Programs Get master's degree by just taking comp?

AI Thread Summary
Institutions typically do not allow students to earn a master's degree solely by scoring high on a comprehensive exam without being admitted to their master's program or completing coursework. Most schools require students to take the comprehensive exam after completing their classes, meaning passing the exam is essential for obtaining the degree. While some programs may allow for accelerated paths to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree, this is not common and varies by institution. The consensus is that a degree is tied to a structured program of study rather than just an examination. For specific policies, consulting the individual school's website is recommended.
Geremia
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Do institutions which do not require master's theses allow scoring high enough on a comp exam to earn a master's degree without either being admitted in their master's program or having taken any classes with them? Thanks
 
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No, I don't know any schools that do that. Most schools that require a comprehensive exam to get a masters make you take it after the coursework, so it's still possible to pass all of your classes and not get a masters if you don't pass the exam (I've seen it happen).
 


I think a more appropriate place to find your answer is the website of the particular school.
 
No school does that. Well, not and maintain their accreditation.
 
For students who have enough advanced standing (AP, IB, etc) to graduate about two semesters earlier, it is possible, in certain subjects at certain universities/colleges, to graduate in 4 years with BS+MS degrees. Harvard have a similar program for Mathematics and for Physics, awarding the AB and AM degrees.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
No school does that. Well, not and maintain their accreditation.

eri said:
No, I don't know any schools that do that. Most schools that require a comprehensive exam to get a masters make you take it after the coursework, so it's still possible to pass all of your classes and not get a masters if you don't pass the exam (I've seen it happen).

Probably most physics programs don't, but what about other majors? Thanks
 
I don't know about other majors, but I seriously doubt it. A degree is a program of study, not a test.
 

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