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Comprehensive Examination in PhD Nursing

The Doctoral Comprehensive Examination aims to determine whether the student meets the minimum criteria for knowledge of nursing science and research methods at the doctoral level. The written examination is designed to test the student’s knowledge related to the analysis and synthesis of course content. The examination will include questions testing the synthesis of theory, research, and specialized substantive knowledge in leadership, policy and ethics. Students must have completed all required coursework to sit for the Comprehensive Examination. After successfully passing the Comprehensive Examination, the student is considered eligible for candidacy.

The procedure for the Comprehensive Examination is as follows:

  • During the semester, the student will ordinarily complete all courses before the Comprehensive Examination as per the Program Progression Plan. The examination will be scheduled during the Winter Intersession of Year Three. See Molloy University Academic Calendar and consult PhD Program office for the date. 
  • Members of the Doctoral Comprehensive Examination Committee will grade the examination. The examination will be graded as either “eligible for candidacy” or “not eligible for candidacy” by the committee. If there is not a unanimous decision about the grade, the Director of the PhD in Nursing Program will reconcile differences in evaluations.
  • A student may be assessed as “not yet eligible for candidacy” only once. A student receiving a grade of “not yet eligible for candidacy” will meet with the Director of the PhD in Nursing Program, who will provide feedback and guidance to assist the student in preparing for a second administration of the Comprehensive Examination.
  • Students who are not successful in passing the comprehensive examination can proceed in current coursework and reapply for the examination at the conclusion of that semester.
  • A second grade of “not yet eligible for candidacy” will result in dismissal from the program if the committee agrees that there is no alternative to be able to continue.
  • The written comprehensive examination must be successfully passed before a student begins Nur 7000 Dissertation Seminar. After successfully passing the examination, the student is considered eligible for candidacy.