Students must pass a written comprehensive examination covering (1) criminological theory and (2) criminal justice policy, which will be evaluated by a rotating committee of six faculty graders--three graders of the theory section and three graders of the policy section--appointed by the comprehensive exam chair. Ordinarily, the comprehensive exam is to be taken at the beginning of the spring 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 comprehensive exam will be a 48-hour take-home exam, for which students will submit four typewritten essays (two in each section).
The purpose of the comprehensive 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 comprehensive exam is facilitated by taking required courses in theory, policy, methods, and statistics. In addition, at the beginning of their first year, students will be provided with a minimum recommended reading list for the exam, which includes key scholars and works in theory and policy. A bank of sample essay questions will also be made available. Passing the comprehensive 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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