Degree Programs

The Sociology department offers four graduate programs, including the Ph.D. and Master's degrees, a B.A.-M.A. program, and graduate coursework for non-degree seeking students, classified as Special. The programs, brief descriptions, and instructions on how to apply are listed below. Note that international students have additional requirements. Applications for M.A. and Ph.D. study are reviewed only once a year.

For more information on program requirements, see the Graduate Handbook.

For information on admissions not covered below, please contact our Director of Graduate Admissions, Wen Fan.

100%

We cover tuition and pay a stipend for all active Ph.D. students up to five years.

Learn More


Ph.D.

The Ph.D. program provides rigorous training for conducting theoretically-informed, socially relevant research. Most graduates go on to academic jobs; however, many also go on to careers as researchers and decision makers in business, the public sector, and non-profit organizations. The primary criteria for admission are academic performance and promise of outstanding independent work.

M.A.

The Master's degree is particularly suitable for students planning to subsequently apply to Ph.D. programs in order to prepare for scholarly careers in teaching at colleges and research universities, although it can also be useful for students interested in practicing sociology in an applied setting (e.g., academic administration or policy research).

Quantitative Methods Certificate

Special Non-degree

Students who wish to do non-degree coursework may apply as special students. Special students may enroll for no more than 6 hours of course work in any given semester, and should contact the professor in the course in which they wish to enroll prior to the first day of class, in order to confirm permission. (International students are not eligible to be admitted as special students.)