Dec 17, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Sociology, Ph.D.


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College of Arts and Sciences  
Department: Sociology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

 


The Ph.D. program provides a foundation in a broad range of sociological theories and research methods, and an opportunity for pursuing specialized interests in elective Sociology courses, courses in other departments, and dissertation research.

Major Research Areas: 
Identities and Communities; Social Inequalities and Social Justice; Social Movements and Globalization; Urban Problems and Culture; Environment; Immigration and Migration; Race and Ethnicity; Social Networks; Health and Wellbeing; Gender and Sexualities; Families;  and Education

Admission Information

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below. Note: meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the major. Applicants must submit:

  • Three letters of reference
  • Personal Statement
  • Example of Written Work
  • GRE Required – preferred scores 160V (86th percentile), 144Q (17th percentile)

Curriculum Requirements


Total Minimum Hours: 60 credit hours post-Masters

  • Core - 6 credit hours
  • Disciplinary Requirements - 9 credit hours
  • Specialty Research Methods - 6 credit hours
  • Electives - 12 credit hours
  • Other Coursework - 9 credit hours
  • Dissertation - 18 credit hours

Core Requirements (6 Credit Hours)


  • Credit Hours: 3
  • Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Professional Seminar (required as a first course for all students) (3 credit hours)

  • Interdisciplinary Capstone Seminar (Required as a final course for all students) (3 credit hours)

Disciplinary Requirements (9 Credit Hours) *


Specialty Research Methods Course (6 Credit Hours)


Two research methods courses in any discipline chosen in consultation with advisor.

Electives (12 Credit Hours)


Students must complete two sociology electives and two interdisciplinary electives to be chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor.

Other Coursework (9 Credit Hours)


Comprehensive Qualifying Exam


Students also are required to complete a comprehensive portfolio of competencies which takes the place of a qualifying exam. The portfolio will measure theoretical and methodological knowledge, substantive knowledge beyond the particular topic of the dissertation and professional level proficiency.

Dissertation (18 Credit Hours)


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