Doctoral Comprehensive Exams in Marketing: Current Practices and Emerging Perspectives

Abstract

Current and emerging issues concerning the written comprehensive exam process are addressed. Both the purpose and structure of this exam are considered. Survey results are presented that describe the purposes of the exam from the perspective of doctoral coordinators. Also included is a description of how marketing departments are currently administering these exams. The movement to nontraditional exam structures is documented, and a description of several of these nontraditional approaches is provided. The authors conclude with a discussion of comprehensive exam issues and provide a recommendation for ongoing assessments of exam choices based on specific program objectives.