Comprehensive Written and Oral Examination

A two-day comprehensive written examination in accounting is required following the completion of all doctoral course work requirements. Normally this occurs in the winter semester of the student's third year in the program. Preparation of the exam is the joint responsibility of the Ph.D. Director, the Ph.D. Policy Committee, and faculty involved in doctoral course work. The exam consists of two parts: a four-hour examination in the candidate's area of specialization, and a four-hour general examination covering other areas of accounting research. All doctoral faculty are eligible to evaluate student performance on the exam. At the discretion of the Director, an oral examination may also be required if deemed necessary. Failure to pass the comprehensive written and oral examinations can result in dismissal from the program. The Ph.D. Policy Committee may, if it is deemed appropriate, allow a student to retake the written examination a second time after a minimum of 12 weeks (in accordance with University of Missouri-Columbia procedures described in the Graduate Catalogue).