Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology

Advisor: Susan Carlson
Room 3219, Sangren Hall

The principal aim of the doctoral program in sociology is to develop an advanced understanding of the significant features and processes of human society through a focus on both research and teaching. The program prepares informed scholars and competent professionals for careers in research, education, government, and private enterprise. The department’s core program of study stresses both theory and methods while elective credits, cognate courses in another department, comprehensive examinations in two areas of concentrations, and the dissertation project develop substantial knowledge in areas of specialization.

Admission Requirements

Master’s degree in sociology or a closely related field (applicants with degrees in fields other than sociology may be required to make up deficiencies as a condition of admission).
Grade point average of 3.25 in all graduate work. Grade point average of 3.0 or better in undergraduate sociology courses.
Applicants must supply a biographical statement, sample of original academic writing, GRE scores, official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended, TOEFL scores (international applicants only), and three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources to the Central Graduate Committee, Department of Sociology. Additional information and application forms may be obtained from the department.

Financial Assistance

A number of departmental, University, and governmental assistantships, fellowships, and associateships are available to qualified students. Educational opportunities and part-time employment may be available through the facilities of the Leonard C. Kercher Center for Social Research. Research through the Kercher Center includes studies of education, mental illness, marital roles, race relations, group dynamics, deviant behavior, comparative institutions, and numerous other topics. Graduate students frequently participate in these studies.

Program Requirements

Coursework

Complete, beyond the master’s degree, at least 60 hours of course work and dissertation credits, selected in consultation with the student’s doctoral committee. Students must earn a “B” or better in all required courses (Prerequisites, Disciplinary Core and Research Course), and a “C” or better in any other graduate courses. Grades of “D/C” and below are failing grades. A minimum grade-point average of 3.25 (A=4.0) must be maintained during every semester.

Prerequisites:

SOC 6060 - Research Design and Data Collection I Credits: 3 hours
SOC 6070 - Logic and Analysis of Social Research I Credits: 3 hours
SOC 6210 - Logic and Analysis of Social Research II Credits: 3 hours

Disciplinary Core:

SOC 6020 - Sociological Theory I Credits: 3 hours
SOC 6040 - Sociological Theory II Credits: 3 hours
SOC 6200 - Research Design and Data Collection II Credits: 3 hours

Research Course:

Select one of the following courses not taken at the master’s level:

SOC 6800 - Studies in Research Methodology: Variable Topics Credits: 3 hours
SOC 6810 - Advanced Multivariate Analysis Credits: 3 hours
SOC 6820 - Qualitative Methods Credits: 3 hours
SOC 6870 - Evaluation Research I Credits: 3 hours
SOC 6880 - Methods of Survey Research Credits: 3 hours

Cognate courses

Courses outside of Sociology (6 hours).

Demonstrate competence in research by completing:

SOC 6200 - Research Design and Data Collection II Credits: 3 hours
SOC 6210 - Logic and Analysis of Social Research II Credits: 3 hours

Area examinations

Two area exams are required from department offerings.

Dissertation:

SOC 7300 - Doctoral Dissertation Credits: 1 to 15 hours

Criteria and procedures for meeting these requirements

Are described in detail in the department’s Graduate Handbook.