The comprehensive examination is to verify that the student has attained a minimal level of competence.
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.
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.
- Master's of Science in Computer Information Systems students must take three separate tests:
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.
- (a)
- Algorithms and Data Structures
- (b)
- One exam in software: (Programming Languages, Software Engineering, Compilers)
- (c)
- One exam in systems: (Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, or Networks)
- Master's of Science in Computer Science students must take four separate tests:
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.
- (a)
- One exam in applied software: (Artificial Intelligence, Database Systems, Computer Graphics)
- (b)
- One exam in foundations: (Algorithms, Formal Language, Discrete Mathematics)
- (c)
- One exam in software: (Compilers, Programming Languages, Software Engineering)
- (d)
- One exam in systems: (Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, or Networks)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science students must take eight separate tests:
- (a)
- Two exams in applied software: (Artificial Intelligence, Database Systems, Computer Graphics)
- (b)
- Two exams in foundations: (Algorithms, Formal Language, Discrete Mathematics)
- (c)
- Two exams in software: (Compilers, Programming Languages, Software Engineering)
- (d)
- Two exams in systems: (Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, or Networks)
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.
Each test is designed to be completed in about one hour, but one and one-half hours are allocated for each test. Computer Information Systems students, who must take 3 tests, should be able to finish in about 3 hours, but they will be given 4.5 hours to complete the tests. Computer Science students, who must take 4 tests, should be able to finish in about 4 hours, but they will be given 6 hours to complete the tests. Ph.D. students, who must take 8 tests, should be able to finish in about 8 hours, but they will be given 12 hours to complete the tests.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)
The room assignment varies from term-to-term. See the information and registration page for the lastest information. School of Extended Graduate Studies (SEGS) students from Orlando may take the exam in Orlando. Contact Dave Clapp, dclapp@segs.fit.edu, Orlando SEGS, Program Director, for scheduling information.
A passing score for Master's students is 70. Ph.D. students are expected to score at least 85 if not better.
Yes. The exams grades will not be averaged. You must pass all the exams in each area.
The exams are graded anonymously. Please do not sign your name, use the code assigned to you.
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.
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.
Yes, see above. Once you start an exam you must finish it before leaving the examination room.
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).
On-line material is available, see below. Also, there is an orientation meeting with students and faculty about one month before each exam. Copies of old exams are available in the Florida Tech library. Past exams are also available on-line at the URL http://www.cs.fit.edu/wds/comps/exams. See also the Graduate School Policy Manual especially section 1.5, Final Program Examination.
- (a)
- Data Structures and Algorithms contact Dr. Chan <pkc@cs.fit.edu>
- (b)
- Analysis of Algorithms contact Dr. Khatib <lina@cs.fit.edu>
- (c)
- Artificial Intelligence contact Dr. Morris <morris@cs.fit.edu>
- (d)
- Databases contact Dr. Morris <morris@cs.fit.edu>
- (e)
- Discrete mathematics (to be written) contact Dr. Yellen <yellen@fit.edu>
- (f)
- Formal Languages contact Dr. Morris <morris@cs.fit.edu>
- (g)
- Graphics contact Dr. Shoaff <wds@cs.fit.edu>
- (h)
- Compilers contact Dr. Stansifer <ryan@cs.fit.edu>
- (i)
- Programming Languages contact Dr. Stansifer <ryan@cs.fit.edu>
- (j)
- Software Engineering contact Dr. Whittaker <jw@cs.fit.edu>
- (k)
- Computer Architecture contact Dr. Cofer <rhcofer@ee.fit.edu>
- (l)
- Computer Networks contact Dr. Shasavari <mms@ee.fit.edu>
- (m)
- Operating Systems contact Dr Chan <pkc@cs.fit.edu>
Jeff Bryson, a former Florida Tech student, has created a study guide for the comprehensive exam.
- (a)
- The exam must be taken in the last semester of studies. (No exam is given in the summer, so it may be taken in the spring in this case). This is a graduate school requirement.
- (b)
- You must have a GPA of 3.0. This is a graduate school requirement.
- (c)
- Neither books, notes, nor calculators are allowed in the exam. A foreign language dictionary is permitted.
- (d)
- You must bring a picture ID.
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.
E-mail Dr. Shoaff at wds@cs.fit.edu or call him at 407 674-8066.