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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Sociology and Education PhD
Doctor of philosophy in sociology & education.
Admission 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 Campus-Based
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
For admission-related inquiries, please contact [email protected] .
Additional Degree Information
- Sociology & Education Ph.D. Program Planning Worksheet
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2024-2025)
Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 terms.
View Full Catalog Listing
The coursework for the Ph.D., which totals a minimum of 75 points, has seven components: social theory, basic social research design and methods, advanced social research design and methods, foundational coursework in sociology, core coursework in the sociology of education, seminars and colloquia, and elective courses. The required coursework is offered at Teachers College and in the Sociology Department in Columbia University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. With advisor permission, students may pursue courses in other professional schools at the University or through the Inter-University Doctoral Consortium.
(Please refer to the Inter-University Doctoral Consortium section of this bulletin for participating schools.)
Social theory (6 points) includes coursework in classical and contemporary sociological theory.
Basic social research design and methods (12 points) involves coursework in research design, probability and statistics, applied regression analysis, and qualitative research methods. Courses in advanced social research design and methods (minimum 6 points) build on these basic courses in the quantitative and/or qualitative domains. Students also enroll in at least one 3-point course offered by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Columbia or a Consortium institution in each of the areas of social stratification/inequality, social organization, and social change.
Ph.D. students also pursue a minimum of 12 points in core classes in the sociology of education and 6 points in seminars and colloquia designed to prepare students for dissertation research. The balance of the 75-point minimum is earned through elective courses selected in collaboration with the student’s advisor.
Policy Studies Concentration in the Sociology and Education Program is available.
- View Other Degrees
Program Director : Professor Aaron Pallas
Teachers College, Columbia University 212 Zankel Bldg, Suite B
Contact Person: Katherine Y. Chung, Program Manager
Phone: (212) 678-3677 Fax: (212) 678-3677
Email: kc2610@tc.columbia.edu
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