Doctoral Program

The principal aim of the doctoral program in sociology is to develop an advanced understanding of the significant features and processes of human society through a focus on both research and teaching.  The program prepares informed scholars and competent professionals for careers in research, education, government, and private enterprise.  The department’s core program of study stresses both theory and method while elective credits, cognate courses in another department, area examinations, and the dissertation project develop substantial knowledge in areas of specialization.

A minimum of 60 hours beyond the master’s degree is required, including 15 hours of dissertation credit.  University policy requires that all requirements for the doctoral degree be completed within a seven-year period.  However, the Graduate College may allow additional time under extenuating circumstances.

Prerequisites

  • SOC 6000 Proseminar *
  • SOC 6060 Research Design and Data Collection I **
  • SOC 6070 Logic and Analysis of Social Researcher I **
  • SOC 6210 Logic and Analysis of Social Research II **
    *  Counts toward 60 hours
    ** Does not count toward 60 hours

Disciplinary Core

  • SOC 6020 Classical Sociological Theory
  • SOC 6030 Contemporary Theory:  Culture, Social Action and Society
  • SOC 6040 Contemporary Theory:  Agency, Interaction and Structure
  • SOC 6200 Research Design and Data Collection II

Research Course (Select one of the following courses not taken at the master’s
level)

  • SOC 5250 Research Design and Analysis in Social Psychology
  • SOC 6800 Studies in Research Methodology:  Variable Topics
  • SOC 6810 Advanced Multivariate Analysis
  • SOC 6820 Qualitative Methods
  • SOC 6870 Evaluation Research
  • SOC 6880 Methods of Survey Research

Cognate Courses outside of Sociology (6 hours)

Elective Courses (21 hours)

Area Examinations (Select two of the following areas)

  • Comparative Sociology
  • Criminology
  • Gender and Feminism
  • Race and Ethnic Relations
  • Research Methods/Applied Sociology
  • Social Psychology
  • Social Theory

Dissertation (15 hours)

  • SOC 7300

Total Hours:  60