Comprehensive Exams

After completing course work and before completing the master’s thesis, students are required to take the comprehensive examinations.  The comprehensive exams for the Master’s Degree in Sociology are divided into three parts.

Examination One
Consists of a written examination in theory and method. This is a test of concepts in sociological theory and methodology. It is administered in an eight-hour session twice a year.

Examination Two
Consists of a written examination in the specialty area selected by the student. Students must specialize in at least one of the specialties offered in the Sociology program. If the student elects to have more than one specialty area he/she will take one eight-hour exam for each of the selected specialties.

Examination Three
An oral exam addressing issues pertaining to Sociological Theory and Method and the Special Area(s) selected by the student.

Exams are offered twice each academic year, once during the Fall semester and once during the Spring semester. They are usually offered during a one-week-period determined by the Director of Graduate Studies (DOGS). However, students may take their exams in more than one semester by taking their first exam during one semester and the remaining ones in the following semesters. No exams will be offered during the summer semesters.