PhD in Sociology

The graduate sociology program trains students to examine how resources are distributed in society and how social organization operates. It equips students with the tools to contribute to public understanding through careful research and theory. Students learn to ask questions that matter across many areas of social life. The program seeks to produce creative and independent scholars who read broadly, produce theoretically and empirically rigorous work, and excel as teachers and communicators. Training combines quantitative analysis, ethnography, interviews and historical or comparative study. Students ask questions about inequality, organizations, culture and institutions, using tools suited to each. Graduates are prepared to pursue academic careers and to speak clearly about their findings to wider audiences. Their training emphasizes sharp questions, careful evidence and clear writing.