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Graduation Information

Graduation Requirements and Deadlines
Click on the appropriate link below to find out current information about graduation policies and important dates. Please be advised the paperwork found is used for all programs in the Graduate School. Information requested pertaining to "mentor" only applies to Doctoral students. And only complete "Thesis" information if you previously elected to complete this. All paperwork must be forwarded to our program; first to Sharese Essien either via fax, 410-455-1344 or email, sharese@umbc.edu

Renting Regalia
Students who participate in the commencement ceremony will pay the costs to rent regalia. The current cost for master's regalia rental is $75 and for the new specialty Ph.D. regalia rental is $150. This process is in line with other area universities.

Comprehensive Exam
The purpose of the comprehensive examination in the master’s program is to show a mastery of knowledge within the field of training and development. Essentially, in one form or another, you will be asked to problem solve, analyze and evaluate a case in a training and development context, and synthesize for the reader your understanding through recommendations about the case. Part of the task is to select an appropriate (theoretical or research based) framework from which to write an analysis and evaluation of the case. An additional focus needs to be on support for your judgments and what you say in response to the case by citing the research or theoretical models found in the literature in the training and development field. The response needs to go beyond the foundations you have learned in your course work to demonstrate your knowledge of a broader, more comprehensive scope of reading and subsequent reflection by you in this field.

This is a take-home, open book exam that must be completed over a weekend period (8:30 AM Friday- 4:30 PM Monday). Your response to the question(s) is limited to ten (10) double-spaced typed (printed) pages, including your bibliography. APA style is required. You will be assigned an identification number, which you should include at the top of each page of your response. Do not include your name or social security number on your response.

Applying for the Exam
All students wishing to take the exam must complete and return the application form before the last day to register for classes in the particular semester. Click here to open the application.

Exam Dates
Normally, the fall exam occurs on a weekend either late October/ early November; the spring exam occurs on a weekend either late March/ early April; and the summer exam occurs on a weekend in late June.
Current dates for upcoming exams are:

  • June 24-27, 2011   (Application Deadline: June 17, 2011)
  • October 28-31, 2011   (Application Deadline: October 17, 2011)
  • March 30-April 2, 2012  (Application Deadline: March 19, 2012)
  • June 22-25, 2012  (Application Deadline: June 11, 2012)
  • October 26-29, 2012  (Application Deadline: October 15, 2012)

Recommended Reading List
This reading list is provided as a resource, to assist you in the preparation of the comprehensive exam. You may reference other articles and books that are not included in the reading list. Click here to open the current list.