Sociology is increasingly linked to issues of social policy. This includes public policy, health policy and related domains. Students who specialize in this area must demonstrate knowledge of both the practical concerns that drive policy analysts to attempt to understand particular social problems (and solutions), as well as the research approaches that are typically adopted by policy analysts to evaluate or demonstrate the relevance of particular social factors in understanding policy related problems.<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.