Sociology (PhD)

The Department of Sociology offers graduate work leading to a doctor of philosophy (PhD) and is intended for students seeking a professional career in research and teaching in both academic and nonacademic settings. The department does not offer a terminal master’s degree, although students enrolled in the PhD program will also receive a master’s degree as part of their training.

Students receive training in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, sociological theory, and major substantive fields within sociology such as gender, sexuality, environment, race and ethnicity, culture, social networks, labor, immigration, and political economy. The department places a strong emphasis on research, and many students will find opportunities to participate in projects conducted by faculty members.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate mastery of core sociological knowledge and knowledge of several sub-fields within sociology.
  • Become proficient in research design, primary or secondary data collection, and empirical data analysis.
  • Demonstrate independent scientific thinking and advance knowledge within the discipline of sociology.
  • Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills reflective of presenting, publishing, and writing standards in sociology and the broader social sciences.
  • Understand career practices, including, for example, ethical issues with regard to human subjects research, teaching, and related professional standards and responsibilities.

 

Sociology Major Requirements

Introduction5
SOC 607
Seminar: [Topic]
Methods23
SOC 512
Sociological Research Methods
SOC 513
Sociological Research Methods
SOC 612
Overview of Sociological Methods
SOC 613
Advanced Sociological Methods: [Topic] (taken twice for 5 credits each)
Theory15
SOC 615
Advanced Sociological Theory: [Topic]
SOC 617
Sociological Theory I
SOC 618
Sociological Theory II
Substantive Seminars15
Students must take at least three substantive graduate seminars. Any of the seminars may be taken more than once, so long as the class content differs substantially each time. Examples include:
SOC 616
Environment and Resource Issues: [Topic]
SOC 644
Race and Ethnicity Issues: [Topic]
SOC 656
Issues in Sociology of Gender: [Topic]
SOC 664
Political and Economic Sociology Issues: [Topic]
Master's Paper Project 15
SOC 608
Workshop: [Topic]
Electives15
Students must complete three additional courses. These courses can include:
Additional advanced theory (SOC 615), advanced methods (SOC 613), or substantive seminars within the department beyond the basic requirements listed above.
500-level sociology courses or an independent study course (SOC 601 Research or SOC 605 Reading) with a faculty advisor. This requires the student and their supervising faculty member to agree to a specific reading list, regular meeting times, and a paper is required at the end of the term. Only one 500-level and one independent study course can each be used to meet elective requirements.
SOC 621 Teaching in the Social Sciences
SOC 610
Experimental Course: [Topic] 2
Dissertation18
SOC 603
Dissertation
Total Credits96
1

Students who have earned a master’s degree from another program must still complete the master’s paper requirement from the department as one of the steps toward earning the PhD.

2

Depending on the topic, 610 may be eligible to fulfill other program requirements. 

SOC 601Research: [Topic]1-16
SOC 603Dissertation1-16
SOC 605Reading and Conference: [Topic] 11-16
SOC 606Field Studies: [Topic]1-12
SOC 608Workshop: [Topic]1-16
1

In some cases, Reading and Conference: [Topic] (SOC 605) must be taken for a grade. Consult with the graduate coordinator.

Master’s-Level Requirements

Students typically complete 55 credits of master’s-level requirements in the first six terms of full-time work. Students are awarded a master’s degree if they have completed their required courses, achieved a mid-B or better average in their graded courses, and passed the master’s paper requirement. Students who enter with a master’s degree in sociology may request substitution of as many as five courses from their previous institutions to meet programmatic requirements.

Doctoral-Level Requirements

After earning the master's degree, students take an additional 20 credits of doctoral-level course work and prepare for a comprehensive examination in a sociological subfield chosen jointly by the student and the advisor.

Upon passing the comprehensive examination, the student is advanced to PhD candidacy and begins work on the doctoral dissertation. The final product is a book-length manuscript presenting empirical research that demonstrates originality and the scholar's ability to conduct independent investigation.