A GUIDE TO THE MPA Villanova Master of

Public Administration

COMPREHENSIVE EXAM Program

A guide to provide support to Villanova MPA students to apply,

prepare, and take the MPA Comprehensive Exam.
 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Welcome Villanova MPA students to the official “Guide to Comprehensive Exams”!

This guide is designed to help prepare graduate students to study and take the comprehensive exams.
It is divided into seven main sections:

1. Department Guidelines for the Comprehensive Exam

2. Expectations and Tips for Studying for the Comprehensive Exam
3. Learning Support Services, Managing Stress, and Time Management
4. Comprehensive Exam Grading Rubric
5. Timeline for the Comprehensive Exam
6. Suggestions on Examination Day
7. Accessing Blackboard and Submitting Responses

The sections that follow provide an overview of the Comprehensive Exam as well as offer some helpful
studying tips. The Guide ends with a look at the timeline for the comprehensive exam as well as what
students should expect on examination day.

We hope this guide is helpful to you.

Sincerely,

Catherine E. Wilson, Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Chair
Department of Public Administration

Bridget Boston, MPA

Associate Director
Department of Public Administration

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Department Guidelines for the Comprehensive Exam
Purpose:

The comprehensive exam serves as a capstone experience in the MPA program. It is designed to
provide students with the opportunity to integrate and to apply the knowledge gained through their
coursework in the program.

Structure:

The exam consists of three essay questions addressing themes and issues broad enough to permit
students to use theories, concepts, practices and examples from any of the courses taken in the MPA
program. Students must answer two of the three questions.

Each exam question is divided into three parts – knowledge, skills, and abilities. The “Knowledge”
portion focuses on demonstrating understanding of specific theories, concepts, practices, scholars, and
content from all MPA courses. The “Skills” portion requires students to apply theories, concepts, and
practices to specific examples. The “Abilities” portion focuses on critical thinking and evaluation of
ideas. Students are permitted to use notes and texts in writing their exams.

Expectations:

In order to pass the exam, students accurately apply ideas (i.e., theories, concepts, practices, and
examples) learned in the MPA program and offer a reasonable argument defending their responses to
two of the three questions. In order to earn a High Pass, students must link their responses to the
scholarly research using the names of scholars and theories and the details from examples and case
studies.

It is recommended that students prepare for the comprehensive exam by revisiting course readings,
studying class notes, and re-reading assignments and papers in order to sharpen their understanding of
important theories, concepts, practices, and examples covered in those courses. Finally, students
should use in-text citations in for all sources used in responding to the questions. No formal
bibliography is required.

In addition to the instructions provided above, all students taking the comprehensive exams are
expected to uphold Villanova’s Academic Integrity Policy and Code.

Students may form study groups to prepare for the exam. Discussing past exams with students/alums
who have taken the MPA comps is prohibited and will be considered a violation of Villanova’s
Academic Integrity Policy.

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Evaluation:

All essays will be checked against a database of prior examinations and Internet sources using anti-
plagiarism software (Safe Assign). Then, the MPA Director and at least two other faculty members
teaching in the MPA program will evaluate the exams. The MPA Director will report the results (pass
or fail) to the Graduate Studies Office, which will then notify the student. The MPA Director will
consult with appropriate faculty if any problems, such as accuracy, arise with the use of ideas from
their respective courses.

Registration:

To be eligible to take the exam, students must have completed at least 24 credits (eight courses) and
have a 3.00 GPA or higher. It is highly recommended to have completed MPA 8001 through MPA
8004 prior to taking the comprehensive exam. Students must register for the comprehensive exam by
the dates listed on the graduate academic calendar. To register, students fill out the “Comprehensive
Exam Registration Form”, available on the Graduate Studies Website, and submit it to the Department
of Public Administration via email [email protected] or mail (Villanova University, St.
Augustine Center - Room 486, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085).

Logistics:

The comprehensive exam is administered online three times annually. Dates for comprehensive exams
are set by the Office of Graduate Studies and are found on the Graduate Academic Calendar as well as
the Public Administration Department Website. Once the application is complete, eligible students will
be registered for a special course in Blackboard. Prior to taking the exam, it is recommended that
students review the guidelines and instructions, accessed via the Blackboard course. Students can take
the exam at any time during a 24-hour window, beginning at 12:00am EST and closing at 11:59pm EST,
on the scheduled exam date.

Once students enter Blackboard and begin the exam, they will have three hours to complete and
submit their responses.

Questions:

Questions about the comprehensive exam should be directed to the MPA Program Director or
Assistant Director. For technical issues, please call the University Help Desk at 610-519-7777.

Revised: April 27, 2015

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Expectations:
• The exam requires a simple in-text citation for each work that is cited (e.g., Stillman, 2015) or
from class notes (e.g., Jacobs, 2014).
• It is important to demonstrate your knowledge of the public administration literature, by
discussing theories and their sources.
• There is no need to provide a list of references (unless you are using sources outside the
curriculum (which is not required).
• Each comprehensive exam will be evaluated by the Comprehensive Exam Committee based on
two important criteria:
• How well did the student demonstrate mastery of the public administration literature
and curriculum.
• How well did the student respond to each part of the question. (There are three parts
to each of the two questions).

**Since this is an essay exam, students will be expected to write in an essay format. Outlines will not
be accepted.

Tips for Studying for the Comprehensive Exam

This section details some effective ways to prepare for the comprehensive exam:
• Make sure to keep all books, syllabi, notes, and assignments from the MPA program before
taking the comprehensive exams.
• Review each syllabus for the classes you have taken and identify key themes discussed in each
course.
• Develop a list of themes that are discussed throughout these courses.
• It is not necessary to review the video lectures in preparation for the exam.
• Develop an outline of each theme as it relates to the kinds of questions that will be asked
during the exam. Also, include all scholars, dates, page numbers (if it’s a direct quotation), and
case studies that you are relying upon in the outline. This way, you will have all the
information handy for the exam.
• KNOWLEDGE: What are the key theories associated with each theme?
• SKILLS: What are the central practices that a public administrator should consider
regarding each theme?
• ABILITIES: How would you best analyze or evaluate each theme as it relates to the field
of public service?
• You are welcome to use case studies and professional examples. But, make sure that you are
referring to the public administration literature in your exam responses.
• The key is to USE BOTH. The exam is about theory AND practice which is a central
feature of our curriculum.

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 • Form or join a study group (either virtual or in-person) for academic support and collaboration
before the exam. Make sure that you do not discuss any content of the exam with anyone
who already has taken the exam.
• Schedule an appointment with Villanova’s Writing Center if you would like to have someone
help you practice your writing skills.

Learning Support Services and Managing Stress

• Requesting Accommodations:
• Be prepared to present documentation to Learning Support Services that establishes
eligibility for services and supports request for specific accommodation as soon as
possible.
• Students would need to obtain approval from Learning Support Services for an
accommodation and notify the MPA Director in advance of taking the comprehensive
exam.

• Managing Stress:
• Research breathing exercises and other stress relieving exercises
• Get a full night’s sleep – DON’T CRAM!
• Make sure you prepare well! Again, this means creating an outline for each important
theme in the MPA curriculum, answering the three parts of the question
• Be confident in yourself!

Time Management
• Bring your outlines to a practice session
• Practice a timed session for one or more questions. Make sure to set your timer for 1 hour and
15 minutes for each question.

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Comprehensive Exam Grading Rubric
Rubric for MPA Comprehensive Exam
 For the response to be scored as a “Pass,” it must minimally meet the “Pass” requirements
listed below for all three categories & sub-components
 For the response to be scored as a “High Pass,” it must meet the “High Pass” requirements
listed below for all three categories & sub-components.
 Responses earning a “Fail” in one or more of the categories listed below will be scored as a
“Fail.”

Category Fail Pass High Pass

Response demonstrates Response Response demonstrates

Completeness of a lack of understanding demonstrates thorough understanding of
Answer and the answer is adequate the question. Response goes
incomplete. All parts of understanding of the beyond factual information
the question are not question. Factual demonstrating nuanced
sufficiently answered. information is provided understanding of the
and all parts of the question. All parts of the
question are answered. question are thoroughly
answered.

Knowledge: Knowledge: Knowledge:

Little to no integration Each essay Each essay demonstrates an
of theory and practice is demonstrates an excellent/creative/insightful
present and provides evidence-based evidence-based
less than three sources. understanding of understanding of specific
Response is factually specific theories, theories, concepts, best
inaccurate and/or lacks concepts, best practices, scholars (citing
Evidence of theoretical foundation. practices, scholars more than three sources
Knowledge, (citing at least three using APA in-text citations
Skills, and sources using in-text and a References page) and
Abilities citations) and the the ability to make
ability to make connections and identify
connections and themes across multiple
identify themes across subjects.
multiple subjects.

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 Skills: Skills: Skills:
Does not sufficiently Essay sufficiently Essay expertly applies the
apply knowledge to applies the theories, theories, concepts, and best
practical examples concepts, and best practices to meaningful
practices to meaningful examples.
examples.

Critical Thinking Ability: Critical Thinking Ability Critical Thinking Ability

Essay lacks the ability to Essay evaluates the Outstanding evaluation of
evaluate the pros/cons pros/cons of practical the pros/cons of practical
of application of ideas application of ideas; or application of ideas; and the
the evaluation includes evaluation of benefits/costs
a benefits/costs of ideas to different contexts
examination of
suggested ideas to
different contexts

Quality of Response contains Response is free of Response is free of errors in

Writing & Style noticeable errors in most errors in grammar, usage, and
of Writing grammar, usage, and grammar, usage, and mechanics that would
mechanics so that the mechanics so that the distract the reader from the
reader is distracted reader is minimally content. The response is
from the content. There distracted from the well-organized and
is limited organization content. The response persuasive.
in the response. is well organized.

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Timeline for the Comprehensive Exam

MPA Comprehensive Exam Timeline

Application Deadline
(Approx. 4 weeks prior to exam)

Confirmation of Registration and Access to Blackboard

(Following application deadline)

Final Reminders
(Monday Before Exam)

Access to Exam
(24-Hour Window between Friday at 11:59 p.m. and Saturday at 11:59 p.m.)

Confirmation: Receipt of Responses

(Monday following exam)

Grade Notice
(Approx. 4 weeks following exam)

Timeline Details

 Application Deadlines: All students must apply to sit for the comprehensive exams and
submit applications by the dates submitted on the Graduate Academic Calendar.
o Application Form and General Exam Policies: Available via Graduate Studies
 Confirmation of Registration: After the application deadline, all students will receive two
confirmation e-mails: 1) Official Registration Confirmation from the Dean of Graduate
Studies, and 2) Confirmation and Details from the Public Administration Department
Chairperson
 Final Reminders and Preparation: On the Monday before the exam, you will receive an
email from the Department Assistant Director with final reminders and preparation
information.
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 o Please note: The exam component will not be visible in the Blackboard course page
until Friday at 11:59 p.m.)
 Exam Window: Students have a 24-hour window to access and begin the exam beginning at
11:59 p.m. on Friday through 11:59 p.m. on Saturday evening. Once the exam has been
opened, students will have 3 hours to complete and submit the exam.
o Please note: There is a 15-minute grace period to submit responses beyond the 3
hour limit. Any exams submitted beyond this deadline may not be accepted for
review. If issues are encountered during the submission, please send an e-mail to
the Department Chairperson and Assistant Director with your responses.
 Confirmation of Responses: On the Monday following the exam, you will receive
confirmation from the Department Assistant Director regarding the submission of your
responses. If there were any issues collecting your responses, you will receive notification at
this time.
 Grade Notice: Approximately 4 weeks following the exam (time may change due to the
number of students sitting for the exam), you will receive notification of your exam grade
(Pass or Fail) by the Department Chairperson.
o Please note: You will also receive final verification of your grade by the Dean of
Graduate Studies shortly after the Department’s confirmation.

Suggestions on Examination Day

 Select the best time of day for you to take the exam.
 Select a convenient and quiet location.
 Bring your prepared outlines with you.
 After receiving the prompts for three questions, select the two questions with which you are
most familiar.
 Place each question you intend to answer at the top of the page in separate Word documents.
 Sketch out a mini-outline for each question that you intend to answer.
 As you create the outline, make sure you cover each part of the question. Each comprehensive
exam question has three parts.
 Time management is key! Set your watch or phone for 1:15 for the first question. Then move
onto the second question. This will give you 30 minutes to review your responses at the end to
make sure you have answered all three parts of the question.

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Accessing Blackboard and Submitting Responses
 Login to MyNova

 Select the Blackboard Learn link

 In the “My Courses” section, select the MPA Comprehensive Exam course
o “e.g. Fall18_MPA_Comps: MPA Comps”
 Review the Content Homepage

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 When the exam is available (Friday at 11:59 p.m.), you will see the exam component in the
Content Homepage.

 Once you enter the exam, you will see three questions. Read each question carefully. Select
TWO questions to answer.
 Write your responses to each question in a separate Microsoft Word file. Remember to provide
simple parenthetical citations (Author Year, Page #) for any sources utilized in your answers.

 Once you have completed your responses, save the file to your local drive using the following
format: LastNameQuestion #.docx (For example: Boston1.docx).
o *Note: You may need to log back into Blackboard before submitting your exam. It will
automatically log you out of the program after 1 hour of inactivity.

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 o Attach your file to the question you responded to by selecting the “Browse My
Computer” option beneath the question.

 Select “Save and Submit” when both responses have been uploaded.

 After you have submitted your responses, you will receive the a confirmation such as the
following:

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