If a student wishes to take a qualifying exam in methods and statistics, or in sociological theory, he or she must obtain permission from the appropriate theory or methods task force. The theory task force has formal guidelines for granting permission. Comprehensive exams assess the ability of students to comprehend and evaluate key issues within a particular area of sociology. The exams are viewed as preliminary preparation toward becoming a scholar in a particular area, and toward doing independent research on a dissertation. The exams assess the student's ability to review the empirical and theoretical landmarks of a particular area and the student's ability to analyze, synthesize, and critique major theoretical and empirical materials.
Comprehensive examinations require substantial preparation.
Thus, most examination committees will have at least four members. In some cases it is possible that one faculty member may serve as an evaluator in two areas, leading to an examination committee of three persons. Thesis and dissertation committees are created by the mutual consent of the student and the faculty members the student asks to participate on his or her committee. While the Graduate Committee supports this practice, it reserves the right to suggest alternate committee members should the makeup of the committee not seem appropriate. Students are strongly advised to be in regular contact with members of their examination committee throughout preparation for taking comprehensive exams.