Graduate Area Comprehensive Exam (GACE)
Eligibility, policies, registration, and preparation for the comprehensive examination in your area of specialization.
About the GACE
Few words strike fear and panic into graduate students as readily as the words “area comps.” Comprehensive examinations are a challenge—they test intellectual capacity, nerve, endurance, and fortitude. Comprehensive examinations are a time-honored tradition for testing a graduate student’s mastery of disciplinary knowledge. You should view your comprehensive examination as a challenge worthy of your hard work. As you prepare, you will not only become aware of how much you have learned, but you will also reach a better understanding of all that you have learned. Education and what may seem to be difficult experiences change people. Changes allow for personal growth and broadened horizons. Comps should be an important and welcomed part of that growth!
Who is eligible
A. Master Level
- Completing 24 semester hours of graduate coursework with a 3.0 grade point average.
- Completion of the Graduate English Competency Examination (GECE) requirement.
- The student must be registered for at least one credit hour in the semester in which the examination will be given. An audited course will not meet this requirement.
B. Doctoral
- Completing 80% of required graduate coursework with a 3.0 grade point average.
- The student must be registered for at least one credit hour in the semester in which the examination will be given. An audited course will not meet this requirement.
C. Specialist in Education
- Completing 24 semester hours of graduate coursework with a 3.0 grade point average.
- The student must be registered for at least one credit hour in the semester in which the examination will be given. An audited course will not meet this requirement.
Policies & procedures
- Students may not take the exam as a walk-in.
- Students who miss the registration deadline must apply to take the examination at the next scheduled date.
- Students failing to take the examination on the date must re-apply by the deadline on a subsequent test date.
- Students may attempt the examination twice.
- Students unsuccessful twice on the examination must petition the Academic College Dean for permission to take the exam a third time.
Students should register for the examination via PAWS at the time of registration.
- Master’s level GACE: please register for GNST 555
- Specialist level GACE: please register for GNST 666
- Doctoral level GACE: please register for GNST 888
Preparing for & taking the GACE
Preparing for the GACE
- Ask — some comps are standardized, some are personalized.
- Ask — what format is being used: computer-based or pen and paper, short answer or long essay?
- Ask — if the comp is personalized, get some idea of the content.
- Ask — are past exams available?
- Ask — other students.
- Read & review.
Taking the GACE
- Budget your time.
- Remember this examination is a test of your ability as an intellectual.
- As part of the answer you should “compare, contrast, synthesize, analyze, integrate information,” not regurgitate.
- Try to relax.
Important dates
Keep up to date with all important dates for the current semester at Jackson State University. If you have any questions about the information listed, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help you further.
Division of Graduate Studies
1400 John R. Lynch Street
Jackson, MS 39217-0280
Jackson State University
P.O. Box 17095
Jackson, MS 39217