The doctoral program in sociology trains
students to conduct original, theoretically informed sociological research that
advances disciplinary knowledge and increases public understanding of pressing
social issues. The program prepares students for research and for teaching. While
it does offer a master of arts (M.A.) degree, the program is designed primarily for
students who are seeking a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. The M.A. degree is seen as a
stepping-stone to the Ph.D.
Requirements for the Ph.D.
include 21 research credits, a writing seminar worth 3 credits, and 48
credits of approved coursework. To meet the course requirement,
students may include courses that were taken to satisfy requirements
for the M.A. degree. Students may transfer as many as 24 credits from
other institutions. Of the 48 credits, 6 must be in theory, 6 in
methods, and 6 in statistics.
In addition, students must complete two qualifying
papers, each of which demonstrates mastery of a substantively different
research area. Each qualifying paper
requires a faculty committee of three members, who must approve the paper and
sign a form indicating the level of achievement (exceptional, high pass, pass,
unsatisfactory) at an evaluation meeting with the student.
Students generally receive
the M.A. degree when they have completed 30 credits of approved coursework. Required courses include 3 credits in methods, 3 credits in
statistics, and 6 credits in theory. Finally, students must submit one of
the qualifying papers for the Ph.D. Upon approval, students may
transfer as many as 12 credits earned from other institutions.
Applications for September admission should be submitted no later than December 1 by students seeking financial assistance. In other cases, the
deadline is May 1. Official transcripts, a writing sample, a personal
statement, and three letters of recommendation are required. The
Graduate Record Examination also is required, but applicants need
not take the advanced test in sociology. Students for whom English is
not the first language must take the TOEFL examination if their
undergraduate degree was not obtained in an English-speaking country.
