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, 443-543-5096 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:
- October 26-29, 2012 (Application Deadline: October 15, 2012)
- March 8-11, 2013 (Application Deadline: March 1, 2013)
- June 21-24, 2013 (Application Deadline: June 14, 2013)
- October 25-28, 2013 (Application Deadline: October 18, 2013)
- March 7-10, 2014 (Application Deadline: February 28, 2014)
- June 20-23, 2014 (Application Deadline: June 13, 2014)
- October 24-27, 2014 (Application Deadline: October 17, 2014)
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.
^New Portfolio Requirement
Beginning with the Fall 2012 semester, students admitted to the Master’s degree in Instructional Systems Development – Training Systems, will be required to complete a professional portfolio. This requirement will replace the current comprehensive exam requirement.
The purpose of this new requirement is to provide students an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned in their coursework and the program. It also provides students, employers, clients, colleagues, etc. with tangible evidence of our graduates’ knowledge, skill, abilities and competencies. Portfolios can be a wonderful career tool that may assist graduates in getting jobs, promotions, new clients, and other professional opportunities.
Students have the opportunity in nearly every class to create basic artifacts. With some polishing and improvements, these artifacts may be used to satisfy the portfolio requirement. |
