Students must pass a written qualifying examination covering (1) criminological theory and (2) criminal justice policy, which will be evaluated by a rotating committee of three faculty members appointed by the dean of the School of Criminal Justice. Ordinarily, the qualifying exam is to be taken the week before the start of the fall semester of the student's second year in the program. Approval from the Ph.D. director is required for deviating from the ordinary schedule. The qualifying examination will take place in the School of Criminal Justice. Students will use a computer for this eight-hour exam (9 a.m.-5 p.m.), and will be provided with an ungraded copy of their exam upon its completion.
The purpose of the qualifying exam is to test (1) students' familiarity and understanding of central issues, concepts, and debates in criminology and criminal justice; and (2) their ability to present a thorough, well-reasoned, and critical assessment of these enduring issues. Preparation for the qualifying exam is facilitated by taking required courses in theory and policy. In addition, students will be provided with a recommended reading list for the exam, which includes key scholars and works in theory and policy. Passing the qualifying examination signals that students are ready to move on to the next stages of the degree--the empirical paper and dissertation--which require mastery of a substantive research area, demonstration of methodological competence, and an independent contribution to knowledge.
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