systems)
     • Software (Compilers, Programming Languages Software Engineering)
     • Algorithms and Data Structures (MS-CIS only)
   • Second Friday:
     • Applied Software (Artificial Intelligence, Computer Graphics, Databases)
     • Foundations (Algorithms, Discrete Mathematics, Formal Languages)

6. Where is the exam given.

   The room assignment varies from term-to-term. See the information and registration page for the latest information. School of Extended Graduate Studies (SEGS) students may take the exam at their site, and should contact their site director for scheduling information.

7. What is a passing score on each test?

   A passing score for Master's students is 70. Ph.D. students are expected to score at least 80 if not better.

8. Must I pass all tests to pass the exam?

   Yes. The exams grades will not be averaged. You must pass all the exams in each area.

9. How will the exam be graded?

   The exams are graded anonymously. Please do not sign your name, use the code assigned to you.

10. What happens if I fail the exam?

    Master's students have three (3) chances to pass the exam. If a third attempt is required, the student must write a letter to the Computer Science program chair petitioning to take the exam. On this third attempt, the student may request either a written or oral examination.

    Ph.D. students have two opportunities to pass the examination.

11. If I pass one (or more) tests, but not all of them, do I need to take all tests again?

    Yes, but we reserve the right to make exceptions to this rule. However, you should not expect that we will make an exception; they will be made based on how well you did on the tests you passed and how poorly you did on the tests you failed.

12. Can I switch subjects if I fail one exam topic?

    Yes, as long as you pass an exam in each subject area. The only exception is for MS/CIS students who must pass the Data Structures and Algorithms exam.

13. Is there an order in which I must take the tests?

    Yes, see above. Once you start an exam you must finish it before leaving the examination room.

14. What if I don't want to take the comprehensive exam?

    Master's of Computer Information Systems are expected to take the exam. They may request to write a thesis instead, but they will need to demonstrate both a need and capability before this option will be made available to them.

    Master's of Computer Science are encouraged to consider writing a thesis. Ph.D. students are required to take the comprehensive examination (as well as a depth exam administered by their committee).

15. Where can I find more information about the exam?

    Study guides are available and each examination area has a coordinator, see below. Also, there is an orientation meeting with students and faculty about one month before each exam. Past exams are available on-line. See also the Graduate School Policy Manual especially section 1.5, Final Program Examination.

    1. Data Structures and Algorithms contact Dr. Chan <pkc@cs.fit.edu>.
    2. Analysis of Algorithms contact Dr. Mitra <dmitra@cs.fit.edu>.
    3. Artificial Intelligence contact Dr. Chan <pkc@cs.fit.edu>.
    4. Databases contact Dr. Bernhard <pbernhar@cs.fit.edu>.
    5. Discrete mathematics contact Dr. Shoaff <wds@cs.fit.edu>.
    6. Formal Languages contact Dr. Bernhard <pbernhar@cs.fit.edu>.
    7. Graphics contact Dr. Ribeiro <eribeiro@cs.fit.edu>.
    8. Compilers contact Dr. Stansifer <ryan@cs.fit.edu>.
    9. Programming Languages contact Dr. Stansifer <ryan@cs.fit.edu>.
    10. Software Engineering contact Dr. Andrews <mike@se.fit.edu>.
    11. Computer Architecture contact TBD>.
    12. Computer Networks contact Dr. Marin <gmarin@cs.fit.edu>.
    13. Operating Systems contact Dr. Allen <wallen@cs.fit.edu>.

16. What are the rules for taking the exam?
    1. As a general rule, students must be take the comprehensive exam no earlier than the next to last full semester in which they are registered for courses.
    2. In certain instances, a student may petition the academic unit to take the examination in the next to last full semester (not including summer terms) in which the student is registered for courses, subject to the following constraints:
       1. The student must have completed prior to, or is currently completing in the semester in which the examination is taken, all core/required courses as specified in the student's program plan.
       2. The student must be within 9 credits of graduation by the end of the semester in which the examination is taken.
       3. Approval to take the examination must be granted by the Academic Unit Head.
       4. The student must have completed at least two academic terms (excluding summer).
    3. You must have a GPA of 3.0. This is a graduate school requirement.
    4. Neither books, notes, nor calculators are allowed in the exam. A foreign language dictionary is permitted.
    5. You must bring a picture ID.

17. Do I need to be enrolled in classes to take the exam?

    You must be enrolled in classes to take the exam the first time. If you have finished all courses without taking the exam you will be charged $150.00 to take the exam (per the 1998 University Catalog, check in the Fees section for current rate). If you should fail the exam on your first attempt, you will not be required to be enrolled for successive (second or third) exams.

18. What if I've earned the MS in Computer Information Systems and am now seeking the MS in Computer Science -- how many exams to I need to take?

    You can complete the comprehensive exam by taking only two exams; however, they must be in subjects areas where you have not been tested. This implies that the exams you choose are from the area of foundations or applications.

19. What if I've earned the MS in Computer Science from Florida Tech and passed 4 tests as partial fulfillment of my degree requirements, and I am now seeking the PhD in Computer Science -- how many tests to I need to take?

    If you obtained a Ph.D. pass (which is higher than an M.S. pass) in each of your four tests, you only need to take four more tests; however, they must be in subjects areas where you have not been tested. Also, all PhD passes need to be achieved within 7 years.

20. For Ph.D. students, after passing the eight tests, is it true that I have more exams to take to officially complete my comprehensive exams?

    Correct, for Ph.D. students, exams on the eight areas constitute only the breadth part of the CS comprehensive exams. The breadth part is administered by the CS Program and ensures competency in a broad range of Computer Science subjects expected of a Ph.D. You are still require to pass the depth part, which is administered by your doctoral committee. The depth part focuses on proficiency in the state-of-the-art of the candidate's chosen dissertation research area and related areas.

21. I still have questions, who should I contact?

    Contact your faculty advisor. If you do not know who your faculty advisor is, contact Rosalyn Bursey at rbursey@cs.fit.edu. or call her at 407 674-7777.