As mentioned in previous posts, the doctoral Comprehensive Examination is one of the most significant and most stressful of milestones that the PhD learner must pass. In traditional brick-and-mortar schools, the CE might take the form of an oral and a written form, and might be administered over several hours in the course of a day. However, students in online schools must take the exam online, and usually have a certain number of days to complete the exam. At my former school, students are allowed 28 consecutive days to answer three questions that are rooted in theory, practical application, and research methodology as they relate to one’s discipline, field of study, and dissertation topic. Additionally, students must cram an inordinate amount of information in a small number of pages. Continue reading →