A student who specializes in the area of gender must demonstrate special knowledge of how biological sex and gender shape individuals' identities, how they shape experiences in everyday social life, individuals' experiences with major social institutions, and also, therefore, important life outcomes such as family, career, and health. Students who specialize in this area demonstrate special knowledge of the theoretical and methodological advances that have been made in the sociology of gender for understanding the importance of this individual attribute.<br>Ph.D. degree candidates may register in general sociology initially but must select one of the eight areas of concentration before taking the Admission to Candidacy examination. Candidates also choose two minors from sociology or related fields. Students normally take a sequence of core courses in theory and methods but may substitute a general examination in these subjects. Ph.D. students in full-time residence are normally expected to earn the Ph.D. degree within four years. The written and oral Admission to Candidacy examination is usually taken early in the third year, followed by the dissertation and oral defense. One year of directed teaching experience at Cornell is required unless the student is specifically exempted.