phd education sociology

Sociology of Education (PhD)

Program description.

This multidisciplinary PhD program in Sociology of Education prepares graduates to analyze educational problems and issues and social change using the theoretical tools and research methods of sociology. Students are expected to become thoroughly familiar with primary perspectives, theories, and questions of the discipline of sociology and the field of sociology of education. Candidacy, dissertation proposal, and dissertation are required. The Sociology of Education PhD program is 48 credits for students who matriculate with an MA and 65 credits for students who matriculate with a baccalaureate degree only.

The program prepares professors of educational sociology for schools and colleges of education or for universities with specializations in the area of sociology as it applies to education and researchers who can conduct basic and applied research in various public and private institutions in order to advance both the practice of education and the study of sociology.

Admission to graduate programs in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development requires the following minimum components:

• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts
• Proficiency in English

See  NYU Steinhardt's Graduate Admissions website  for additional information on school-wide admission. Some programs may require additional components for admissions.

See How to Apply for admission requirements and instruction specific to this program.

48-Credit Program

65-credit program, comprehensive examination, dissertation proposal, dissertation and final oral examination, program requirements.

Upon acceptance to the Sociology of Education PhD program, you will be notified if you are expected to complete 48 or 65 credits. 

Students who matriculate with a BA only, or an unrelated graduate degree, must follow the course list above, as well as take an additional 17 credits in consultation with an academic adviser. 

Students who matriculate with a BA only, or an unrelated graduate degree, must take an additional 17 credits from foundations, electives, research methods, or non-SOED specialized courses in consultation with an academic adviser.

Additional Program Requirements

After completing most of their coursework, and generally by the fall of their third year for full-time students, students take an oral comprehensive examination. The oral examination focuses on two areas: a list of core books and articles that our program considers to be foundational to the field of Sociology of Education and a list of readings in the area of the student's specialization as they begin to work towards their dissertation project.

Once a student has passed the comprehensive exam, they advance to candidacy. At this point, they focus on preparing a dissertation proposal, which is approved by the student's dissertation committee and then by two outside readers during an oral dissertation proposal defense. Generally, the proposal is written and approved by the end of the third year of full-time doctoral study.

At this point, if the student has an approved dissertation proposal and has completed all coursework, they are eligible for MPhil degree conferral on the way to completing the PhD.

During this stage the candidate will collect and analyze the data required for the dissertation, complete the writing of the dissertation, and pass a final oral examination. This stage typically takes one to two years when attendance is full-time.

Sample Plan of Study

Following completion of the required coursework for the PhD, students are expected to maintain active status at New York University by enrolling in a research/writing course or a Maintain Matriculation ( MAINT-GE 4747 ) course.  All non-course requirements must be fulfilled prior to degree conferral, although the specific timing of completion may vary from student-to-student.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

• Display an expertise in an area of specialization in the sociology of education through the production of a high-quality MA thesis.
• Think critically, undertake systematic investigations and research, and communicate effectively orally and in writing to academic and non-academic audiences.
• Ask research questions and formulate problems using a broad range of theoretical and methodological tools.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the larger social and cultural contexts that shape educational institutions and human learning.

NYU Policies

Steinhardt academic policies.

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages .

Additional academic policies can be found the  Steinhardt academic policies page . 

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Education, culture, and society, doctor of philosophy (ph.d.), you are here, interdisciplinary doctoral research on the social and cultural dimensions of education ..

The Ph.D. in Education, Culture, and Society provides a rigorous theoretical and methodological framework for the study of education, focusing on social, cultural, political, and normative dimensions. Following a rich academic curriculum centered in social theory and qualitative research methods, the program invites students to interrogate and contribute to scholarship on the social and cultural contexts of learning, both inside and outside of schools.

What Sets Us Apart

About the program.

In the Education, Culture, and Society Ph.D. program, students become part of a professional academic community—through their research apprenticeship, formal coursework, informal seminars, cross-cohort experiences, and research group participation.

Fall: 4 courses; Spring: 4 courses

Research apprenticeship 20 hours per week, working on active faculty research project

Culminating experience Dissertation

Transfer courses accepted Up to six courses with faculty approval

The Education, Culture, and Society Ph.D. program explores educational processes, in and out of schools, focusing on their social, cultural, political, and normative dimensions. Research and teaching in this program interrogates tacit presuppositions about human nature and society that lie behind both popular and academic understandings of education, hoping to illuminate educational problems and prospects in more productive ways.

Education, Culture, and Society provides various tools to facilitate such interrogation: strong grounding in social theories that conceptualize the human world; study of theories and methods from such academic disciplines as anthropology, history, philosophy, political economics, and sociology; exposure to ways of life practiced in other parts of the world and to the rapid change brought by the increased movement of people and ideas in the contemporary world; and practice with ethnography and other methods that allow researchers to discover others’ categories and practices instead of imposing their own. 

The doctoral program in Education, Culture, and Society not only provides a powerful theoretical and methodological framework for the study of education, but also helps students develop a foundation upon which new models of education can be built. Following a rich academic curriculum centered on social theory and qualitative research methods, the program invites students to interrogate and contribute to the scholarship on the social and cultural contexts of learning, both inside and outside of schools.

The Ph.D. program includes formal courses, mentored research, and informal seminars. Students must complete 16 courses and participate in a mentored research apprenticeship. To complete the course of study, students take a set of written examinations in their area of specialization and complete a dissertation on a problem in education.

Most students supplement their educational studies with significant coursework in a discipline of their choosing, including anthropology, sociology, history, urban studies, philosophy, or linguistics. It is possible to pursue a joint Ph.D. degree in Education and Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science, Africana Studies, or History.

For information on courses and requirements, visit the  Education, Culture, and Society Ph.D. program in the University Catalog .

Sample Courses

Co re and foundations courses.

• Doctoral Proseminar on Education Research (required)

Introductory Methods Courses

Methods courses prepare students in both the practical and theoretical implications of collecting, interpreting, analyzing, and presenting data on the human condition broadly—and education/learning in particular. Options include courses such as:

• Introductory Statistics for Educational Research (housed in the Division of Quantitative Methods)
• Qualitative Modes of Inquiry (Doctoral Level)

Advanced Methods Courses

Advanced courses build on introductory ones. Options include courses such as:

• Craft of Ethnography
• Advanced Qualitative and Case Study Research
• Methods of Discourse Analysis
• Ethnographic Research Methods

Sample Social Theory Courses

Theory courses are centrally concerned with preparing students to draw on, understand, and contrast theoretical frameworks within the context of seminal scholarly figures and traditions. Options include courses such as:

• Culture/Power/Subjectivities 

Berkowitz Fellowship in History of Education

Jonathan Zimmerman, a professor of the history of education in Penn GSE’s literacy, culture, and international education division, has been named the Judy & Howard Berkowitz Professor in Education. Using the proceeds from the Berkowitz Chair, Dr. Zimmerman is launching the Berkowitz Fellowship in History of Education beginning Fall 2021. It will help fund a fifth year of study for doctoral students who are admitted in tandem to the Graduate School of Education and the School of Arts & Sciences department of history, where Dr. Zimmerman holds a secondary appointment. Berkowitz Fellows will receive a joint Ph.D. in education and history, the only funded joint degree between a school of education and a history department in the United States. Those pursuing joint doctoral study with Education, Culture, and Society and Penn’s Department of History may be eligible to extend their funding through the Berkowitz Fellowship. Interested candidates should contact Professor Jonathan Zimmerman at [email protected] .

Our Faculty

Our faculty bring together expertise in philosophy, anthropology, sociology, and history as scholars in education. Please contact our program for information on selecting a faculty advisor. 

Affiliated Faculty

Our affiliated faculty members are valued as part of our intellectual community, and students are encouraged to take their courses and connect on research matters and for mentorship. 

Asif Agha Professor of Anthropology, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., University of Chicago

Nikhil Anand Associate Professor of Anthropology, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., Stanford University

Mia Bay Roy F. and Jeannette P. Nichols Professor of American History, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., Yale University

Nicole Mittenfelner Carl Director, Urban Teaching Residency Program Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania

Camille Z. Charles Walter H. and Leonore C. Annenberg Professor in the Social Sciences, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles

Karen Detlefsen Vice Provost for Education Ph.D., University of Toronto

Ameena Ghaffar-Kucher Senior Lecturer Ed.D., Teachers College, Columbia University

Leigh Llewellyn Graham Lecturer Ph.D., Columbia University

Mauro F. Guillén William H. Wurster Professor of Multinational Management, The Wharton School Ph.D., Yale University

Amy Gutmann Penn President Emerita Ph.D., Harvard University

Emily Hannum Professor of Sociology and Education, School of Arts & Sciences Ph.D., University of Michigan 

Jessie Harper Lecturer, MSW Program, Penn Social Policy & Practice Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania

Jasmine Harris Professor of Law, Penn Carey Law J.D., Yale Law School

Nancy H. Hornberger Professor Emerita of Education Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison

Richard M. Ingersoll Professor of Education and Sociology Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

John L. Jackson, Jr. Provost Ph.D., Columbia University

Jerry A. Jacobs Professor of Sociology, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., Harvard University

Andrea M. Kane Professor of Practice, Education Leadership Ph.D., Northcentral University

Annette Lareau Professor of Sociology, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley

Kristina Lyons Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., University of California, Davis

Ranah McKay Associate Professor of History and Sociology of Science, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., Stanford University

Jennifer Morton Presidential Penn Compact Associate Professor of Philosophy Ph.D., Stanford University

Hyunjoon Park Korea Foundation Professor of Sociology, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Madison

Alex Posecznick Adjunct Associate Professor Ph.D., Teachers College, Columbia University

John L. Puckett Professor Emeritus of Education Ph.D., University of North Carolina

Rogers Smith Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Political Science, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., Harvard University

Deborah Thomas R. Jean Brownlee Professor of Anthropology, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., New York University

Greg Urban Arthur Hobson Quinn Professor of Anthropology, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., University of Chicago

Daniel A. Wagner UNESCO Chair in Learning and Literacy Ph.D., University of Michigan

Our Graduates

The Ph.D. in Education, Culture, and Society prepares students for careers as researchers, particularly within universities, but also in research institutes, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Alumni Careers

• Assistant Professor, Cleveland State University
• Assistant Professor, Emory University
• Assistant Professor, Stanford University
• Clinical Associate Professor, NYU Center for Global Affairs
• Global Director of Talent Development, Genworth Financial Faculty, American University
• Lead Researcher and Policy Analyst, United Federation of Teachers
• Lecturer, Columbia University
• Professor, Villanova University
• Visiting Assistant Professor, Swarthmore College

Admissions & Financial Aid

Please visit our Admissions and Financial Aid pages for specific information on the application requirements , as well as information on tuition, fees, financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships.

Contact us if you have any questions about the program.

Graduate School of Education University of Pennsylvania 3700 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 898-6415 [email protected] [email protected]

Alex Posecznick, Ph.D. Program Manager and Associated Faculty (215) 573-3947 [email protected] 

Paula Rogers Program Assistant (215) 898-5023 [email protected]

Please view information from our Admissions and Financial Aid Office for specific information on the cost of this program.

All Ph.D. students are guaranteed a full scholarship for their first four years of study, as well as a stipend and student health insurance. Penn GSE is committed to making your graduate education affordable, and we offer generous scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.

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Ethnography in Education Research Forum

Convened by the Center for Urban Ethnography at Penn GSE since 1980, the Ethnography in Education Research Forum is the largest annual meeting of qualitative researchers in education.

Urban Education Journal

The Penn GSE Perspectives on Urban Education journal is an electronic, student-run publication and interactive forum to investigate critical issues in urban education.

You May Be Interested In

Related programs.

• Education, Culture, and Society M.S.Ed.
• Reading/Writing/Literacy Ph.D.
• Reading/Writing/Literacy Ed.D.
• Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development Ph.D.
• Education Policy Ph.D.

Related Topics

Ph.D. Program

Grad student, Tamkinat Rauf, with Sociologist, William Julius Wilson, at a CASBS event. Image credit: Jerry Wang, courtesy of CASBS at Stanford

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 theoretical and policy debates.

The Ph.D. curriculum and degree requirements provide students with the methodological skills, substantive knowledge, and mentorship to make important and impactful contributions to sociological knowledge. The program guides Ph.D. students to work on ambitious, independent research projects about which students are passionate. Graduates finish the program well-positioned to be leaders in the field of sociology.

Uncertainty about the economy, health care, and the labor market. Ethnic conflicts in an era of rapid globalization. Concern for the environment. Shifting gender arrangements, as work and family come into conflict. Violence in schools, and even houses of worship.

Never has there been a greater need for sociological research focused on the problems and issues of our time. Study sociology and anthropology at Northeastern University, and equip yourself with the practical and theoretical tools needed to address the complex social and cultural issues the U.S. confronts in a period of far-reaching social change.

In The News

Recent PhD Graduate Taylor Braswell Secures Tenure Track Position

Reexamining Racism, Sexism, and Identity Taxation in the Academy | Tiffany Joseph

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The PhD program is designed to admit relatively small numbers each year, which afford students the opportunity to forge close working relationship with the faculty . All PhD students are admitted with a five-year year-round funding package which includes a stipend, tuition remission, and health insurance (see: Financial Aid and Awards ). Our faculty and graduate students work together in a number of interdisciplinary research projects, programs, and centers, including the Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute ; the Brudnick Center on Violence and Conflict ; Kitty and Michael Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy ; the Institute for Urban Health Research ; Northeastern Environmental Justice Research Collaborative , the Institute on Race and Justice , the Network Science Institute , NULab for Texts, Maps and Networks , and the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program . Many of the faculty in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology have additional interests and are affiliated with other departments on campus, including environmental studies; law, policy, and society; Latino, Latin American and Caribbean studies; African American studies; international affairs, Jewish studies; and criminal justice. Students who wish to work with faculty in other disciplines are encouraged to enlist the aid of the sociology graduate director or their advisers in contacting individual faculty members.

To ensure that PhD students become not only effective researchers and writers but also successful instructors, we offer teacher-training with the aim of instilling a skill set that prospective academic employers find desirable through the University’s Center for Advancing Teaching and Learning Through Research (CATLR). We also provide numerous funded research opportunities and other resources for our students with the centers or with individual faculty members. As a result, our students frequently present papers at professional conferences and publish articles during the course of their graduate studies. In addition, the department and affiliated centers often host national and international visitors, speakers, and conferences, further enhancing educational opportunities for our graduate students. Finally, each year the department offers a set of workshops on academic writing, teaching, grant writing, the job market, and other “professional development” matters.

Learn more about the PhD program in Sociology from the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.

• Annual departmental workshops on academic writing, teaching, grant writing, media relations, and other “professional development” matters
• Funded research opportunities through faculty and affiliated centers
• Small cohort sizes afford students the opportunity to forge close working relationships with the faculty.
• Committed to reflecting inward on ourselves as educators, students, and members of the community by continuing to build an anti-racist department.
• Bachelor’s and Master’s program entry
• Offer a strong curricular foundation in sociology and the social sciences.
• Inculcate in students a depth of knowledge in the basic tools of the discipline.
• Train our students to be outstanding teachers and researchers.
• Provide a professional socialization that adequately prepares students for a career in the discipline.

To see more about the career outlook and dissertation work of this program, visit the PhD Alumni page for the Sociology program.

Northeastern’s signature experiential learning model combines academics with professional practice to help students acquire relevant, real-world skills they can apply to their desired industry. Each program offers its own unique experiential learning opportunities, but they might include:

• EXPERIENTIAL RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES: Our doctoral students gain real-world experience working with research centers and conducting field work. Experiential fellowships that place students into nonprofits, state agencies, and industry settings may be available in some doctoral programs. Through summer scholars programs, doctoral students can work with agencies doing work closely related to their dissertation research.
• In-Class Case Studies — Professors integrate case studies and exercises into the classroom to bring a real-world perspective and relevance to what they’re teaching.
• Research — Students collaborate with faculty in our more than 30 federally funded research centers, tackling some of the most pressing challenges in health, security, and sustainability.

Our graduates pursue careers within academia and beyond.

• Mount Ida College
• Crittenton Women’s Union
• Virgina Tech University
• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
• Columbia University – Teacher’s College
• Johnson & Wales University
• Curry College
• Swank Properties
• St. Lous University
• University of Massachusetts, Boston
• University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
• University of Washington, Tacoma
• Trinity College
• University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute’s Economic and Public Policy Research
• Nazarene College
• Witchita State University

Application Materials

• Application fee – US $100
• Personal statement
• Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
• English proficiency for international applicants
• Three letters of recommendation
• Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) – Optional
• Writing sample
• Names of 2 or 3 possible faculty mentors

Application

Admissions deadline for Fall term: December 1

• Program Website

Request Information for PhD in Sociology

Earning A Ph.D. In Sociology: Everything You Need To Know

Updated: May 30, 2023, 2:17am

Earning a Ph.D. in sociology helps you build a high-level career in a competitive field. As the discipline’s terminal degree, a doctorate in sociology qualifies graduates for roles in academia, business, government and nonprofits.

Ph.D. in sociology programs provide a strong grounding in sociological theory and practice and the opportunity to conduct original research.

If you want to explore a Ph.D. in sociology, this article is for you. We’ll explain what to expect from a doctoral program in sociology, including admission criteria, common requirements and sociology careers for graduates.

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What Does a Ph.D. in Sociology Entail?

What is sociology ? This field studies societies and the human relationships within them, often with the goal of addressing inequities and divisions.

A sociology Ph.D. prepares you to conduct independent research or teach at the college level. Here’s what you should expect if you plan to earn a Ph.D. in sociology.

Ph.D. in Sociology Admission Requirements

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 applicants . Ph.D. in sociology programs typically require a minimum GPA of 3.0 to 3.5, plus a statement of purpose, scholarly writing samples, a résumé, recommendation letters and GRE scores.

Competitive applicants hold strong social science backgrounds with completed coursework in sociological theory, statistics and research methods. Most doctoral programs in sociology accept candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s in sociology or a related field. Those with bachelor’s degrees in sociology typically earn a master’s midway through the doctoral program.

Applicants without a sociology background can use their personal statement to explain how their experience and interests align with a sociology program.

Ph.D in Sociology Program Formats

Most doctoral sociology programs are traditional on-campus programs. Fully online Ph.D. programs in sociology are rare, though students may take individual courses online.

Ph.D. candidates spend less time on campus once they begin their dissertations. However, it’s wise to select your school and living situation with regular campus visits in mind.

Learners set on an online program are more likely to find an online Ph.D. program in a related major, such as a doctorate in social work .

Common Ph.D. in Sociology Degree Requirements

Sociological theory.

Many Ph.D. in sociology programs include one or more required theory courses. Understanding sociological theory helps future sociologists engage with the discipline’s history and its contemporary debates as researchers, thinkers and teachers.

Theory courses cover seminal theorists like Karl Marx, Max Weber and Émile Durkheim and explore how contemporary writers and researchers apply, challenge and adapt classical sociological thought to current issues and perspectives.

Social Data Analysis and Research

Courses in social data analysis and research bring theory into practice. A Ph.D. is a research-oriented degree that prepares graduates to produce independent research projects like dissertations.

Students learn to conduct sociological studies, draw conclusions and present findings. Data analysis and collection methods include interviews, field notes and statistical analysis.

In some programs, candidates build hands-on skills in a research practicum. Learners can also gain research experience (and help pay for their degrees ) through faculty research assistantships.

Complete Residency Credits

“Residency credits” refer to how many courses you take at your degree-granting institution. Most Ph.D. candidates fulfill residency requirements simply by completing their program’s coursework. Sometimes, a doctoral student can earn residency credits by completing a master’s degree in sociology from the same school as their doctorate.

However, transfer students and those intending to study abroad should consult an advisor or registrar to ensure they meet residency credit requirements.

Careers for Ph.D. in Sociology Graduates

What can you do with a sociology degree ? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports only 3,000 sociologists working in the United States as of 2021, though many individuals with doctorates in sociology hold other job titles. Doctoral degrees demonstrate research skills and specialized training to set candidates apart in a tight job market.

For many roles, particularly in academia, a Ph.D. is mandatory. Below, we highlight some common career paths for Ph.D. in sociology graduates. All salary data mentioned below is sourced from the BLS.

Sociology Professor

Median Annual Salary: $79,640 Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): +12% Job Description: Sociology professors train the next generation of sociologists. Depending on their institution and experience, sociology professors teach undergraduates from other majors as well. Along with classroom responsibilities, sociology professors may conduct research, publish articles and books, attend academic conferences and serve on administrative committees.

Human Resources Manager

Median Annual Salary: $126,230 Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): +7% Job Description: Sociologists use data to understand human behavior and can apply this knowledge to many business subfields, especially in people-focused fields like human resources . Human resource managers have many personnel-centered responsibilities, including hiring and training, mediating disputes and helping shape an organization’s workplace culture.

Sociologist

Median Annual Salary: $92,910 Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): +5% Job Description: Sociologists in and out of academia can pursue research roles. According to the BLS , more sociologists hold research and development roles in social sciences and humanities than in any other industry. Sociologists study social behavior, design and conduct research studies, and present their findings through reports, articles and presentations.

Social and Community Service Managers

Median Annual Salary: $74,000 Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): +12% Job Description: A social and community services career suits Ph.D. in sociology graduates seeking applied—rather than research-based—careers. Managers in this sector plan, shape and oversee programs and services that support public well-being.

Social and community service managers work for nonprofit and for-profit social services organizations and government agencies and target needs such as elder services, child and family services, food security or mental health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About a Ph.D. in Sociology

What can i do with a sociology ph.d..

Many Ph.D. in sociology graduates go into academia and research-focused careers. However, sociology graduates can also find work in human resources, marketing and social services.

How much do you make with a Ph.D. in sociology?

A Ph.D. in sociology qualifies graduates for various high-paying jobs. One of the highest-paying jobs is human resources manager, with an annual median salary of $126,230 as of 2021, according to the BLS . Sociology professors and research sociologists earn median annual salaries of $79,640 and $92,910 as of 2021, respectively.

How many years does it take to get a Ph.D. in sociology?

A typical Ph.D. in sociology program lasts five to six years. Students with work or family obligations may take longer to complete their degrees. Conversely, candidates with a master’s in sociology may finish faster. Some programs allow candidates to take up to nine years in certain circumstances.

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With five years of experience as a writer and editor in the higher education and career development space, Ilana has a passion for creating accessible, relevant content that demystifies the higher-ed landscape for traditional and nontraditional learners alike. Prior to joining Forbes Advisor's education team, Ilana wrote and edited for websites such as BestColleges.com and AffordableCollegesOnline.org.

Sociology, PhD

Zanvyl krieger school of arts and sciences.

The department’s primary educational goal is to train first-class sociology Ph.D. students. 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 relationships with faculty members and fellow graduate students. The social climate is informal, and the mix of students and faculty, drawn from a wide variety of geographic and social backgrounds, constitutes a rewarding intellectual community. For more details, please visit http://soc.jhu.edu/graduate/ .

Admission Requirements

Applicants must submit an application fee, personal statement, all college transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a sample of written work. International applicants must also submit a TOEFL score and a financial statement (FS-1G Form: Graduate International Student Notification [F-1/J-1]). GRE scores are optional. Applicants should have a broad background in social science, especially sociology, economics, and psychology. Training in mathematics is encouraged. The department gives greatest weight to an applicant’s demonstrated ability and past performance. For more details, please visit http://soc.jhu.edu/graduate/admissions/ .

Program Requirements

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:

• credit awarded for previous graduate coursework that predates matriculation at JHU;
• courses taken outside the department that are permissible under the Handbook rules and with the Departmental advisor’s approval;
• and one directed research and independent study courses within the Department.

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.

Teaching Assistantships

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.

Foreign Language

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.

Research Assistantship/Apprenticeship

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.

Trial Research Paper

( 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.

Dissertation

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.

Special Programs

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.

Program on Global Social Change (PGSC)

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.

Program on Social Inequality (PSI)

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.

Department of Sociology

• PhD Requirements
• Application and Admissions
• Graduate Courses
• Graduate Concentrations
• Joint Program with Applied Mathematics & Statistics

The department’s primary educational goal is to train first-class sociology PhDs. The sociology graduate experience at Johns Hopkins is best characterized as a research apprenticeship – a careful blend of formal instruction, faculty-directed individual study, and supervised yet self-initiated research. The department’s small size and specific concentrations yield a personalized course of study and close relationships with faculty members and fellow graduate students. The social climate is informal, and the mix of students and faculty, all drawn from a wide variety of geographic and social backgrounds, constitutes a rewarding intellectual community.

Students must complete the program requirements , which include a core curriculum, elective courses, a research apprenticeship, a teaching assistantship, a residency, and a dissertation.

While not required, students may choose a graduate concentration :

• The Program on Global Social Change concentration focuses on cross-national, comparative research, and log-term, world scale social change
• The Program on Social Inequality concentration focuses on the causes and consequences of social inequality, the social processes that sustain it, and how social policies can reduce it

For students looking to acquire advanced statistical knowledge and applied research skills, the department also offers a joint program with the Whiting School of Engineering’s Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics. Graduates of the program will earn a PhD in sociology and an MA or MSE in applied mathematics and statistics.

Education Policy PhD

Doctor of philosophy in education policy.

In the rapidly changing and increasingly complex world of education, a crucial need exists for better knowledge about how schools and school systems, higher education, and early childhood education can be organized and led most effectively. We need to reach deeper understandings of how policies, politics, and the law can advance the twin goals of excellence and equity, how educational institutions and systems can best acquire and use resources, how leaders can support teacher development and student achievement, and how education policymakers and leaders can make best use of information from student assessments, program evaluations, and analytical research. This knowledge should be based on thoughtful reasoning and solid evidence; it should be theoretical in scope but also have clear implications for education practice.

The campus-based Ph.D. degree in Education Policy responds to these knowledge demands by focusing on the scholarly study of education policy. This degree program provides the opportunity to develop expertise in many interconnected subject areas and preparation for careers in academic research and teaching or in applied policy development and research. Graduates of the Ph.D. program are able to build new knowledge, teach new leaders, and craft new policies.

In the Education Policy program, students will consider how laws and policies impact the reform of educational systems and how they support or impede improvements in curriculum, teaching, and student achievement. Furthermore, students will analyze the political, social, economic and legal dynamics that affect policy development and implementation.

The program may be completed in 75 credits, of which up to 30 credits may be transferred from another graduate institution. In addition to study in education policy, the program requires extensive preparation in quantitative and qualitative research methods and in one of the cognate social sciences offered by the University, for example, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, or Law. For information, please contact Gosia Kolb at  [email protected] .

Doctoral Student Profiles

Career Outcomes

Study Guides & Worksheets

Admissions Information

Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.

Doctor of Philosophy

• Points/Credits: 75
• Entry Terms: Fall
• Enrollment Formats: Full-Time

Application Deadlines

Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines , such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.

Application Requirements

Application Guidelines and Required Documents

The faculty members of the Education Policy Program collectively make admissions decisions for our Program. We are committed to a holistic review of applicants’ materials and to creating a diverse and inclusive doctoral cohort and learning community. In the application materials, the Statement of Purpose is particularly important. We strongly recommend that applicants describe their intellectual and applied interests in education policy and why they believe our program is a good fit for them given their background, past experiences, and future plans. It is helpful to mention particular specialization areas they’re interested in and/or faculty members they would like to work with. Applicants are also encouraged to describe any personal circumstances that have impacted their prior education and their plans for the future. Doctoral study culminates in a research dissertation, and while applicants are not expected to enter our program with a fully conceived research plan, it would be helpful to know about prior research experience and current general thinking about an eventual topic area. While we ask for GRE scores, they are not the decisive factor and we do not have any particular cut-off point for admission. Regarding letters of recommendation, we ask for three letters, at least one (1) of which should be from a professor or another academic source who can speak to the applicant’s academic interests and strengths.

Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2023-2024)

Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 terms.

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In the rapidly changing and increasingly complex world of education, a crucial need exists for better knowledge about how policies can support early childhood education, elementary and secondary education, and higher education while advancing the goals of efficiency, excellence, and equity. The school-year Ph.D. degree in Education Policy responds to these knowledge demands by focusing on the scholarly study of education policy. This degree program provides the opportunity to develop expertise in many interconnected subject areas as preparation for careers in academic research and teaching or in applied policy development and research. 

The degree program may be completed in a minimum of 75 points, Up to 30 points of eligible coursework  may be transferred from another accredited graduate institution. In addition to study in education policy, the degree program requires extensive preparation in quantitative and qualitative research methods and in one or more of the social science disciplines, including economics, history, law, political science, and sociology. Students must complete a doctoral certification process and a research dissertation.

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College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department of Sociology

Ph.d. in sociology.

UConn’s Ph.D. in Sociology trains students to scientifically analyze culture, human interactions, and social relationships. Graduates pursue careers in academia, research, government, and industry, where they work on important topics that impact our society.

The Department of Sociology offers a Master of Arts (MA) and a Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Sociology. Most students enter with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and obtain the MA in Sociology in the first two years of the program, then proceed to the Ph.D.

Students who are admitted with the MA in Sociology from another institution will typically finish the Ph.D. program in a shorter time. Students entering with graduate degrees in disciplines other than Sociology must fulfill the requirements of both the MA and Ph.D.

Contact the Director of Graduate Studies

• Graduate Handbook
• Graduate Academic Regulations
• Registrar's Graduate Forms
• Registrar Steps to a Successful Graduation

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Apply to UConn

Degree Requirements

Below are the general requirements for the Sociology MA/Ph.D. degree, consistent with the Graduate School policies in the Graduate Catalog . For more detailed information please see the Graduate Handbook.

MA/Ph.D. Track

Students entering the Ph.D. program without a Master of Arts in Sociology (with completed thesis) must complete additional requirements to earn a Master's degree before completing the requirements for the Ph.D. in Sociology. It is expected that most students will complete the MA degree in two years.

In Sociology, students follow the Plan A (thesis) requirements for the Master's degree and continue into the Ph.D. program. Students only enroll in the Plan B (non-thesis) program if they will be discontinuing from the MA/Ph.D. program.

See the Registrar's Steps to a Successful Graduation with a Master's Degree  for full information regarding required timelines and paperwork.

Courses and Credits for the MA

The Master’s degree in Sociology requires a minimum of 39 credits in Sociology, including the following:

• SOCI 5001 & 5002 Proseminar (year long, 3 credits)
• SOCI 5201 The Logic of Social Research (3 credits)
• SOCI 5203 Quantitative Methods I (3 credits)
• SOCI 5231 Qualitative Methods I (3 credits)
• SOCI 5251 Core Theorists (3 credits)
• GRAD 5950 Master’s Thesis Research (9 credits)
• Plus 15 additional credits in Sociology

MA Plan of Study

The Master’s plan of study should be filed by the end of the fourth week of the student’s final semester before the degree is completed. Make sure to count only 39 Sociology credits toward the Master’s Degree. Additional credits can be carried forward to the Ph.D. program.

Credits for 6203 and 6231 should not be included on the MA Plan of Study and will carry forward to the Ph.D. program. Students that decide to take both SOCI 6203 & SOCI 6231 in the same semester of their second year will need to take an additional elective in the Spring of the second year.

To complete a Master’s thesis, students need to have their Master’s thesis research plan approved by their Advisory Committee. Students in consultation with their Advisory Committee may be asked to hold a Master’s thesis proposal defense, but a formal proposal defense is not required of a Master’s thesis. All students who complete a Master’s thesis must pass a formal Master’s thesis defense. Students are expected to complete the Master’s thesis ideally by the end of their fourth semester in the program.

Plan B (non-thesis)

Students who do not wish to continue in the program may elect to complete the Plan B option. In addition to completion of the coursework outlined above, students must also submit a portfolio of their scholarly work. The portfolio should consist of a minimum of 3 papers, each at least 15 pages in length, that together illustrate a command of sociological theory, research methods, and at least one substantive area. The scholarly work may originate from:

• Formal course requirements, such as research papers that demonstrate competency in one or more of the areas outlined above. Students are urged to pursue with their Advisory Committee the appropriateness of course related submissions
• Research or writing done in an independent study
• Non-course related accomplishments, such as grant proposals or conference presentations

In all cases, any written material that is co-authored is not eligible for submission as part of the student’s portfolio. The portfolio should be designed in consultation with the major advisor and will be evaluated by the student’s three-person advisory committee. Please note, students who choose this option cannot continue into the PhD portion of the program and thus the election of this option is only advised for students seeking a terminal Master’s degree.

Please note that Plan B students do not receive thesis credits. These students must take additional elective classes to attain the 39 total credits necessary for the Plan B Master's.

Ph.D. Track

Once the MA is completed, the Ph.D. typically requires an additional four years to complete. Students entering the Ph.D. program with a MA in Sociology, with a completed thesis, may be required to complete additional coursework to cover equivalent material as students who attained their degrees at UConn.

See the Registrar's Steps to a Successful Graduation with a Doctoral Degree for full information regarding required timelines and paperwork.

Courses and Credits for the Ph.D.

• SOCI 6203 Quantitative Methods II (3credits)
• SOCI 6231 Qualitative Methods II (3 credits)
• 12 credits of Sociology elective seminars
• 15 credits of GRAD 6950 Doctoral Dissertation Research

Major Advisor and Advisory Committee

All students in the graduate program must have a Major Advisor who is a tenured or tenure track member of the Sociology Department and the UConn Graduate Faculty. The Major Advisor should be selected by mutual consent between the student and the faculty member based on similarity of interests and/or availability of the faculty member. The Major Advisor serves as a mentor to the student, Chair of the Master’s Thesis Committee, General (Area) Exam Committee, and Dissertation Committee. The Director of Graduate Studies will facilitate the selection of an initial Major Advisor for students entering the program. Students may change the Major Advisors if it becomes apparent that another faculty member is more suitable. In such cases, appropriate forms must be filed with the Graduate School to make the change official. By the start of their second year in the program, all students should have an Advisory Committee of at least three members, the composition of which is described in the paragraph below. The Advisory Committee serves as the student’s Master’s Thesis Committee.

The members of the Advisory Committee are also chosen by mutual consent of the student and the faculty members. The Advisory Committee consists of two faculty members in addition to the Major Advisor. In cases where the student forms a three-person Advisory Committee, all three must be members of the Sociology Department or affiliated members of the Sociology Department. All members of the three-person Advisory Committee must be members of the UConn Graduate Faculty. In cases where the student forms an Advisory Committee of more than three faculty members, these faculty must meet the same requirements, except that a fourth and fifth member may also be: a) a faculty member from another UConn department who is a member of the Graduate Faculty, b) a faculty member from another university who receives approval from the Graduate School.

Most students constitute an Advisory Committee of only three members during the M.A. portion of the program and increase the Advisory Committee to four or five persons during the PhD portion of the program . The decision about the size of the Advisory Committee is at the discretion of the student in consultation with the Advisor and other members of the Advisory Committee. Students may change members of their Advisory Committees if other faculty are more suitable and are willing to serve. When a change is made to the Advisory Committee, appropriate paperwork should be filed.

Ph.D. Plan of Study

The Ph.D. plan of study should be submitted when no more than 18 credits of coursework toward the degree have been completed. Forms should be filed with the Registrar’s Office. The Plan of Study should reflect all content coursework and research credits (GRAD 6950). Please note that students who completed more than 39 credits before filing for their MA degree should include the excess credits on the Ph.D. Plan of Study.

Ph.D. General Exam

The General Exam must be taken after all Sociology coursework for the Ph.D. is completed (including removal of all incompletes), unless there is unanimous consent by the General Exam Committee that it can occur earlier. The General Exam is designed to demonstrate mastery over at least one area, of sociological expertise, but two areas is more typical. The Exam should be considered a “bridge” between coursework and the dissertation. It is designed to go beyond previous coursework that a student has taken, and to be broader than a dissertation-specific topic. The breadth of the General Exam should dovetail with that of an ASA section or the intersection of two ASA sections .

The reading list for the General Exam will be tailored to the student’s interests within the area and will be determined by a process of negotiation between the student and the members of the General Exam Committee. Those faculty members with greater expertise in the area will typically have greater influence in shaping the reading list, but all committee members must approve the list before the exam can be scheduled.

The General Exam shall have both a written and oral component. It is important to simultaneously schedule both the written and the oral components. Students will have two weeks to complete the written portion. The written portion is take-home, with open book and open notes. Students will typically respond to at least three questions designed to emphasize a broad understanding of theory, methods, and substantive areas. Faculty have leeway as to how they ask questions and what choices students have in answering questions. Student responses must be 40 pages or less (not counting references).

The oral portion of the General Exam must be completed within one week of turning in the written portion. During the oral portion, committee members may probe answers that seem insufficient, ask about questions the student did not choose to answer, or raise anything else within the parameters of the reading list. There can be no feedback from committee members to the student between the written and oral portions, except for questions of clarification.

The written and oral portions shall be assigned a single grade of either “Pass” or “Fail.” A grade of “Pass” requires a positive vote of at least four members of the General Exam Committee. There is no grade of “Partial Pass” and there is no provision for retaking just a portion of the General Exam.

If the student fails the General Exam, they may schedule a second opportunity to take it within six months of failing the first exam. The student may constitute a new General Exam Committee for the second exam, but ordinarily this is not advisable. If the student fails the exam a second time, or does not complete it within six months, this is grounds for dismissal from the graduate program.

Dissertation Proposal

According to Graduate School rules, the Dissertation Committee must consist of five faculty members. If the student’s Advisory Committee has less than five members, then the student must ask additional faculty members to be present at the dissertation defense as members of the Dissertation Committee. A fourth and fifth member may also be:

• a faculty member in Sociology who is a member of the Graduate Faculty
• a faculty member from another UConn department who is a member of the Graduate Faculty
• a faculty member from another university who receives approval by the Graduate School. These additional members do not have voting status on passing the dissertation, but they must sign the paperwork required to indicate they were present at the defense.

The decision to approve the dissertation is made by those members of the Dissertation Committee who are also members of the student’s Advisory Committee. Approval of the dissertation is thus determined by a majority of faculty on the Advisory Committee voting to approve the dissertation. A majority is defined as 2-1 in the case of a three-person Advisory Committee, 3-1 in the case of a four-person Advisory Committee, and 3-2 in the case of a five-person Advisory Committee.

Final Semester

Student's should complete these steps to prep for graduation in their final semester:

• Apply to Graduate in the Student Administration System by the  fourth week of the semester . This application can be withdrawn at any time by the student if needed.
• Check name and addresses
• Prepare for oral defense (two weeks prior)
• Submit final paperwork (deadline published on Academic Calendar )
• Submit dissertation
• Check email to confirm progress of steps to graduation

See the Registrar's Steps to a Successful Graduation for the Doctoral Degree for full details regarding degree conferral.

Applications are due by January 5.

Prospective students may apply to the program online via the Graduate School’s website.

Full Admissions Requirements

For more information about the Ph.D. in Sociology, please contact:

Jeremy Pais

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Sociology, PhD

Graduate work at the University of Pennsylvania is conducted through graduate groups formed according to different areas of study. These groups administer programs leading to the AM and PhD degrees. Those seeking a graduate degree in Sociology should apply to the Graduate Group in Sociology. Sociology students earn their MA on the way to the PhD. There is no terminal Master's degree program.

It is possible to earn a joint Ph.D. in Sociology and another discipline by being admitted to and satisfying the requirements of two Ph.D. programs and writing a single dissertation. Currently, students are enrolled in joint degrees with Demography, Education, Communications, and Africana Studies. Students seeking a joint Ph.D. combining Sociology with another program must be admitted in that program (as well as Sociology); admittance to the second program may occur after admission to the Sociology program.

For more information: http://sociology.sas.upenn.edu/graduate_resources

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs .

Required Courses

A minimum of 16 course units are required. A minimum of 12 course units must be taken at the University of Pennsylvania.

 Three electives must be in Sociology.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Sample Plan of Study

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Graduate Study

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• Graduate Student News and Awards
• PhD Student Trajectories
• Society for Social Research

The Department’s central focus in graduate training is doctoral education.  In years one and two, students are focused mostly on coursework and producing their own independent empirical research project for the qualifying paper. In years three and four, students work on their exams and their dissertation proposal. Years five and six are spent researching and writing. Later years also emphasize specialized training, particularly in two special field areas, helping prepare students for  graduate scholarship  and, later, their  initial job placement . While Ph.D. students are funded fully for seven years, many students complete their Ph.D. in year six.

Students not yet ready to make a commitment to the Sociology Ph.D. may explore several more specialized M.A. programs, which allow one to take courses across the social sciences, strengthening a future application to a Chicago Ph.D. program. For example, see the  Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences . The Ph.D. program receives over 200 applications each year, out of which it gets an entering class of about 6-8 students. If you have any questions about the information provided under  curriculum , click  here .

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Ph.D. in Sociology

General info.

• Faculty working with students: 19
• Students: 41
• Students receiving Financial Aid: 95%
• Application terms: Fall
• Application deadline: December 19

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/

Program Description

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. 

• Sociology: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Sociology: PhD Completion Rate Statistics
• Sociology: PhD Time to Degree Statistics
• Sociology: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available:  Fall

Application Deadline:  December 19

Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Résumé: Required
• GRE Scores: GRE General Required
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English *test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

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

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FAQ for Prospective Doctoral Students

Phd in sociology of education, about the academic program, how long does it take to complete the doctoral program.

The median time to completion at Steinhardt is 6.7 years, and most Sociology of Education PhD students tend to finish in 5-7 years.

Is funding available?

We offer a competitive funding program for full-time PhD students that supports tuition and living expenses. See  more information about the funding program . More information about the funding package is provided at the time of admission. 

Do you offer online courses?

We do not currently or plan to offer courses online.

Do you offer summer courses?

We do not offer exclusively summer graduate programs, but some of our courses are occasionally offered in summer. With careful planning in conjunction with their adviser, students could fulfill certain program requirements during the summers.

Do you offer job placement assistance after graduation?

NYU's  Wasserman Career Center  provides assistance to all graduate students and alumni from NYU Steinhardt.

About Visiting Campus, Information Sessions, and Getting More Information

What events can i attend or how can i meet with faculty and advisors.

We host several opportunities to get to know students and answer questions each year. Open House is hosted in the fall semester of each year, and we also host online Information Sessions in the fall and spring.  Please see the Steinhardt Graduate Admissions website for more information, as well as how to RSVP.

I am planning to visit campus and would like to attend a class. When is the best time for me to do this?

We encourage students to attend Open House in the fall, where you can meet faculty, advisers, and current students in the program, as well as attend a class.  Typically, most of our classes are offered in the late afternoon or early evening, Mondays through Thursdays.

If you are unable to align your plans with Open House, please  email us  at least three weeks prior to your visit to request to attend a class. We encourage students to also contact the  NYU Gould Welcome Center  to arrange for a campus tour, and watch the recorded Information Session prior to their visit to have many of their questions about the program answered.

Is an interview required?

Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend one of the on-campus or online events to get to know program faculty, their research, and to look for alignment in research interests. Due to an overwhelming number of requests, and to keep our responses equitable, we do not schedule individual meetings with faculty and prospective students.If you have questions about the program and cannot attend an event, you may also email our staff to ask questions or set up a phone appointment. These meetings do not influence admission decisions.

I cannot attend the on campus information session.  How can I find out more?

After carefully reviewing our website and FAQ, if you have additional questions, you may email us to request a phone or virtual appointment with an advisor or ask question. We host online Information Sessions in both fall and spring. Check the Graduate Admissions Events website for more information; we typically post the dates and RSVP information for events in late August. 

About Admissions

What is the deadline for applying to the phd program in sociology of education.

December 1.

Where can I find the application?

See the  Application Guide for the PhD in Sociology of Education .

Are there different admissions requirements for international students?

Yes. Detailed  Special Instructions for International Applicants  are available in the Graduate Admissions Guide.

What are the English proficency exam requirements for international students?

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to take one of the following English proficiency exams and submit the score: TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic. See  more information on English proficiency testing .

Is the GRE required?

The GRE is not a part of the application process this year.

Is an MA required to apply for a PhD?

No, an MA is not required. 

What is the GPA requirement?

Successful candidates for admission will demonstrate a strong record of academic achievement at the undergraduate level and from any previous graduate-level coursework from accredited institutions (if applicable, previous graduate coursework is not required). Students with anomalies in their academic records should consider addressing this in their statement of purpose. The admissions committee also looks carefully at your entire transcript, not just the overall GPA, such as reviewing what kinds of classes you were taking and your grades over time.

I do not have a background in education or sociology - am I still eligible to apply to this program?

Yes, absolutely. The program imparts methodological and theoretical knowledge, and gives students the opportunity to gain specialized knowledge in their area of interest. Undergraduates from a variety of backgrounds and majors are encouraged to apply.

Do I need to submit letters of recommendation?

Yes, three letters of recommendation are required for the PhD program. Please note that these should be academic references who can speak to your academic strengths, to your potential to undertake rigorous academic work at an advanced level, if possible, to your interests in education and sociology.

What should I include on my statement of purpose?

Your statement of purpose should describe why this is the perfect next step for you. It should  demonstrate what personally and professionally has led you to decide you would like to enter this program. Although you don't need to demonstrate knowledge of sociology, you should be able to articulate how your interests align with the type of research our faculty does and the strengths of the program.

Your statement does not need to identify a mentor, but you should research the school as a whole and see if there are some faculty who you would be excited to work with and could support you in your research.

What should I submit for my writing sample?

The writing sample can be any academic paper which you feel demonstrates your ability to write well and make academic arguments or critically analyze an issue. It does not have to be for a sociology course or focused on sociology.  It should be no longer than 10-15 pages.

Do I need to have a fully developed dissertation topic when I apply?

Absolutely not, the first two to three years of the program are about figuring this out. You should have an idea of what you care about and some broad ideas about areas you are interested in researching, such as urban education, diversity in education, social justice issues, etc.

Can I have the application fee waived?

Application fee waivers are available in some circumstances. The NYU Steinhardt Office of Graduate Admissions handles fee waiver requests. Please review the  Policy on Application Fee Waivers  to determine how to properly request a fee waiver.

Where do I send supplementary materials, such as letters of recommendation and transcripts?

Letters of recommendation and scanned transcripts are submitted through the online application.

If absolutely necessary, other materials can be sent directly to the admissions office:

Office of Graduate Admissions NYU Steinhardt 82 Washington Square East, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10003-6680 [email protected]

When will I receive a decision from NYU?

Decisions are typically mailed out from Graduate Admissions beginning in mid to late March. If you have not received a response within this time frame, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office directly at (212) 998-5030 or  [email protected]  .

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• 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 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.

Learning Outcomes

• Produce and defend an original significant contribution to sociological knowledge.
• Demonstrate mastery of subject material.
• Be able to conduct scholarly activities in a professional and ethical manner.
• Be able to teach undergraduates.

Course Requirements

Candidates admitted to the PhD program must complete 16 courses, including 5 required and 11 elective courses (64 units).

Basic requirements (5 courses for a total of 20 units):

• CAS SO 701 Advanced Sociological Theory (Classical)
• CAS SO 702 Proseminar: Sociological Methods
• CAS SO 708 Contemporary Sociological Theory
• CAS SO 712 Qualitative Methods (or an approved course in qualitative methods in the social sciences)
• CAS SO 724 Quantitative Methods in Sociological Analysis* (or an equivalent Graduate Programs Committee–approved advanced quantitative methods course)

Strongly encouraged (two 2-unit courses run over two terms for a total of 4 units):

• CAS SO 951 and SO 952 Professionalization Workshop

Elective courses (11 courses, can include SO 951 and SO 952, for a total of 44 units)

The CAS 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 CAS 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.

Language Requirement

There is no foreign language requirement for this degree.

Qualifying Requirements

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.

Dissertation and Final Oral Examination

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 units) 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.

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Department of Sociology

College of Social Sciences and Public Policy

Mathew Hauer

Mathew Hauer has been appointed the Charles B. Nam Professorship in the Sociology of Population at Florida State University, is an Associate Professor of Sociology and serves as the Associate Director of the Center for Demography and Population Health. He studies the impacts of climate change on society. Recently, his research has focused on how migration induced by sea level rise could reshape the U.S. population distribution. The New York Times, National Geographic, Time Magazine, Popular Science, USA Today, and others have featured his research. Before coming to Florida State University, Dr. Hauer spent eight years directing the Applied Demography Program at the University of Georgia where he provided valuable demographic research to local, state, and federal governments.

2016 PhD, Geography, University of Georgia 2008 MS, Demography, Florida State University 2007 BS, Sociology, Florida State University

Charles B. Nam Professorship in the Sociology of Population | Associate Professor of Sociology | Associate Director of the Center for Demography and Population Health

Areas of Interest: Demography, climate change, population projections, environmental sociology, spatial analysis

605 Bellamy

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Curriculum Vitae

• Washington State University

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Department of Sociology

Through the study of social life, you’ll learn how to answer the questions of why and how humans group together to form societies as well as the role of individuals within society. 

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Department of Geography

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. is a different kind of degree from the master’s degree. A doctoral candidate in geography must be capable of making original contributions to knowledge and scholarship. For the students to make such contributions, they must concentrate on a narrow and clearly defined field of study. We require, however, that doctoral candidates know more of geography than their particular specialties; thus, any aspirant for a doctorate must obtain master’s training or its equivalent before being admitted to doctoral candidacy. In short, admission to doctoral candidacy is official recognition that a student’s general foundation in the breadth of geography is satisfactory. Students then devote their attention to developing depth in chosen specialties.

The general requirements for a doctoral degree in geography are more rigorous than those for a master’s degree. At the same time, the greater flexibility of the doctoral program allows advanced students to pursue programs of study tailored to their special interests and needs.

Progress through the degree is marked by: 

• Successful performance in a verbal qualifying exam; 
• Four-day written comprehensive exam, with a verbal portion after the written answers have been assessed by the committee;  
• Formal dissertation proposal; and 
• Verbal defense of a completed dissertation.

The four-year Ph.D. program is reserved for students who have a master’s degree from another graduate program. That can be another geography program at another university, a non-geography program at another university, or a non-geography program at Penn State.

Students entering the four-year Ph.D. program must take the doctoral qualifying exam in their first year. A committee from three of the four fields of geography and formally appointed by the Graduate Program Officer will administer the qualifying exam. The qualifying exam can take place any time during the year, but students in the four-year Ph.D. program typically take it during spring semester.

Students in the four-year Ph.D. program complete a comprehensive exam and defend their dissertation proposal in the second year. Depending on the needs of their research, and in agreement with their doctoral committee, students can fulfill these two requirements in either order. Once students have successfully passed their comprehensive exam and defended their proposal, they typically take two years to research, write, and defend their dissertations.

Our online Graduate Student Handbook explains the program requirements for all degrees.