Graduate Programs

Each M.A. and Ph.D. program focuses on building solid foundations in the core areas of theory and method. In addition, we offer areas of concentration in:

comparative sociology
race and ethnic relations
gender and feminity
criminology
power and inequality
research methods/applied sociology, and
religion.

Our distinguished faculty are recognized nationally and internationally for outstanding contributions in their respective fields of study.

Mentoring

The department takes great pride in the strong mentoring relationships that faculty establishes with our graduate students. With small courses and a faculty of 18, we provide ample opportunity for one-on-one intellectual discussion and we strongly encourage active involvement in faculty-student research projects. Opportunities for development of professional research skills are also available in our research center, the Kercher Center for Social Research.

Financial Aid

The department offers generous financial aid packages that include both assistantships and fellowships. In addition, funding through several university programs is available to qualified students. The department's endowment supports and facilitates outstanding graduate student scholarship through its dissertation research grants and conference travel grants.