for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology

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The graduate program is small and cohesive with a high faculty-student ratio. All students are required to take a small core of required courses in theory and methods. Each term that students are in residence, they participate in at least one of a series of professional development workshops. Doctoral candidates must pass specialty examinations and write and defend a dissertation proposal and final dissertation.

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Admission
The Graduate College admission requirements apply. Students applying for admission should have a background in one of the social sciences, preferably sociology. Applicants must submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores on the tests of verbal ability, quantitative ability, and analytical ability. The advanced test in sociology is optional. A writing sample is required. Non-native English speakers must also submit Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores and the Test of Spoken English (TSE) scores. The department does not accept applications to the M.A. program.

Graduate Teaching Experience
Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program.

Financial Aid
Financial support is provided for most graduate students through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, tuition and fee waivers, fellowships, and other University and external financial support.

for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology

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Entering with approved B.S./B.A. Degree

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
SOC 510	Professionalization Seminar (2 semesters)	4
SOC 500 & SOC 501	Classical Sociological Theory and Contemp Sociological Theory	8
SOC 485	Intermediate Social Statistics (or equivalent)	0-4
SOC 583	Qualitative Research Methods	4
SOC 586	Adv Social Statistics I	4
Select one of the following:		4
SOC 581	Survey Research Methods
SOC 583	Qualitative Research Methods
SOC 587	Adv Social Statistics II
SOC 590	Individual Topics in Sociology
An additional 5 substantive courses at the 500 level		12
Electives to bring coursework total to 72		32-36
SOC 599	Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree)	3-24
Total Hours		96

Other Requirements

Grad Other Degree Requirements

Requirement	Description
Other requirements may overlap
Students must earn a B or better in every required course.
Minimum Hours Required Within the Unit:	43
Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall:	43
Qualifying Exam Required	Yes
Preliminary Exam Required	Yes
Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required	Yes
Dissertation Deposit Required	Yes
Minimum GPA:	3.25

Entering with approved M.S./M.A. Degree

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
SOC 510	Professionalization Seminar (2 semesters)	4
SOC 500 & SOC 501	Classical Sociological Theory and Contemp Sociological Theory	8
SOC 485	Intermediate Social Statistics (or equivalent)	0-4
SOC 583	Qualitative Research Methods	4
SOC 586	Adv Social Statistics I	4
Select one of the following:		4
SOC 581	Survey Research Methods
SOC 583	Qualitative Research Methods
SOC 587	Adv Social Statistics II
SOC 590	Individual Topics in Sociology
An additional 5 substantive courses at the 500 level		12
Electives to bring coursework total to 48		8-12
SOC 599	Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree)	3-24
Total Hours		64

Other Requirements

Grad Other Degree Requirements

Requirement	Description
Other requirements may overlap
Students must earn a B or better in every required course.
Minimum Hours Required Within the Unit:	43
Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall:	43
Qualifying Exam Required	Yes
Preliminary Exam Required	Yes
Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required	Yes
Dissertation Deposit Required	Yes
Minimum GPA:	3.25

for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology

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1. Summarize and explain major theories and theoretical debates in the discipline of sociology
2. Design and complete data collection and analysis for an original piece of research
3. Demonstrate competence with qualitative and quantitative methods and research design
4. Develop professional writing and communicating skills 
5. Develop and apply effective and appropriate pedagogical skills

for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology

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Department of Sociology
Head of Department: Tim Liao
Director of Graduate Studies: Brian Dill
Department of Sociology website
3120 Lincoln Hall, 702 S. Wright St., Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-1950; fax: (217) 333-5225
Sociology email

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences website

Admissions
Graduate College Admissions & Requirements