Overview

Why study sociology?

Sociology investigates the social institutions and processes that shape human behavior, histories, and opportunities.

Graduate Programs

The department offers a full graduate program in sociology leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees, educating sociologists for careers in teaching and research and for fields of practical application. It also contributes to professional education in such fields as social welfare, social policy, architecture, education, journalism, personnel administration, business, and medicine. Aside from professional interests, the department offers instruction to assist students in deepening their understanding of social relations and, hence, of the social context of their own lives.

Dual-title Ph.D. in Sociology and Gerontology

This dual-title degree is an option available to students who have first been admitted to the doctoral program. The dual-title degree allows the pursuit of a single degree that incorporates study within a traditional discipline and training in an interdisciplinary field; the student is awarded one degree (Ph.D.) with both titles identified on the diploma (e.g., “Ph.D. in Sociology and Gerontology”).

This option is designed to appeal to students who are strong in a traditional discipline but also motivated to study across disciplinary lines. In the course of study, students can avail themselves of disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary breadth. At the post-doctoral stage, dual-title graduates will have enhanced career and employment opportunities, able to claim expertise in one or both titles of their degree when seeking positions in education and research.

More information about this option, its admissions requirements, and plan of study can be found on the department website or the website of the Gerontology program.