College of Arts & Sciences

Ph.D. Qualifying Exams

The purpose of the Qualifying Exam is to determine whether a student has a sound understanding of sociology and will be able to do the high quality work necessary in a dissertation. The Qualifying Examination is composed of two parts -- the first covers major sociological theories and their substantive applications, and the second covers research methodologies.  This exam uses an essay format, and students have some options about which questions they choose to answer. Each exam requires answers to questions designed to test the student's knowledge as well as his/her organizing, synthesizing, and writing abilities.

Students are urged to study diligently for these exams. Successful performance will require students to go beyond their course work; they should expand their knowledge by reviewing books and articles on theories, methods, and research findings from specially prepared reading lists. These reading lists are available from the departmental Director of Graduate Studies.

The Qualifying Exam will normally be given twice a year during the last week of December and the third week of May. Students must register for Soci 9970: Readings for Qualifying Examination (3-9) in the semester during which they prepare for the exam.

Students must take the Qualifying Exam (both parts) at the first opportunity after they complete the required doctoral courses (Soci 8201, 8342, 9010, 9020, 9030, and two specialty area requirements) and in no case should this be later than two years into the program. Each student is responsible for informing the Director of Graduate Studies in writing at least one month prior to the next scheduled examination of her/his intention to take the Qualifying Examination. Failure to take the examination on the agreed date will constitute failure and only one other opportunity will be allowed to take it.

The Chair of the Department will appoint five faculty committees to construct and grade the two parts of the Qualifying Examination. Each part will be graded independently and a student may pass or fail one or both parts. The decision to "pass," "fail," or to give a student a "conditional pass" is governed by a numerical score. In the event of a conditional pass, the student is asked to rewrite one section of an exam. The committee may then pass or fail the student based on the rewritten answer. In the event of a failure, the student may retake the exam only once, and must do so at the next time it is given. A student will be dismissed from the program upon a second failure of either part of the Qualifying Examination.

The Director of Graduate Studies is to be responsible for supervising all phases of the Qualifying Examination and informing the Chair of the Department and the Office of Graduate Studies of the College of Arts and Sciences of the results.