Students may select the thesis option after 24 semester credit hours. E. Comprehensive Examination . All candidates for the degree are required to pass both written and oral comprehensive examinations. Examinations are scheduled after a student has completed at least 30 semester credit hours in the program. The nature of sociological theory, the major varieties of theory, the theorists who developed them, and the social and historical contexts of theory development and construction.
Issues concerning the relation of theory and research are also explored.
Advanced quantitative research methods. Analyses will be pursued using a variety of multivariate statistical techniques developed to meet specialized research problems. Qualitative strategies and techniques used in conducting social science research, including field methods such as participant observation, in-depth interviews, and the collection of documents. Emphasis is on understanding the ways in which people interpret their experience and construct and share their reality. Theory and practice of evaluation of public policy and social service programs.