Sociology, PhD
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology
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.
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
Entering with approved B.S./B.A. Degree
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 510 | Professionalization Seminar (2 semesters) | 4 |
| SOC 500 & SOC 501 | Classical Sociological Theory and Contemp Sociological Theory | 8 |
| SOC 485 | (or equivalent) | 4 |
| SOC 583 | Qualitative Research Methods | 4 |
| SOC 586 | Adv Social Statistics I | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Qualitative Research Methods | ||
| 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
| 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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 510 | Professionalization Seminar (2 semesters) | 4 |
| SOC 500 & SOC 501 | Classical Sociological Theory and Contemp Sociological Theory | 8 |
| SOC 485 | (or equivalent) | 4 |
| SOC 583 | Qualitative Research Methods | 4 |
| SOC 586 | Adv Social Statistics I | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Qualitative Research Methods | ||
| 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
| 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
- Summarize and explain major theories and theoretical debates in the discipline of sociology
- Design and complete data collection and analysis for an original piece of research
- Demonstrate competence with qualitative and quantitative methods and research design
- Develop professional writing and communicating skills
- Develop and apply effective and appropriate pedagogical skills
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology
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