Hurdle or Building Block

Abstract

Based on material from a survey of social work doctoral program directors, this paper examines the comprehensive examination process (also called “qualifying” or “preliminary”) as part of doctoral level preparation for social work research and teaching. In the directors' views, examinations serve two main purposes: testing students' mastery of knowledge and skills and assisting students' learning and progress toward the dissertation. Directors expressed many concerns, however, about the success of the exams in achieving these objectives. The findings can stimulate social work educators to consider the relative merits of these two aspects of methods for evaluating student outcomes, not only for doctoral education but for baccalaureate and master's level education as well.

Key Words:

• Doctoral education
• qualifying examinations