
Our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program focuses on developing your skills and competence to generate knowledge through independent research.
The program is expected to be completed within four years, including the necessary coursework, comprehensive examinations, a directed experiential learning practicum and a dissertation.
The courses cover required subjects of sociological theory, social scientific inquiry, social statistics and qualitative methods as well as an elective in your chosen area.
Our doctoral program includes two comprehensive exams, each serving to consolidate a body of knowledge based on published material: one in social theory and another in an elective subdiscipline such as criminology, health sociology or population studies.
Applicants to the Sociology PhD program should hold a master’s degree in sociology (or equivalent), with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.7 / 4.3 (A-).
Students with a master’s in a field other than sociology may be considered for admission following completion of a qualifying year.
To seek a potential dissertation supervisor, contact faculty members to ascertain availability and common research interests.
All applications must include: