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Comprehensive Policy

Comprehensive Structure

Comprehensive exams will be based upon successful completion (or near completion in the case of SOCI 7050) of the core courses:

  • SOCI 7011 - Sociology in Applied Settings
  • SOCI 7012 - Sociological Theory
  • SOCI 7021 - Statistical Applications in Sociology
  • SOCI 7022 - Research Methods
  • SOCI 7050 - Class, Gender & Ethnic Issues in Applied Settings


Timing of the Exam

Comprehensive exams will be normally held during the few days before the start of a term, so that grades on the comps can be determined prior to the end of the enrollment period for the next term.


Content of the Exam

Comprehensive exams will be program based. Graduate faculty will construct a list of objectives covered in the program core from which questions can be constructed.


Eligibility

To be eligible to take comprehensive exams, students must have satisfactorily completed SOCI 7011, SOCI 7021, SOCI 7022, and SOCI 7012. Students may have completed or can be enrolled in SOCI 7050. Satisfactory completion of core courses includes:

  • An overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, and
  • One or fewer grades of C in any of the core courses.
  • 2 or fewer deficiency points

Expression of Intent to Take Comps

Students should indicate in writing to the Graduate Coordinator their intentions of sitting for the comprehensive exams during the timeframe that the Graduate Coordinator says when the date of the test is announced.


Grading

Comprehensives will be graded by the Comprehensive Committee, which shall consist of three Graduate Faculty.

Grades of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory overall will be assigned by each grader. Two or more satisfactory grades will be considered a passing mark. Two or more unsatisfactory evaluations shall constitute a failing mark.

A report to the student will be done to provide feedback on strengths and weaknesses for each student's answers.

Reports to the student shall be done as quickly as possible after the comps are taken.


Retesting

Students who receive unsatisfactory grades on their comprehensive exams may apply to retake them at the start of the next semester.


Enrollment in SOCI 7800

Students will be enrolled in SOCI 7800 by the Graduate Coordinator once the results of the comprehensive examination are known.