Our PhD program is designed to equip students with a versatile set of skills in sociology to prepare them for careers as faculty members in colleges/universities, researchers in applied settings, or program leaders in industry or community-based environments. Emphasis is placed on research experience and attaining a thorough knowledge of sociological theory, methods, and statistics, as well as major and minor substantive fields in sociology.

The doctorate in sociology includes course requirements in methods and theory which form the foundation of advanced sociological training. Additional coursework requirements are tailored to students' interests. The PhD degree also requires the completion of a comprehensive paper illustrating substantial depth of understanding in students' chosen concentration area.

All doctoral students complete a dissertation, a major independent research project that makes a significant contribution to the discipline of sociology. Dissertations may take many forms, including a monograph or a series of three research papers of publication quality. Students work closely with faculty serving as chairs and committee members in the completion of their dissertation.

Our PhD program has a solid track record of job placements that we document on our alumni page. Of note, we have graduates currently working as faculty in research-intensive universities, teaching-based colleges, market research firms, tech companies, major non-profits, and public sector data agencies.