Master's Degree program - what are tests like?

[Coffeelover]

I am interested in pursuing a master's degree, but want to know what the tests are like. I know its probably different for each school, but wanted to get an idea of what to expect in a master's program. How is it different from undergrad?

Ideally, I want my grade to be based on more than just one test during the semester.

I also want to avoid master's degree programs that are totally flooded with applicants. For example, some of the nursing programs around here have 500 applications for only 35 slots. Even with a 4.0 in your pre-reqs, you still might not get accepted. So I nixed nursing, at least for the time being.

[robot_hamster]

It really depends on the school, the program, the individual class, etc. I've had classes where the tests were easier than undergrad, about the same as undergrad, maybe slightly harder than undergrad, etc. I've also had classes where we didn't have any tests since some professors feel there's no need. They'd rather you put your efforts into class discussions and writing a good paper instead. In a way, they probably thought the paper was the test.

[MoleMocha]

In my experience, the major difference between undergrad and my Master's program was more independence. You are expected to set your own schedule, manage your time and be responsible for yourself. Many of my Master's classes didn't even have tests - they had semester-long projects. It was important to manage your time and work a little bit on them each day, so you aren't trying to come up with something last-minute. So I wouldn't say a Master's program is necessarily harder, you just have to begin taking responsibility for your time and your knowledge acquisition OUTSIDE of class. It is important to research and read articles on your own - if you are going for an advanced degree you are supposed to become an expert in your field. You aren't going to have anyone standing there telling you how to do that - you have to just do it.

[ktel]

All of my tests have been open book. Typically the tests are worth no more than 40%, but the assignments are worth a LOT and took a long time to do.

[jren76]

I found the core foundational courses in my MPH program to be very similar to an undergrad course, except maybe an added group project or presentation.  I found the concentration courses more discussion-oriented and more project-oriented than exams.  Despite having fewer exams, I find myself much busier in graduate school.      

[MsDarjeeling]

Depends on the school, the program, and the professor.  In my Master's program most of the professors don't do exams because they don't think they're necessary.  Instead there are lots of research papers, response papers, and presentations.  A few professors do short essay take home exams (which feels more like busy work than an actual exam) and a couple of professors do in class closed note short essay exams.  The few exams I've had I would say are easier than ones I had in undergrad because they're non-cumulative and based off of the lectures.  In undergrad I found exams were generally cumulative, based off the readings, and multiple choice which I hated.

 

As for not wanting to just be graded on an exam I completely get that and desire the same thing.  Again this is going to depend on the school, the program, and the professor.  In my program attendance is a large chunk of your grade (usually 20-30%) because there are a number of in class group activities that can't be done if most people don't show.  The midterm/final research papers are the largest chunk (anywhere from 40-60%).  The few professors in my program that incorporate exams usually make them equal to a research paper as far as percent of your grade is concerned, but there are other assignments to do as well.

[juilletmercredi]

My master's program (public health) had very few tests.  My epidemiology class had two tests - a midterm and a final - but other than that, most classes had no tests.

 

I think it's less common for master's programs to have tests; much of the graded work is papers.  And often, your classes ARE only based upon one paper or 1-2 tests during the semester.  It's grad school; they don't want to give out a bunch of little homework assignments.  The real test is whether or not you can retain the information and process it over long periods of time.

 

This is also going to be based on program, too.  If you go in math or computer science, for example, there may be more tests.  Nursing may have a lot of tests, too.  But if you went in public policy or the social sciences or something, it'll probably be more papers.

[Eigen]

Not MS level, although some of the students in the class were. 

 

But I had a few classes that were just midterm/final, 50% of the grade on each. 

 

Made less work for everyone, all around. 

[Guest |||]

In my experience, its pretty rare to have an actual test in the class unless its a stats class.

 

Otherwise you get an essay or two to submit, presentation, and smaller assignments.