This fall semester course is taken during the first year. Faculty presentations introduce students to the substantive interests, research and professional background of the sociology faculty. It is graded pass/fail.
To count toward degree requirements, core curriculum courses other than the Proseminar (which is graded Pass/Fail) and the Trial Paper Research series of courses must be passed with a grade of B- or higher. After the core course requirement is satisfied, additional methods courses from the list above may be used to fulfill the five-elective course requirement.
In addition to the core curriculum, graduate students must enroll in five additional graduate-level courses. At least four of the five electives must be JHU Sociology department courses. Up to four of the five electives may be fulfilled by a combination of:
All must be passed with a grade of B- or higher. While students are free to select these courses, the department strongly recommends that they be taken from diverse fields of specializations so as to maximize the breadth of exposure to core areas of sociology and other disciplines.
As part of their preparation for future academic work, graduate students are required to register for AS.230.811 Teaching Assistantship and serve as a teaching assistant for at least one semester.
The Sociology Department no longer requires certification of fluency in a foreign language as part of the Ph.D. requirements. Students should be proactive in gaining the language skills necessary to conduct their TRP and dissertation research, and should work closely with their advisor to determine whether additional language education is needed.
A minimum of two consecutive semesters of full-time residence is mandatory for all degrees. However, at least six semesters of full-time residence is recommended by the department for completion of the core curriculum, electives, and completion of a research apprenticeship and a trial research paper. By the end of the fourth year in the program, the student is expected to have written a dissertation proposal and have defended it successfully before the appropriate examining committees.
AS.230.801 Research Assistantship and AS.230.804 Research Apprenticeship
Students are required to develop practical research expertise through professional-level participation (data analysis, literature searches/reviews, non-routine data processing or coding, preparation and refinement of research instruments, and data/file management). This requirement is fulfilled by satisfactorily completing a Research Apprenticeship, which is required during the student’s first year of full-time graduate study in the department. The standard for certification is substantial research accomplishment as judged by the faculty supervisor.
( AS.230.685 TRP Seminar I , AS.230.690 TRP Seminar II , AS.230.815 Trial Research Paper I , AS.230.816 Trial Research Paper II , AS.230.817 Trial Research Paper III )
Students begin working on a Trial Research Paper (TRP) no later than the spring semester of their second year. The TRP affords students the experience of planning and executing a research project that leads to a publishable quality paper. The TRP is expected to be a serious, complete work of scholarship, suitable for conference presentation or journal submission. Whether or not the topic of the TRP is similar to that of the eventual dissertation, we believe all students will benefit from going through this exercise before planning for the dissertation.
By the end of the fall semester of their second year, students should invite a faculty TRP advisor to supervise the design and execution of the TRP project. Regular or adjunct faculty members whose positions entitle them to serve as dissertation advisors are eligible to serve as faculty TRP advisors. Work on the TRP generally will be done over three semesters. In order to facilitate progress on the TRP, students register for courses that are meant to consist of one-on-one meetings with their TRP advisor (TRP I, AS.230.815 Trial Research Paper I in the spring of your second year, TRP II, AS.230.816 Trial Research Paper II in the fall of your third year, and TRP III, AS.230.817 Trial Research Paper III in the spring of your third year.)
In order to facilitate student progress on the TRP, the department has also introduced two required TRP seminars, for which all students register in the spring of their second and third year. These are: AS.230.685 TRP Seminar I (spring of second year) & AS.230.690 TRP Seminar II (spring of third year). These courses will be graded pass/fail and will not count toward the fulfillment of the elective courses required for the Ph.D.
A TRP proposal must be approved by the faculty TRP advisor by the end of the spring semester of the second year. By the end of the fall semester of the third year, the TRP advisor must approve a draft of the paper which will then be reviewed by another department faculty member. The TRP advisor, at their discretion, may extend this deadline to the end of the intersession period following the fall semester. The faculty reviewer will evaluate the paper and, if necessary, recommend revisions that should be made before the paper is certified. The TRP advisor will determine required revisions and must certify a final TRP by the end of the spring semester of the third year.
The student must propose and conduct original research presented in a dissertation suitable for publication. The department administers an oral examination which must be passed before the student is allowed to defend before a university board. The dissertation must then be defended either at a Graduate Board preliminary oral examination, based on the dissertation proposal, or at a Graduate Board final oral examination, based on the completed dissertation.
The department offers two special programs that coordinate activities in its two focus areas. Doctoral students may affiliate with one or both of these programs at their discretion. These programs function as fields of doctoral specialization within the Department of Sociology.
This focus area of graduate study focuses on cross-national, comparative research and long-term, world-scale social change. The goal of the program is to give students knowledge of the various theoretical perspectives in these areas, experience in data collection and analysis, and expertise in one or more substantive fields.
The program does not focus on a particular geographic area, although faculty members have conducted extensive research on Latin America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Instead of a geographical approach, the emphasis is on issues of development and social change that cut across different countries and world regions. Examples are globalization and regionalization, labor and development, city systems and urban primacy, social movements and revolutions, state violence, migration and labor force formation, family structure and change, social structure and personality, and national and international stratification. Students enroll in a sequence of courses and seminars and participate actively in ongoing faculty projects dealing with one or more of the above issues.
In addition, the interdisciplinary character of graduate education at Johns Hopkins University offers students ample opportunity to enroll in courses or collaborate in research of faculty in other departments. Faculty associates of the program include distinguished scholars in anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, and public health.
A graduate focus area is not required of Ph.D. students.
This focus area of graduate study focuses on the causes and consequences of social inequality, the social processes that sustain it, and how social policies can reduce it. These questions are addressed in terms of class, gender, race, ethnicity, and immigration status/citizenship.
The program is designed to train students in the sociological analysis of social inequality among individuals and groups. This training includes course work in areas such as social stratification, the sociology of the family, the sociology of education, sociology of immigration, social structure and personality, social policy, and research design and methods. Students in the PSI program enroll in a sequence of courses and seminars and participate actively in ongoing faculty projects dealing with one or more of the above issues.
In addition, the interdisciplinary character of graduate education at Johns Hopkins University offers students ample opportunity to enroll in courses or collaborate in research with faculty in other departments. Faculty associates of the program include distinguished scholars in anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, and public health.
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Director of Graduate Studies: Emily Rauscher
The Department of Sociology at Brown University offers outstanding doctoral training. Our graduate student community is small, enabling students to have fulfilling mentoring relationships with faculty and to collaborate meaningfully on research and teaching. Due to this advantage, we have partnerships with research centers and institutes across campus, including the Population Studies and Training Center (PSTC), the Watson Institute for International Studies , the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society , Spatial Structures in the Social Sciences (S4) and Urban Studies , among others. As a result, Brown graduates have an outstanding record of research, publications, and professional accomplishment. The Department of Sociology through the Graduate School offers incoming doctoral students five years of guaranteed financial support , including a stipend and health and dental insurance subsidies, through mechanisms including fellowships, traineeships, and teaching and research assistantships.
For details, please see the Ph.D. Graduate Student Handbook .
For program information, please see the Ph.D. Program Flyer .
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Harvard is one of the world’s leading centers for training and mentoring the next generation of sociologists. The Department of Sociology offers several programs of graduate study leading to the Ph.D. in Sociology , the Ph.D. in Sociology and Social Policy , and the Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior .
The aim of the Graduate Program in Sociology is to prepare students for scholarly and applied research and for teaching in sociology. The program combines an emphasis on competence in social theory and research methods with opportunities for the development of each student's own interest.
Doctoral candidates are expected to achieve a solid proficiency in fundamentals that will enable them to teach basic and advanced sociology courses and engage in both quantitative and qualitative research. Students are trained in several sub fields of sociology in which the faculty has concentrations of expertise. Among these are social stratification and inequality (including race and ethnic relations), the study of complex organizations, economic sociology, political sociology, comparative/historical sociology, health and social policy, cultural analysis, urban sociology, criminology, and life course. The program includes a sequence of required courses on theory and theory construction, designed to acquaint every student with skills necessary for developing social explanations, and required courses in both qualitative methods and advanced statistics to familiarize students with techniques for collecting and analyzing data.
Sociology Faculty and Student Involvement in University Initiatives
For further information on the research topics that Harvard students have explored and the careers of some recent graduates, see Graduate Degrees Awarded .
Harvard Griffin GSAS does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other protected classification.
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Office Hours (Fall 2023) Monday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (remote) Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (on campus) Wednesday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (on campus) Thursday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (remote) Friday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (remote)
Email [email protected]
Phone 617.495.3813
Director David Pedulla
Program Coordinator Jessica Matteson
Our faculty encourages you to become a creative independent researcher. During your graduate career, you will read broadly across fields and generate work that is theoretically, empirically, and analytically rigorous. The program provides advanced training in quantitative and qualitative research methods as well as mixed methods.
Students in the program have conducted research on a variety of projects, including investigating food insecurity in Atlanta, the social effects of climate change, and community policing in a public housing project.
The program has an excellent placement record with graduates securing faculty positions at institutions such as Stanford University, Yale School of Management, Harvard Business School, University of Chicago, and University of Toronto. Others have gone on to non-academic careers at organizations such as The Urban Institute, Abt Associates, and Facebook.
Students considering the PhD program in sociology may also be interested in the PhD programs in Sociology and Social Policy or Organizational Behavior , both of which are offered jointly with the Department of Sociology . Students who wish to apply to one of these programs in addition to the PhD program in sociology may do so.
Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Sociology and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .
Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Sociology .
A writing sample is required as part of the application and should be a term paper, senior thesis, master’s essay, or similar written work. Citations and references are not included in the page limit.
GRE General: Required
Theses & Dissertations for Sociology
See list of Sociology faculty
Questions about the program.
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The PhD in Sociology offers a world-class programme of research study in sociology supervised by experts in their respective fields. The Department of Sociology at the University of Cambridge is ranked first for Sociology in the Guardian's Best Universities league table and first for Sociology in the Complete University Guide League Table 2024 . And the QS World University rankings list our departments as 2nd out of over 500 Sociology Departments across the world in 2023.
In the first year you are encouraged to take research methods courses offered by the Department and the Social Science Research Methods Programme (SSRMP) to build the methodological grounding of your individual research projects.
The Department also offers a programme of seminars covering transferable skills such as academic writing, presentation skills and in-depth information about how to progress the PhD and the academic career. PhD students are supported by their supervisor and a faculty adviser.
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The course aims to provide all students with the skills they need to be professional researchers and academics. There is an organised programme of courses for first-year PhD students, which has three major components:
The standard period for PhDs is 3-4 years full-time or 5-7 years part-time. Click here for further information about part-time PhD studies .
The part-time PhD course is 5-7 years in length.
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Students who complete graduate programmes in Sociology have the opportunity to develop the analytical and writing skills to help them succeed in academia but also in careers such as health and social care, marketing and public relations, politics, and education, amongst others.
Postgraduate applicants are required to nominate a supervisor as part of their application. Find a list of the research areas and availabilty of our supervisors here.
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Browse the essential information for applying to Sociology, including deadlines, entry requirements, the reseach proposal, nominating a supervisor, and our interview policy.
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Check the financial considerations for postgraduate study at Cambridge, including fees and funding, accomodation and living costs, as well as career opportunities.
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Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding our postgraduate programmes, regarding applications, coronavirus guidance, course start dates, funding, references and more.
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The Sociology PhD program trains future scholars in the fundamental skills of the discipline of sociology. Students will acquire advanced knowledge of sociological theory and research in their chosen areas of specialization within the discipline in order to make a significant and original contribution to the field. Graduates of the program are prepared to take up teaching and research positions in academia or beyond. Applicants should have at least a bachelor’s degree in any discipline; a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in sociology is preferable but not required.
Candidates admitted to the PhD program must complete 16 courses, including 5 required and 11 elective courses (64 credits).
Basic requirements (5 courses for a total of 20 credits):
Strongly encouraged (2 2-credit courses run over two semesters for a total of 4 credits):
Elective courses (11 courses, can include SO 951 and SO 952, for a total of 44 credits)
The GRS SO 701 and SO 702 required courses should be completed in the first year of study. All first-year students are also strongly encouraged to register for GRS SO 951 and SO 952. The student’s remaining coursework should be chosen in conjunction with their advisor. Please consult the Department of Sociology Graduate Student Handbook for further details.
There is no foreign language requirement for this degree.
After all courses are complete but before students write their Dissertation Prospectus, they must first meet two qualifying requirements. For each of two subfields of Sociology, students must complete either a: (1) critical essay, (2) critical exam, or (3) research paper suitable for submission to a scholarly journal. Each product shall demonstrate intellectual mastery of theories, concepts, methods, and research in the discipline. Students should select a format for each subfield in consultation with their advisor. Upon completion and approval of each paper, exam, or critical essay, the work is defended in a Comprehensive Oral Examination.
The oral examination will primarily cover the fields in the critical essay and research paper, but it may also cover other substantive, methodological, or theoretical material from the students’ coursework.
Candidates shall demonstrate their abilities for independent study in a dissertation representing original research or creative scholarship. A prospectus for the dissertation must be completed and approved by the readers, the director of graduate studies, and the department chair/program director. Candidates must undergo a final oral examination in which they defend their dissertation as a valuable contribution to knowledge in their field and demonstrate a mastery of their field of specialization in relation to their dissertation. All portions of the dissertation and final oral examination must be completed as outlined in the GRS General Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree and the Graduate Student Handbook .
Students who choose to withdraw from the PhD program and graduate with a terminal MA in Sociology must complete all of the requirements of the MA program , including the minimum 8 graduate-level courses (32 credits) and the master’s thesis on a project of original research. Students should consult the Graduate Student Handbook for additional details about required courses for the MA program.
Note that this information may change at any time. Read the full terms of use .
Accreditation.
Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
General info.
Scott Lynch Director of Graduate Studies Department of Sociology Duke University Box 90088 Durham, NC 27708-0088
Phone: (919) 660-5614
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://sociology.duke.edu/
Areas of specialization are Culture, Affect, & Cognition; Health, Demography, & the Life Course; Organizational & Economic Sociology; Race, Ethnicity, & Inequality; Religion & Social Change; Social Networks & Computational Social Science. Our mentorship approach to graduate education allows students to have a close working relationship with faculty members. Research productivity is high, and most students publish by the time they graduate. Students also have the opportunity to receive teacher training and gain teaching experience.
Duke provides extensive computer support services, a first-rate research library, and a comprehensive collection of social science data bases. Graduate study is further enhanced by opportunities to participate in many interdisciplinary programs and centers at Duke, such as the Population Research Institute, the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, the Center for Child and Family Policy, the Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity and Gender in the Social Sciences, the Duke Network Analysis Center, the Kenan Institute for Ethics, and the Social Science Research Institute.
Application Terms Available: Fall
Application Deadline: December 20
Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.
Department-Specific Application Requirements (submitted through online application)
Statement of Purpose Guidelines We train future researchers. As such, we want to know about your interest in and experience with research. Tell us about your senior thesis, research apprenticeships, and experience at a think tank or other research institute. Tell us, too, about what you want to study in the future. You don’t need to have a precise research question nailed down – in fact, we don’t want you to come in with your heart set on a single question – but we do want to hear about what kind of questions motivate you, what your interests are, and why. If you have any demonstrated strengths (awards, high grades, etc.), mention them too, though in a matter-of-fact way rather than in a boasting way.
We also want to know why you think Duke is a good fit. Of course, we want to know your intellectual reasons, but if you also have a tie to North Carolina or any other reason that makes you specifically excited about Duke, please tell us that too.
There are also things that some applicants include that you should probably avoid. Since we are training future researchers, we’re less interested in your experience with activism, teaching, and extracurricular activities. Of course, these are all potentially great things to do; they are just not relevant for admission to graduate school.
Writing Sample A 10-20 page writing sample should be uploaded to the Departmental Requirements section of the online application. This is generally a seminar paper written for a Sociology class. If you have been out of school and have written/co-written and/or published/co-published an article, you may submit that article, too. We look for two key criteria: evidence of understanding and executing social science research and writing ability.
Additional Components Applicants to the joint Ph.D. program in Public Policy and Allied Disciplines must submit an additional essay for admission to the program. Regardless of your selection of primary department, please respond to the following prompt:
In 500 words or less, please explain your interest in the joint Ph.D. program offered between Public Policy and an Allied Discipline. Highlight how your research interests and past experiences lie at the intersection between Public Policy and the Allied Discipline and how participation in the joint program will facilitate your professional goals after receiving your degree.
We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying: Departmental Application Guidance
List of Graduate School Programs and Degrees
This article will answer “what can you do with a PhD in Sociology?”. First, let’s start with the basics: Sociology is a social science which aims to understand the behaviour of society. This is a very broad definition but captures the essence of the subject. Sociology studies range from the structure of different groups and organisations within society to divisions from religion, class, race, age and gender.
A PhD degree in sociology provides insight into social concepts and requires a strong understanding of research methods, statistics, data collection and analysis. Research shows that most Social science graduates move into academia, though other (non-academic) career options exist.
The Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Longitudinal Survey, carried out by HSEA, captures information about the activities and perspectives of graduates three and a half years after they completed their studies. Based on over 11,000 responses from 2012/13 Social study leavers, approximately 83% of UK domiciled leavers who achieved a qualification through postgraduate research were in work, with another approx. 7.5% in further study.
Destinations of 2012/13 UK and other EU domiciled leavers with postgraduate research in Social studies.
More information on this data can be found here . The same survey also includes information on those in employment. The table below presents the employment destination (categorised by jobs) of UK domiciled Social study leavers (2012/13) who obtained postgraduate qualifications.
Agriculture, forestry and fishing | 0.00% |
Mining and quarrying | 0.00% |
Manufacturing | 1.10% |
Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply | 0.60% |
Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities | 0.10% |
Construction | 0.60% |
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles | 1.10% |
Transport and storage | 0.80% |
Accommodation and food service activities | 0.40% |
Information and communication | 2.60% |
Financial and insurance activities | 3.00% |
Real estate activities | 1.00% |
Professional, scientific and technical activities | 9.70% |
Administrative and support service activities | 1.20% |
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security | 26.50% |
Education | 18.50% |
Human health and social work activities | 28.70% |
Arts, entertainment and recreation | 0.80% |
Other service activities | 2.50% |
Activities of households as employers; undifferentiated goods- and services-producing activities of households for own use | 0.00% |
Activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies | 0.50% |
Not known/Not applicable | 0.30% |
UK domiciled leavers (Postgraduate Social studies 2012/13) in employment (inc. work and further study) by Standard Industrial Classification of employer
More information on this data can be found here .
We can see the largest four destinations are: 1) Human health and social work activities, 2) Public administration and defence; compulsory social security, 3) Education and 4) Professional, scientific and technical activities. We can also see that some social study graduates take up jobs/roles in financial and insurance activities, retail trade and manufacturing.
Of course, a postgraduate degree is much more specialised than an undergraduate degree, and so your PhD programme can be tailored to particular career options if you already have long-term aspirations for your career. For example, a PhD in Sociology with a focus on international relations lends itself to a career in international politics.
Studying sociology equips you with the skills for a career not only in the academic field but also in a wide range of fields including business, health & social care, marketing, public relations, education and politics. Examples of typical first roles post-graduation for sociology doctorates includes lecturers, researchers, positions in government, youth workers and public health services.
The analytical nature of sociology studies lends itself to a career in business. Business is a very broad term – think statistics, public relations, human resources etc. The ability to emphasise and understand human behaviour is important in the last two examples, and business often looks to sociology students at university for these attributes. Due to the competitive nature of business jobs, PhD students should look to undertake work experience which would support their academic work before applying.
Marketing is the art of understanding social behaviour and human thinking to best develop campaigns to target these attributes. A PhD degree in sociology provides a strong foundation of knowledge in gender, race, age and human behaviour etc. which enables you to use your research skills to more accurately forecast the effectiveness of marketing campaigns to target demographics. This understanding, combined with the analytical skills gained from a PhD makes a career in marketing a suitable destination for sociology graduates.
Social researchers are able to transition into social care roles such as community development officers, welfare officers, counsellors as well as careers in the public health service, the criminal justice service and in rehabilitation. These roles let you make the most of the ‘human’ side of your research programme and allow you to interact with members of the public (from varying backgrounds) in a more intimate nature. If you are a student who particularly enjoyed the health oriented aspects of your PhD study, this could be the right career path for you.
A Sociology PhD degree can prepare you in a career in education at any level. As a research student you are likely to have knowledge of child behaviour and the learning process in children which can be used (alongside a professional teaching qualification) to land you a teaching role in primary and secondary education.
In terms of higher education, a research degree typically forms part of the entry requirements for a teaching role in universities. Generally, university lecturers have much more freedom in the contents and coursework of their course than lower education teachers, which allows you to focus on your chosen speciality and tailor research training to your research interest. Universities often offer their doctorates part time teaching positions as a way of assisting in the transition from student to teacher.
It is important to note that an educational role in higher education is not just limited to lecturing at a university, but also includes supervising research projects, tutoring students and running research programmes.
Similar to marketing, a successful politician needs to have a strong understanding of social culture and be in tune with the values of different demographics. A career in politics can range from being an activist to engaging with charities, regardless of the level of involvement – a PhD in sociology gives you the perspective of different cultures and can allow you to use this insight to contribute to society. Whether your postgraduate research area is directly related to politics or not, looking for work experience is advised as it often forms part of entry requirements for political roles.
Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.
It is important to remember that whilst most Sociology doctorates pursue a career in academia, holding a PhD in the subject gives you a number of skills and attributes which make you desirable to a wide range of employers. You must be able to recognise these skills when preparing your CV and job applications.
Examples of skills you will learn as a sociology PhD student during your postgraduate study include:
In addition to the above having a PhD also equips you with several transferable skills . These are skills which a vital in the professional working environment and can be used in any sector. Examples of transferable skills postgraduate research students possess include communication, team working, work ethic, time management, problem-solving and the ability to carry out independent research.
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The objective of the Sociology program is to produce intellectually well-rounded graduates capable of functioning effectively in either an academic or a sociological practice setting, analyzing social groups and relationships between groups, and evaluating the influence of social and cultural factors on important social outcomes.
While enrolled in our doctoral program, you’ll have opportunities to work closely with faculty members in educational and research activities focusing on:
What can you do with a sociology ph.d..
We train graduate students in the latest sociological theories, methods, and research in preparation for careers in higher education, marketing, social services, government, data science, health care and many other fields.
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The PhD program, offered on a full– and part–time basis, is intended to develop research and teaching scholars who can accomplish major, independent research projects, who are able to advance the substantive and theoretical debates in the discipline through professional discourse and publication, and who are able to teach the basic perspectives in the discipline and at least one specialized field at the undergraduate and graduate levels. All requirements for the PhD must be completed within six years of first registering as a doctoral student. During this period, continuous registration at York must be maintained. Part–time study does not entitle students to extra time. Part–time doctoral study is feasible only if the student can collect data for the dissertation as part of their job, or if the student can switch to full–time study for a year or two.
If a student has not finished at the end of their sixth year (18th term), they will have to withdraw from the program and seek reinstatement when they have completed all outstanding work and have an examinable dissertation. In exceptional circumstances, an extension may be granted, and the student will be required to register as a part–time student. Such an extension requires formal approval by the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and is not granted routinely. Students need the support of their committee supervisor and the Graduate Program Director. In addition, students must write a petition outlining why they have been unable to finish within the normal time period and submit a detailed work plan for finishing the dissertation within the requested extension period.
The Graduate Program in Sociology at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.
Phd in sociology: requirements, salary, jobs, & career growth, what is phd in sociology.
A doctoral degree program in sociology focuses on advanced study and research in the discipline of sociology, which is the scientific study of human society and social behavior.
Sociology is a social science that studies social structures, institutions, organizations, culture, social interaction, and social change.
A Ph.D. in Sociology degree typically prepares students to become sociology scholars, researchers, instructors, or experts.
Students pursuing a Ph.D. in Sociology typically must complete coursework in advanced sociological theory, research methods, and statistics, as well as specialized courses in their chosen areas of interest within sociology, such as sociology of education, sociology of gender, sociology of health and illness, sociology of race and ethnicity, or sociology of organizations, among others.
Students pursuing a Ph.D. in Sociology are also required to conduct original research and write a dissertation, which is a substantial piece of scholarly work that adds to the existing body of sociological knowledge.
Sociology Ph.D. holders tend to earn better salaries than people with lower levels of education in the area, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual pay for sociologists, including those with Ph.D. degrees, was $83,420 in May 2020. However, it is important to note that this statistic represents the median, which means that half of all sociologists earned more and half earned less.
Wages for tenure-track or tenured professors in academia can range from $60,000 to $100,000 per year, with greater wages often linked with more senior posts or jobs at prestigious colleges.
Sociologists with Ph.D.s who work at research institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or other contexts may be paid differently depending on their positions, responsibilities, and the size and location of the organization. Salaries might range from $50,000 to $100,000 or more per year, based on the conditions indicated above.
Sociologists, particularly those with a Ph.D., face a competitive work market, with restricted prospects in specific fields and sectors. However, possibilities for Ph.D. holders in Sociology still exist, particularly in academia, research, and applied contexts.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of sociologists, including those with Ph.D. degrees, is expected to expand at the same rate as the national average from 2020 to 2030.
Sociologists with Ph.D.s may find employment outside of academia in research institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other applied contexts.
These jobs could include conducting research, policy analysis, program assessment, or other sociological work on social issues such as education, health, crime, race and ethnicity, inequality, and more.
You can pursue a range of employment routes and opportunities with a Ph.D. in Sociology, including:
1. Academic Researcher or Professor: Sociology Ph.D. holders may work as researchers or professors in universities or colleges. Conducting sociological research, publishing scholarly articles, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, mentoring students, and contributing to the academic community through conferences, workshops, and other scholarly activities may all fall under this category.
2. Applied Researcher: Sociologists with Ph.D.s can work in research institutes, think tanks, policy organizations, and other applied contexts. They can do study on social topics such as education, healthcare, criminal justice, inequality, racism and ethnicity, gender, and others in order to inform policies and practices addressing societal difficulties.
3. Program Evaluator: Sociologists with Ph.D. degrees can work as program evaluators, examining the success of various social initiatives and interventions. This can include assessing the outcomes and consequences of programs and policies, conducting research to support program improvements, and presenting decision-makers with evidence-based recommendations.
4. Consultant or Analyst: Sociology Ph.D. holders can work as consultants or analysts, advising businesses, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other groups on social concerns. To solve social and organizational difficulties, this may entail undertaking research, data analysis, and strategy planning.
5. Non-profit or non-governmental organization (NGO) Work: Sociologists with Ph.D. degrees can work in non-profit or non-governmental organizations (NGOs), where they can lend their expertise to social issues such as human rights, social justice, and community development.
6. Work in Government or Policy: Sociology Ph.D. holders can work in government agencies such as municipal, state, or federal departments, giving insights and expertise on social issues to inform policy formation, implementation, and assessment.
7. Independent Researchers: Sociologists with Ph.D. degrees can also pursue independent research careers, in which they conduct their own research projects, publish findings, and contribute to the field of sociology through unique research and ideas.
8. Teaching and Education: Sociology Ph.D. holders can work as teachers, instructors, or curriculum planners in educational institutions such as K-12 schools, community colleges, or vocational schools, presenting sociological viewpoints in the subject of education.
9. Social Activism and Advocacy: Sociologists with Ph.D.s can serve as social activists or advocates, using their sociological knowledge to increase awareness, advocate for social change, and promote social justice and equality.
10. Other employment: Sociology Ph.D. holders may pursue employment in disciplines such as market research, data analysis, human resources, public relations, and others where their sociological abilities and perspectives can be useful.
The specific requirements for obtaining a PhD in Sociology can vary depending on the institution and program, but generally, the following are common requirements:
1. Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree: Applicants to most PhD programs in Sociology must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Although it is not usually required, certain schools may accept applicants with a Master’s degree in a related discipline.
2. Academic Transcripts: Applicants are usually expected to present certified transcripts of their undergraduate and graduate education, which demonstrate their academic performance and achievement.
3. Statement of Purpose: Applicants are typically expected to provide a personal statement or statement of purpose detailing their research interests, academic ambitions, and reason for pursuing a PhD in Sociology.
4. Standardized Test Scores: Applicants to many PhD programs may be required to submit scores from standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other related assessments.
5. Letters of Recommendation: Applicants to PhD programs in Sociology are frequently required to provide letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources who may speak to the applicant’s academic talents, research potential, and eligibility for a PhD program.
How long does it take to get a phd in sociology.
The time it takes to earn a Ph.D. in Sociology depends on a number of factors, including the program structure, individual advancement, and the institution’s special criteria. A Ph.D. in Sociology typically takes 4-7 years to complete, though this might vary.
Do you need a masters in sociology to get a phd in sociology.
In most circumstances, a master’s degree in sociology is not required to acquire a Ph.D. in sociology. Many Ph.D. programs in Sociology welcome candidates with a bachelor’s degree straight into their doctorate program, and the program may contain coursework and other components meant to give the essential training and preparation for the Ph.D. level.
1. harvard university – department of sociology 2. stanford university – department of sociology 3. university of california, berkeley – department of sociology 4. princeton university – department of sociology 5. university of chicago – department of sociology 6. columbia university – department of sociology 7. university of pennsylvania – department of sociology 8. university of california, los angeles (ucla) – department of sociology 9. new york university (nyu) – department of sociology 10. university of michigan – department of sociology, leave a comment cancel reply.
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Reporting by Alexandra Ulmer and Gram Slattery; additional reporting by Kristina Cooke and Ted Hesson; Editing by Anthony Esposito, Diane Craft and Nick Zieminski
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Alexandra covers the 2024 U.S. presidential race, with a focus on Republicans, donors and AI. Previously, she spent four years in Venezuela reporting on the humanitarian crisis and investigating corruption. She has also worked in India, Chile and Argentina. Alexandra was Reuters' Reporter of the Year and has won an Overseas Press Club award.
Washington-based correspondent covering campaigns and Congress. Previously posted in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Santiago, Chile, and has reported extensively throughout Latin America. Co-winner of the 2021 Reuters Journalist of the Year Award in the business coverage category for a series on corruption and fraud in the oil industry. He was born in Massachusetts and graduated from Harvard College.
Iran will hold a run-off presidential election on July 5 after neither of the top candidates secured more than 50% of votes in Friday's polls, the interior ministry said on Saturday.
Stanford Law School and the Department of Sociology share more than a common interest in sociolegal scholarship: Both are ranked among the top academic departments in their respective fields. The high quality of both institutions distinguishes Stanford's JD/PhD program from those offered by other universities. Stanford is also the only university where a commitment to fostering sociolegal scholarship has been translated into a truly joint JD/PhD program.
Upon admission, students may begin study in either the law school or the department of sociology. Students must complete their first full year of graduate study in one program and their second full year in the other. Thereafter, students may divide their time between programs to suit their individual course of research and graduate training. Students must satisfy the requirements for both the JD and the PhD degrees. Up to 54 quarter units of approved coursework may be counted towards both degrees, but no more than 31 quarter units of courses that originate outside the Law school may count towards the Law degree. The Law degree may be conferred upon completion of applicable law school requirements; it is not necessary to have both degrees conferred simultaneously. Students participating in the joint degree program are not eligible to transfer and receive credit for a master's or another degree towards the Ph.D. Students must complete the equivalent of 183 quarter units to complete both degrees. These provisions dramatically reduce requirements, increase flexibility, and make Stanford's a true joint degree program.
In addition to coursework, Students must complete additional requirements for each program. Complete Sociology PhD requirements and include at least three quarters of Teaching Assistantship, three-quarters of Research Assistantship, and successful completion of a doctoral dissertation. For additional requirements for the JD degree, see the Stanford Law Schoo l website.
Students who are accepted into the JD/PhD Program in Law and Sociology will typically pay for only two semesters of law school tuition – a savings of approximately $50,000 (compared, for example, to programs at other top-ranked law schools that require students to pay for five semesters of law school tuition), and will receive nearly a full year of credit toward the law degree from approved sociology coursework. Through a combination of fellowships, research, and teaching assistantships; the Department of Sociology currently provides full tuition, stipends, and funds to support research for six academic years of graduate-level study in sociology to each student admitted to the PhD program. Thus, students admitted to the joint program will generally pay no tuition beyond the first year of law school, and will receive a stipend for six additional years of study in the law school and the sociology department.
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Admission to Ph.D. in sociology programs is highly competitive, with acceptance rates at some schools as low as 4%. Admissions committees look at several factors when considering grad school ...
The Ph.D. program is defined by a commitment to highly analytical sociology. The program trains graduate students to use a range of methods - quantitative and qualitative - and data - survey, administrative, experimental, interview, direct observation, and more - to answer pressing empirical questions and to advance important ...
People with a doctorate in sociology can apply their skills in a variety of jobs, inside and outside academia. The traditional career path for sociology PhDs involves a position on the faculty of a college or university, with a focus on research or teaching or both. But today, more and more sociologists are working in non-faculty jobs in ...
The Sociology Department offers the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Students admitted into the PhD program will also earn an M.A. along the way. The M.A. in sociology is only available to students admitted into the Ph.D. program which is usually completed by the second year of the program. For students seeking to enter the program with previous ...
Doctoral Degree Programs. The PhD program in the Department of Sociology at Stanford offers rigorous training in sociological knowledge and research methods, and prepares students to embark on successful professional careers in sociology. Our program prides itself on world-renowned faculty, cutting-edge research programs, and close interactions ...
The Ph.D. program prepares students to conduct the highest level of sociological research. Graduates of the program go on to occupy research and teaching positions at top universities around the world as well as advanced positions in government and private industry. Alumni of the program include some of the most distinguished sociologists of ...
The sociology graduate experience at Johns Hopkins University is best characterized as a research apprenticeship - a careful blend of formal instruction, faculty-directed individual study, and supervised as well as self-initiated research. The department's small size and specific focus areas yield a personalized course of study and close ...
Ph.D. Program in Sociology. Director of Graduate Studies: Emily Rauscher. The Department of Sociology at Brown University offers outstanding doctoral training. Our graduate student community is small, enabling students to have fulfilling mentoring relationships with faculty and to collaborate meaningfully on research and teaching.
The aim of the Graduate Program in Sociology is to prepare students for scholarly and applied research and for teaching in sociology. The program combines an emphasis on competence in social theory and research methods with opportunities for the development of each student's own interest. Doctoral candidates are expected to achieve a solid ...
This program is one of the top three sociology programs in the world and provides students with the tools to answer intellectual questions relating to the distribution of resources in society and to social organization. Our faculty encourages you to become a creative independent researcher. During your graduate career, you will read broadly ...
No, we do not offer a terminal Master's degree in Sociology. Current doctoral students from within the Department or in another Stanford graduate program may apply for a Master of Arts in Sociology during the course of their Ph.D. program. Master's candidates must take 45 units of course work, and 25 of those units must be in graduate seminars.
Ph.D. in Sociology. Apply Now Contact an Advisor. Develop a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the study of society with the doctoral program in sociology. You will also study the theory, methods and research in your specialized area (s). You will select one of six specialized areas of study:
What you can do with your PhD. Students who complete graduate programmes in Sociology have the opportunity to develop the analytical and writing skills to help them succeed in academia but also in careers such as health and social care, marketing and public relations, politics, and education, amongst others.
PhD in Sociology. The Sociology PhD program trains future scholars in the fundamental skills of the discipline of sociology. Students will acquire advanced knowledge of sociological theory and research in their chosen areas of specialization within the discipline in order to make a significant and original contribution to the field. Graduates ...
Of course, these are all potentially great things to do; they are just not relevant for admission to graduate school. Writing Sample A 10-20 page writing sample should be uploaded to the Departmental Requirements section of the online application. This is generally a seminar paper written for a Sociology class.
A PhD degree in sociology provides a strong foundation of knowledge in gender, race, age and human behaviour etc. which enables you to use your research skills to more accurately forecast the effectiveness of marketing campaigns to target demographics. This understanding, combined with the analytical skills gained from a PhD makes a career in ...
In order to begin the PhD portion of the program, you need to: earn your Master's in the program or have a previous MA approved . The PhD requires 90 credits of graduate level of coursework. Here is a summary of coursework and the milestones for the PhD portion of the program: 2 of these 4 courses can overlap with the 4 graded Sociology Electives.
Program Requirements. Migration, Ethnicity, Race, Nation Workshop. The following program requirements apply to students who entered the Ph.D program in 2010-11 or later; students admitted prior to 2010 should consult the department or the Bulletin from their year of admission for requirements specific to their cohort. Please review the ...
Pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Sociology at the University of North Texas prepares you to be an independent researcher or instructor in higher education. You'll learn to apply social science perspectives and tools to problems and improve quality of life. You can concentrate your studies in the areas of comparative and global ...
PhD. The PhD program, offered on a full- and part-time basis, is intended to develop research and teaching scholars who can accomplish major, independent research projects, who are able to advance the substantive and theoretical debates in the discipline through professional discourse and publication, and who are able to teach the basic ...
What can you do with a PhD in Sociology? You can pursue a range of employment routes and opportunities with a Ph.D. in Sociology, including: 1. Academic Researcher or Professor: Sociology Ph.D. holders may work as researchers or professors in universities or colleges. Conducting sociological research, publishing scholarly articles, teaching ...
Former President Donald Trump proposed "automatically" giving green cards to foreign nationals who graduate from a US college - comments that break from his efforts to curb both legal and ...
The 2024-25 Sociology Ph.D. applications are now closed. Please be aware that you must submit your online application by the deadline. Incomplete applications cannot be completed or submitted after the deadline. Recommendation letters and official test scores from ETS can be submitted by faculty and ETS after the application deadline date.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in a podcast released on Thursday said that students graduating from U.S. colleges should get a green card to stay in the country, a proposal that ...
The economy could get better — or worse. There are many things that could change between now and Election Day that could affect the polls, but one of the biggest factors is the economy.
Funding. Students who are accepted into the JD/PhD Program in Law and Sociology will typically pay for only two semesters of law school tuition - a savings of approximately $50,000 (compared, for example, to programs at other top-ranked law schools that require students to pay for five semesters of law school tuition), and will receive nearly ...
More than eight million borrowers are enrolled in the income-driven plan known as SAVE. The Education Department is assessing the rulings. By Tara Siegel Bernard President Biden's new student ...