What is a comprehensive exam?

A comprehensive exam, often referred to as a comprehensive examination or "comps," is a rigorous assessment typically required in graduate programs to evaluate a student's mastery of a broad body of knowledge within their field of study. It may include written and/or oral components that test a student's understanding of key concepts, theories, and methodologies. Successfully passing this exam is often a prerequisite for advancing to the dissertation or final project phase of their academic program.