phd in sociology worth it

Ph.D. Program

Doctoral student, Tamkinat Rauf, with Sociologist, William Julius Wilson, at a CASBS event.

Grad student, Tamkinat Rauf, with Sociologist, William Julius Wilson, at a CASBS event. Image credit: Jerry Wang, courtesy of CASBS at Stanford

The Ph.D. program is defined by a commitment to highly analytical sociology

The program trains graduate students to use a range of methods – quantitative and qualitative – and data – survey, administrative, experimental, interview, direct observation, and more – to answer pressing empirical questions and to advance important theoretical and policy debates.

The Ph.D. curriculum and degree requirements provide students with the methodological skills, substantive knowledge, and mentorship to make important and impactful contributions to sociological knowledge. The program guides Ph.D. students to work on ambitious, independent research projects about which students are passionate. Graduates finish the program well-positioned to be leaders in the field of sociology.

Top 150 Universities Worldwide Offering PhD Programs in Sociology

Here’s an introduction to the top universities and colleges around the world where one can pursue a PhD in Sociology, detailing their program offerings, notable faculty, and distinctive features.

Program Overview : Harvard’s Department of Sociology is renowned for its rigorous theoretical and empirical study in sociological issues. The PhD program emphasizes comprehensive training in sociological theories and methodologies.
Notable Faculty : Michèle Lamont, Matthew Desmond, and Bruce Western.
Unique Features : Students benefit from resources like the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs and extensive interdisciplinary collaboration.
Program Overview : The DPhil in Sociology at Oxford offers specialization in areas like social inequality, demography, and political sociology. It focuses heavily on quantitative methods.
Notable Faculty : Federico Varese, Melinda Mills, and Craig R. Cohen.
Unique Features : Oxford’s sociology department is known for its research centers, including the Centre for Time Use Research and the Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion.
Program Overview : Stanford’s Sociology PhD program encourages the use of software and data analysis tools in research, with strong emphasis on empirical research.
Notable Faculty : Michele Lamont, David Grusky, and Robb Willer.
Unique Features : The program offers joint degrees in sociology and computer science, and a hands-on research experience with Silicon Valley.
Program Overview : The PhD in Sociology at Cambridge allows students to conduct pioneering research in areas such as gender studies, global social change, and media and culture.
Notable Faculty : Bryan S. Turner and Jochen Clasen.
Unique Features : The university boasts specialized research groups in areas like public health and social inequality.
Program Overview : Chicago’s sociology department is one of the oldest in the US and is known for developing the Chicago School of Sociology. The PhD program emphasizes substantial methodological and theoretical contributions to the field.
Notable Faculty : Elisabeth S. Clemens and Omar McRoberts.
Unique Features : Students are encouraged to engage with interdisciplinary research centers like the Urban Network.
Program Overview : MIT’s sociology program is integrated within the Department of Urban Studies and Planning, offering a unique approach that combines sociology with urban planning.
Notable Faculty : Ezra Zuckerman Sivan and Christine J. Walley.
Unique Features : The program is notable for its focus on technology’s role in societal developments and data-driven sociological research.
Program Overview : UC Berkeley’s PhD program in Sociology is famed for its critical studies and substantial academic rigor. It includes pathways like comparative sociology and the sociology of technology.
Notable Faculty : Kim Voss and Raka Ray.
Unique Features : The department frequently collaborates with other disciplines, offering broad exposure to different fields.
Program Overview : LSE’s Sociology program offers a global perspective on sociological issues, emphasizing policy-oriented research that influences both academia and governance.
Notable Faculty : Nigel Dodd and Mike Savage.
Unique Features : The school hosts the British Journal of Sociology, one of the leading sociological journals globally.
Program Overview : Yale’s Department of Sociology offers a PhD program focused on areas like social control, social movements, and labor markets.
Notable Faculty : Julia Adams and Jeffrey Alexander.
Unique Features : Yale provides extensive resources like the Center for Comparative Research and the Center for Cultural Sociology.
Program Overview : The University of Tokyo offers a unique perspective on sociology, particularly in Asian contexts, with a strong focus on empirical research and social theory.
Notable Faculty : Yoshimichi Sato and Takehiko Kariya.
Unique Features : It provides a unique insight into the social dynamics of Asia, with a strong emphasis on Japan.
Columbia University (USA)
Program Overview : Columbia’s Department of Sociology offers a PhD program that emphasizes the development of methodological rigor and theoretical clarity, covering topics from urban sociology to political sociology.
Notable Faculty : Shamus Khan and Vanessa Diaz.
Unique Features : The program benefits from its New York City location, which serves as a rich urban laboratory for sociological research.
University of California, Los Angeles (USA)
Program Overview : UCLA’s Sociology PhD program is known for its strength in areas such as race, ethnicity, and immigration, as well as global and transnational sociology.
Notable Faculty : Darnell Hunt and Stefan Timmermans.
Unique Features : The program offers unique interdisciplinary opportunities with other departments such as Asian American Studies and Gender Studies.
University of Toronto (Canada)
Program Overview : The University of Toronto offers a comprehensive PhD program in Sociology with a strong emphasis on quantitative and qualitative methods.
Notable Faculty : Monica Boyd and Patricia Landolt.
Unique Features : The program is distinguished by its strong emphasis on social inequality and its multidisciplinary approach to research and education.
Australian National University (Australia)
Program Overview : ANU’s School of Sociology offers a PhD program that focuses on sociology of the environment, health, governance, and public policy.
Notable Faculty : Kathryn Henne and Helen Keane.
Unique Features : The program stands out for its research on sociological aspects of environmental change and policy.
University of Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Program Overview : The University of Amsterdam’s Sociology PhD program is robust, with specializations in urban studies, sociology of families, and social change.
Notable Faculty : Giselinde Kuipers and Jan Willem Duyvendak.
Unique Features : Known for its critical approach to sociological issues and its engagement with European societal challenges.
National University of Singapore (Singapore)
Program Overview : NUS offers a globally oriented PhD in Sociology, focusing on Asian societies and comparative sociology.
Notable Faculty : Vineeta Sinha and Chua Beng Huat.
Unique Features : The program provides an excellent platform for understanding the social dynamics in Asia, with a strong emphasis on fieldwork and empirical research.
University of Michigan (USA)
Program Overview : The PhD program at Michigan is known for its strong analytical and research methodology, covering a wide range of topics including social stratification and health and aging.
Notable Faculty : Alford Young, Jr. and Elizabeth Armstrong.
Unique Features : The program benefits from the Institute for Social Research, one of the world’s leading centers for the advancement of social science research.
University of Edinburgh (Scotland)
Program Overview : The University of Edinburgh offers a PhD in Sociology with strengths in digital sociology, social network analysis, and the sociology of science.
Notable Faculty : Donald MacKenzie and Lynn Jamieson.
Unique Features : The program is well-regarded for its research output and the critical approach to contemporary social issues.
McGill University (Canada)
Program Overview : McGill’s PhD program in Sociology places a strong emphasis on sociological theory and research methodologies with a focus on social inequality, gender studies, and urban sociology.
Notable Faculty : Shelley Clark and Amélie Quesnel-Vallée.
Unique Features : It offers a bilingual (English and French) research environment, providing a unique cultural perspective in sociological studies.
Program Overview : UCT’s Sociology Department offers a PhD program that includes specializations in African sociology, social change, and urban studies.
Notable Faculty : Jeremy Seekings and Nicoli Nattrass.
Unique Features : The program is distinguished by its focus on African social issues and its commitment to developing sociology within an African context.
Princeton University (USA)
Program Overview : Princeton’s Department of Sociology offers a PhD program known for its focus on social demography, sociology of culture, and political sociology.
Notable Faculty : Paul Starr and Patricia Fernandez-Kelly.
Unique Features : The program is renowned for its small, research-intensive environment that fosters close mentorship and collaboration.
University of California, San Diego (USA)
Program Overview : UCSD’s PhD program in Sociology specializes in the sociology of science, medicine, and technology, as well as inequality and social control.
Notable Faculty : John Evans and Amy Binder.
Unique Features : The department benefits from collaborations with the Science Studies Program and the Center for Comparative Immigration Studies.
University of Manchester (UK)
Program Overview : The University of Manchester offers a robust PhD program in Sociology, focusing on areas such as social statistics, health sociology, and media.
Notable Faculty : Tarani Chandola and Bridget Byrne.
Unique Features : The program is particularly strong in applied social research, providing students with opportunities to engage with real-world issues.
University of Chicago (USA)
Program Overview : Renowned for its contributions to sociological theory, the University of Chicago offers a comprehensive PhD program that covers a broad range of topics from urban sociology to the sociology of religion.
Notable Faculty : Elisabeth Clemens and Omar McRoberts.
Unique Features : The program encourages innovative, interdisciplinary research, often integrating methodologies from history, anthropology, and psychology.
Leiden University (Netherlands)
Program Overview : Leiden’s PhD program in Sociology is known for its focus on comparative sociology, social resilience, and globalization.
Notable Faculty : Marcel Lubbers and Marianne van Bochove.
Unique Features : The program offers a unique emphasis on global challenges and the societal impacts of historical and contemporary movements.
University of Sydney (Australia)
Program Overview : The University of Sydney offers a PhD in Sociology with strong emphasis on health, environment, and Asian social transformations.
Notable Faculty : Alex Broom and Salvatore Babones.
Unique Features : Its location provides a strategic advantage for studying Asia-Pacific societal trends and issues.
University of British Columbia (Canada)
Program Overview : UBC’s PhD in Sociology focuses on racial and ethnic inequality, environmental sociology, and social theory.
Notable Faculty : Amin Ghaziani and Renisa Mawani.
Unique Features : The department offers a rich interdisciplinary environment with close ties to the school’s public policy and global studies programs.
University of California, Santa Barbara (USA)
Program Overview : UCSB offers a dynamic PhD program in Sociology, noted for its strength in the sociology of gender, sexuality, and feminist theory.
Notable Faculty : Verta Taylor and Kum-Kum Bhavnani.
Unique Features : The program benefits from its proximity to various interdisciplinary research centers, including the Center for Black Studies Research.
University of Paris (France)
Program Overview : The University of Paris provides a comprehensive PhD program in Sociology with strengths in social theory, sociology of labor, and European social policy.
Notable Faculty : Laurent Lesnard and Monique Pinçon-Charlot.
Unique Features : The program is characterized by its deep theoretical engagement and its emphasis on European societal issues.
University of Melbourne (Australia)
Program Overview : The University of Melbourne’s PhD program in Sociology excels in the study of digital societies, migration, and urban planning.
Notable Faculty : Nikos Papastergiadis and Sarah Pink.
Unique Features : The program encourages interdisciplinary research and has strong ties with the university’s architecture, urban planning, and media studies departments.
New York University (USA)
Program Overview : NYU’s Sociology PhD program is celebrated for its research on inequality, urban sociology, and social movements.
Notable Faculty : Patrick Sharkey and Eric Klinenberg.
Unique Features : The department offers excellent opportunities for field research in one of the world’s most dynamic urban environments.
University of Oslo (Norway)
Program Overview : The PhD program at the University of Oslo focuses on sociological theory, welfare studies, and migration.
Notable Faculty : Katrine Fangen and Grete Brochmann.
Unique Features : Its Nordic location provides a unique perspective on welfare and social policies that are model standards globally.
Cornell University (USA)
Program Overview : Cornell’s Sociology PhD program specializes in social inequality, demography, and labor relations.
Notable Faculty : Kim Weeden and Victor Nee.
Unique Features : The program benefits from its association with the Cornell Population Center and the ILR School, enriching its labor and demographic research.
University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
Program Overview : The University of Hong Kong offers a PhD in Sociology with an emphasis on Asian and comparative sociology.
Notable Faculty : Pun Ngai and Maggy Lee.
Unique Features : The program’s location makes it a strategic site for studying social transformations in Greater China and Asia.
University of Zurich (Switzerland)
Program Overview : The University of Zurich’s PhD in Sociology is strong in the study of social networks, life course, and social inequality.
Notable Faculty : Hans-Peter Blossfeld and Laura Bernardi.
Unique Features : The department emphasizes quantitative methods and models in sociological research.
University of São Paulo (Brazil)
Program Overview : USP’s Sociology PhD program is well-regarded for its studies in social change, urban sociology, and political sociology.
Notable Faculty : Maria Arminda do Nascimento Arruda and Glauco Arbix.
Unique Features : The program offers a unique insight into Latin American social structures and dynamics.
University of Copenhagen (Denmark)
Program Overview : The University of Copenhagen offers a robust PhD program focusing on comparative welfare studies, environmental sociology, and the sociology of families.
Notable Faculty : Morten Axel Pedersen and Annick Prieur.
Unique Features : Its Scandinavian location provides a special focus on social policy and welfare systems.
University of Wisconsin–Madison (USA)
Program Overview : The PhD program at UW-Madison is known for its strong emphasis on American sociology, particularly in areas like community and environmental sociology.
Notable Faculty : Erik Olin Wright and Pamela Oliver.
Unique Features : The department is famous for its historical commitment to “Wisconsin School” sociology, which blends empirical research with critical theory.
King’s College London (UK)
Program Overview : King’s College offers a PhD in Sociology with a focus on biopolitics, science and technology studies, and urban sociology.
Notable Faculty : Deborah James and Mike Michael.
Unique Features : The program is enriched by its central London location, which facilitates engagement with numerous cultural and political institutions.
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Germany)
Program Overview : LMU Munich offers a PhD program that excels in the sociology of culture, social psychology, and the sociology of education.
Notable Faculty : Armin Nassehi and Paula-Irene Villa.
Unique Features : The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and is well-connected with various research institutes across Europe.
University of Texas at Austin (USA)
Program Overview : UT Austin’s Sociology PhD program focuses on areas like social inequality, health sociology, and education.
Notable Faculty : Robert Crosnoe and Jennifer Glass.
Unique Features : The program is known for its strong quantitative research emphasis and close ties to various research centers, including the Population Research Center.
University of Pennsylvania (USA)
Program Overview : Penn’s Sociology PhD program is noted for its strengths in demography, urban sociology, and sociology of education.
Notable Faculty : Annette Lareau and Emilio Parrado.
Unique Features : The program benefits from interdisciplinary connections with Penn’s schools of education, law, and business.
Program Overview : The University of Amsterdam excels in critical sociology, focusing on areas such as gender studies, political sociology, and the sociology of migration.
Notable Faculty : Jan Willem Duyvendak and Giselinde Kuipers.
Unique Features : The program offers a rich interdisciplinary environment and access to extensive research networks across Europe.
Program Overview : UBC’s PhD in Sociology focuses on social theory, environmental sociology, and the sociology of health.
Notable Faculty : Neil Guppy and Renisa Mawani.
Unique Features : The department encourages collaborative and interdisciplinary research across multiple faculties and institutes.
Program Overview : The University of Melbourne offers a PhD program in sociology that is particularly strong in the sociology of media, urban sociology, and cultural studies.
Notable Faculty : John Murphy and Lisa Adkins.
Unique Features : The program benefits from its partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations, providing practical insights into sociological issues.
Peking University (China)
Program Overview : Peking University’s PhD program in Sociology is renowned for its focus on Chinese society, social stratification, and rural sociology.
Notable Faculty : Sun Liping and Lu Xueyi.
Unique Features : The program provides unique insights into Chinese social dynamics and offers extensive fieldwork opportunities across the country.
Program Overview : The University of Zurich offers a strong program in economic sociology, the sociology of law, and social inequality.
Notable Faculty : Hans-Peter Kohler and Marlis Buchmann.
Unique Features : The department is known for its methodological rigor and strong statistical training.
Seoul National University (South Korea)
Program Overview : SNU’s Sociology PhD program specializes in Korean society, industrial sociology, and social change.
Notable Faculty : Kyung-Sup Chang and Hagen Koo.
Unique Features : The program provides deep insights into the dynamics of East Asian societies with a strong emphasis on empirical research.
University of Munich (Germany)
Program Overview : LMU’s Sociology PhD program covers social structure analysis, cultural sociology, and the sociology of religion.
Notable Faculty : Armin Nassehi and Rudolf Stichweh.
Unique Features : The program is well-regarded for its comprehensive theoretical training and strong European sociological tradition.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (USA)
Program Overview : UIUC’s Sociology PhD program is known for its research in labor markets, racial and ethnic inequality, and social movements.
Notable Faculty : Zsuzsa Gille and Kevin Leicht.
Unique Features : The program offers extensive resources such as the Survey Research Laboratory and the Illinois Qualitative Sociology Review.
University of California, Irvine (USA)
Program Overview : UCI’s Sociology PhD program is well-regarded for its focus on immigration, race and ethnicity, and social networks.
Notable Faculty : Rubén G. Rumbaut and Frank D. Bean.
Unique Features : The program encourages interdisciplinary research and is closely integrated with the Center for Demographic and Social Analysis.
Program Overview : The University of Oslo offers a strong program in sociology of law, migration studies, and gender studies.
Notable Faculty : Grete Brochmann and Willy Pedersen.
Unique Features : The program provides a distinct Nordic perspective on social policies and welfare systems.
Program Overview : McGill’s PhD in Sociology emphasizes social statistics, urban sociology, and global health.
Unique Features : The program is notable for its bilingual research environment and strong international collaborations.
Stockholm University (Sweden)
Program Overview : Stockholm University’s PhD program in Sociology specializes in social demography, labor markets, and welfare studies.
Notable Faculty : Sunnee Billingsley and Juho Härkönen.
Unique Features : The program benefits from strong ties with various Swedish and European research institutes.
University of Warwick (UK)
Program Overview : Warwick’s Sociology department offers a PhD program that is well-known for its work on social theory, cultural sociology, and digital sociology.
Notable Faculty : Akwugo Emejulu and Gurminder K. Bhambra.
Unique Features : The department promotes interdisciplinary research initiatives and has a vibrant international student body.
Program Overview : The University of São Paulo offers a comprehensive PhD in Sociology with strengths in political sociology, environmental sociology, and sociology of education.
Notable Faculty : Sergio Miceli and Glauco Arbix.
Unique Features : The program is particularly strong in its analysis of Brazilian and Latin American societies.
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (USA)
Program Overview : U-M’s Sociology PhD program is known for its emphasis on social inequality, sociology of health, and population studies.
Notable Faculty : Elizabeth Armstrong and Jeffrey Morenoff.
Unique Features : The program is closely associated with the Institute for Social Research, one of the world’s leading centers for the advancement of social science research.
Program Overview : Edinburgh’s Sociology PhD program focuses on digital society, social inequalities, and global health.
Notable Faculty : Lynn Jamieson and Richard Sparks.
Unique Features : The program offers a strong methodological foundation and access to Scottish social research networks.
University of Delhi (India)
Program Overview : The University of Delhi offers a PhD in Sociology with a focus on Indian society, rural development, and social stratification.
Notable Faculty : Anand Kumar and Vivek Kumar.
Unique Features : The program provides in-depth insights into the complex social dynamics of South Asia.
University of California, Davis (USA)
Program Overview : UC Davis’ Sociology PhD program is particularly strong in the areas of environmental sociology, social movements, and sociology of agriculture.
Notable Faculty : James Smith and Laura Grindstaff.
Unique Features : The program benefits from its proximity to various state and national policy-making bodies in California.
University of Minnesota (USA)
Program Overview : The University of Minnesota’s Sociology PhD program is well-regarded for its focus on inequality, demography, and global sociology.
Notable Faculty : Douglas Hartmann and Elizabeth Wrigley-Field.
Unique Features : The program is particularly strong in sociological research methods and offers extensive training in statistical analysis.
University of Bristol (UK)
Program Overview : Bristol’s Sociology department offers a PhD program that explores modern social problems through quantitative and qualitative research, particularly focusing on policy impact and social change.
Notable Faculty : Tariq Modood and Mhairi Mackenzie.
Unique Features : The department is part of several interdisciplinary research centers, fostering a vibrant academic community.
Program Overview : NUS provides a PhD in Sociology with specialties in family and demography, religion, and multiculturalism in Asian contexts.
Unique Features : The program is known for its strong emphasis on Asian societal issues and offers significant opportunities for regional research.
Program Overview : The University of Sydney’s Sociology PhD program specializes in digital cultures, health, and social theory.
Notable Faculty : Alex Broom and Amanda Wise.
Unique Features : The program’s strength is its interdisciplinary approach and its emphasis on public sociology.
Program Overview : The PhD in Sociology at the University of Copenhagen focuses on social exclusion, welfare studies, and the sociology of emotions.
Notable Faculty : Margaretha Järvinen and Nils Holtug.
Unique Features : The program offers a unique Scandinavian perspective on social welfare and policy studies.
Program Overview : UCSB offers a Sociology PhD program that focuses on the sociology of gender, sexualities, and the environment.
Notable Faculty : Verta Taylor and John Foran.
Unique Features : The program is notable for its activist scholarship and commitment to social justice.
Program Overview : LMU Munich’s PhD program covers a wide range of sociological fields, including the sociology of education, migration, and urban studies.
Unique Features : The program benefits from Munich’s strong network of research institutions and its vibrant student life.
University of Auckland (New Zealand)
Program Overview : The University of Auckland offers a PhD in Sociology with a focus on Pacific studies, social change, and urban sociology.
Notable Faculty : Tracey McIntosh and Steve Matthewman.
Unique Features : The program provides a unique insight into Pacific societies and is active in addressing urban and environmental issues in the region.
Program Overview : Toronto’s PhD program in Sociology focuses on immigration, health studies, and social networks.
Notable Faculty : Monica Boyd and Anna Korteweg.
Unique Features : The program benefits from a highly diverse urban environment that serves as a living laboratory for sociological research.
University of Illinois at Chicago (USA)
Program Overview : UIC’s Sociology PhD program specializes in urban sociology, race and ethnic relations, and global social change.
Notable Faculty : Maria Krysan and Claire Decoteau.
Unique Features : The program offers an urban public research setting with strong community ties and a focus on applied sociology.
University of Arizona (USA)
Program Overview : The University of Arizona offers a PhD in Sociology with strong programs in environmental sociology, the sociology of health, and social networks.
Notable Faculty : Jennifer Earl and Ronald Breiger.
Unique Features : The program is known for its integration with other research units like the Institute of Environment and the School of Government and Public Policy.
Program Overview : Manchester’s Sociology PhD program focuses on social inequalities, digital societies, and global health.
Notable Faculty : Bridget Byrne and Nick Crossley.
Unique Features : The program benefits from strong research networks and centers, particularly in health sociology and social statistics.
Program Overview : UCSD offers a PhD in Sociology that is particularly strong in science and technology studies, sociology of culture, and comparative and historical sociology.
Notable Faculty : John Skrentny and Amy Binder.
Unique Features : The program encourages interdisciplinary research with strong ties to the Science Studies Program.
Program Overview : The University of Oslo offers a PhD program specializing in the sociology of welfare and public policy, migration studies, and social theory.
Unique Features : The program is noted for its Nordic perspective on social research and policy.
University of Alberta (Canada)
Program Overview : The University of Alberta’s PhD program in Sociology is recognized for its work in the sociology of family, health sociology, and environmental sociology.
Notable Faculty : Lisa Strohschein and Harvey Krahn.
Unique Features : The program benefits from close collaboration with the Population Research Laboratory.
King’s College London (UK)
Program Overview : King’s College offers a PhD program in Sociology with strong emphases on urban studies, biopolitics, and social movements.
Notable Faculty : Deborah James and Mike Savage.
Unique Features : The department is active in public sociology and engages with various social issues in metropolitan London.
University of Colorado Boulder (USA)
Program Overview : UC Boulder offers a Sociology PhD that focuses on environmental sociology, the sociology of emotions, and inequality.
Notable Faculty : Lori Hunter and Leslie Irvine.
Unique Features : The program is known for its commitment to public sociology and its strong environmental research focus.
University of Cape Town (South Africa)
Program Overview : UCT’s PhD program in Sociology specializes in African sociology, social change, and urban studies.
Unique Features : The program provides a critical perspective on social issues affecting Africa, with a strong emphasis on social justice and transformation.
University of Vienna (Austria)
Program Overview : The University of Vienna offers a PhD in Sociology focusing on social integration, migration, and European societies.
Notable Faculty : Christian Fleck and Ulrike Felt.
Unique Features : The program offers a strong foundation in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, with a European focus.
University of New South Wales (Australia)
Program Overview : UNSW’s PhD program in Sociology is known for its research on social policy, health sociology, and globalization.
Notable Faculty : Deborah Lupton and Martin Holt.
Unique Features : The program encourages an interdisciplinary approach and has strong ties with the Social Policy Research Centre.
University of Leiden (Netherlands)
Program Overview : Leiden University’s Sociology PhD program is recognized for its strong focus on cultural sociology, globalization, and social cohesion.
Notable Faculty : Marcel Lubbers and Evelien Tonkens.
Unique Features : The program offers a broad international perspective, with extensive opportunities for collaborative research across Europe.
University of Florida (USA)
Program Overview : The University of Florida offers a PhD in Sociology with specialties in criminology, environmental sociology, and race and ethnicity.
Notable Faculty : Joe Feagin and Tanya Koropeckyj-Cox.
Unique Features : The program is known for its strong methodological training and for fostering interdisciplinary research across various academic units.
Program Overview : Warwick’s Sociology department provides a PhD program focusing on social theory, digital sociology, and international development.
Notable Faculty : Nickie Charles and Maria do Mar Pereira.
Unique Features : The program is part of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies, offering innovative approaches to sociological research.
University of Groningen (Netherlands)
Program Overview : The University of Groningen’s Sociology PhD program specializes in social networks, population studies, and social justice.
Notable Faculty : Rafael Wittek and Melinda Mills.
Unique Features : The program benefits from the university’s strong emphasis on quantitative methods and its leading role in social network analysis in Europe.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (USA)
Program Overview : UNC Chapel Hill’s Sociology PhD program is well-known for its research in social movements, health sociology, and social inequality.
Notable Faculty : Andrew Perrin and Lisa Pearce.
Unique Features : The program fosters a collaborative research environment with access to numerous interdisciplinary research centers.
Program Overview : The University of Zurich offers a PhD in Sociology with a strong emphasis on social networks, life course studies, and social stratification.
Unique Features : The program is known for its methodological rigor and excellent statistical training.
Program Overview : UIC’s Sociology PhD program specializes in urban sociology, social movements, and global and transnational issues.
Notable Faculty : Saskia Sassen and Claire Decoteau.
Unique Features : The program’s urban setting offers rich opportunities for field research in one of America’s largest cities.
University of Queensland (Australia)
Program Overview : The University of Queensland offers a PhD program in sociology focusing on social change, health sociology, and the sociology of gender.
Notable Faculty : Gert Stulp and Claudio V. Torres.
Unique Features : The program is known for its strong ties to various research institutes, providing ample opportunities for practical engagement.
University of California, Santa Cruz (USA)
Program Overview : UC Santa Cruz’s Sociology PhD program is noted for its critical approach to global and social issues including social justice, environmental change, and race and ethnic studies.
Notable Faculty : Herman Gray and Jenny Reardon.
Unique Features : The program is uniquely positioned to integrate sociological research with issues of technology and social justice.
Program Overview : The University of Edinburgh offers a PhD in Sociology that focuses on culture and creativity, social inequalities, and the sociology of families.
Notable Faculty : Lynn Jamieson and Gillian Rose.
Unique Features : The program benefits from its historical and cultural context, providing a rich backdrop for sociological research.
Program Overview : The University of Amsterdam offers a PhD in Sociology with a focus on urban studies, migration, and social networks.
Unique Features : The program is especially strong in European social research and offers rich opportunities for cross-national studies.
Ohio State University (USA)
Program Overview : OSU’s Sociology PhD program is recognized for its research in social stratification, race and ethnicity, and demography.
Notable Faculty : Vincent Roscigno and Claudia Buchmann.
Unique Features : The program benefits from affiliations with multiple research centers, including the Institute for Population Research.
University of Stockholm (Sweden)
Program Overview : Stockholm University offers a PhD program that specializes in welfare research, labor market studies, and social policy.
Notable Faculty : Magnus Bygren and Sunnee Billingsley.
Unique Features : The program’s Nordic setting provides a unique perspective on welfare state dynamics and social policies.
University of California, Berkeley (USA)
Program Overview : UC Berkeley’s Sociology PhD program is known for its strong emphasis on theoretical and empirical research in areas like social inequality, political sociology, and organizational behavior.
Notable Faculty : Kim Voss and Irene Bloemraad.
Unique Features : The program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration with other departments and research institutes.
Program Overview : LMU Munich’s PhD program covers a broad range of sociological fields, including sociology of religion, migration studies, and social structures.
Unique Features : The program is noted for its critical theoretical approaches and strong European sociological tradition.
Program Overview : UT Austin offers a Sociology PhD program focusing on areas such as family dynamics, social psychology, and health sociology.
Notable Faculty : Robert Crosnoe and Debra Umberson.
Unique Features : The program is known for its strong quantitative research orientation and its interdisciplinary collaborations across campus.
Program Overview : UBC’s Sociology PhD program is recognized for its work in areas such as gender studies, environmental sociology, and racial and ethnic relations.
Unique Features : The program encourages collaborative and interdisciplinary research, particularly with its ties to the Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice.
Program Overview : The University of Copenhagen offers a PhD in Sociology with strong emphases on quantitative methods, migration studies, and social theory.
Notable Faculty : Nils Holtug and Christian Albrekt Larsen.
Unique Features : The program benefits from its Scandinavian context, which is known for its innovative social research and welfare studies.
Rutgers University (USA)
Program Overview : Rutgers’ Sociology PhD program offers specialties in health sociology, social movements, and race and ethnicity.
Notable Faculty : Patricia Roos and Lee Clarke.
Unique Features : The program is highly interdisciplinary and benefits from proximity to diverse urban environments for empirical research.
Program Overview : The University of Queensland’s Sociology PhD program focuses on social change, digital media, and environmental sociology.
Notable Faculty : Greg Marston and Xiaoying Qi.
Unique Features : The program offers strong links with government and non-government organizations, enhancing practical engagement and policy impact.
Focus : Family and demography, religion, multiculturalism.
Notable Faculty : Vineeta Sinha, Chua Beng Huat.
Unique Features : The program emphasizes Asian societal issues and offers significant opportunities for regional research.
Focus : Chinese society, social stratification, rural sociology.
Notable Faculty : Sun Liping, Lu Xueyi.
Tsinghua University (China)
Focus : Urban sociology, social policy, inequality.
Notable Faculty : Guo Yuhua, Shen Yuan.
Unique Features : The program integrates urban studies with social policy, providing a comprehensive approach to understanding contemporary Chinese society.
University of Tokyo (Japan)
Focus : Social theory, empirical research, social dynamics in Asia.
Notable Faculty : Yoshimichi Sato, Takehiko Kariya.
Unique Features : The program offers strong interdisciplinary collaboration and extensive research opportunities in Asian social issues.
Kyoto University (Japan)
Focus : Comparative sociology, cultural studies, social change.
Notable Faculty : Jun Ikeno, Shigeto Sonoda.
Unique Features : The program emphasizes a comparative approach, integrating cultural studies with social change in Asian contexts.
Focus : Korean society, industrial sociology, social change.
Notable Faculty : Kyung-Sup Chang, Hagen Koo.
Unique Features : The program provides deep insights into East Asian societies with a strong emphasis on empirical research.
Chinese University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
Focus : Migration, social stratification, family studies.
Notable Faculty : Ray Yep, Alvin So.
Unique Features : The program offers a rich blend of theoretical and applied research, with a focus on migration and social change in Greater China.
Fudan University (China)
Focus : Urban studies, economic sociology, social policy.
Notable Faculty : Gu Xin, Wu Xiaogang.
Unique Features : The program is known for its strong urban studies component and its integration with economic sociology.
Focus : Comparative sociology, public policy, social research methods.
Notable Faculty : Pun Ngai, Maggy Lee.
Unique Features : The program is distinguished by its focus on public policy and its robust methodological training.
Jawaharlal Nehru University (India)
Focus : Indian society, social movements, development sociology.
Notable Faculty : Anand Kumar, Vivek Kumar.
Unique Features : The program is renowned for its critical approach to development sociology and its focus on social movements in India.
National Taiwan University (Taiwan)
Focus : Political sociology, cultural sociology, social networks.
Notable Faculty : Wei-hsin Yu, Chin-Chun Yi.
Unique Features : The program offers a unique perspective on Taiwanese and East Asian societies, with strong international research collaborations.
University of Malaya (Malaysia)
Focus : Ethnicity, development studies, sociology of religion.
Notable Faculty : Syed Farid Alatas, Abdul Rahman Embong.
Unique Features : The program provides in-depth insights into Malaysian society, with a focus on ethnic relations and development.
Yonsei University (South Korea)
Focus : Social change, family sociology, health sociology.
Notable Faculty : Hyunjoon Park, Eun Mee Kim.
Unique Features : The program emphasizes empirical research and offers strong interdisciplinary collaboration with other social sciences.
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (India)
Focus : Sociology of technology, urban sociology, social movements.
Notable Faculty : Arup Maharatna, Anagha Tambe.
Unique Features : The program combines technological studies with sociological research, providing a unique interdisciplinary approach.
Korea University (South Korea)
Focus : Social stratification, education, labor studies.
Notable Faculty : Chul-Kyoo Kim, Yean-Ju Lee.
Unique Features : The program is well-regarded for its strong focus on social inequalities and labor market research.
University of the Philippines Diliman (Philippines)
Focus : Development sociology, gender studies, cultural sociology.
Notable Faculty : Ricardo Jose, Teresa Encarnacion Tadem.
Unique Features : The program offers a strong emphasis on Philippine society and culture, with extensive fieldwork opportunities.
City University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
Focus : Urban sociology, migration, social policy.
Notable Faculty : Ray Forrest, Linda Wong.
Unique Features : The program is known for its focus on urban studies and social policy, providing a comprehensive understanding of contemporary social issues in Hong Kong.
Zhejiang University (China)
Focus : Rural sociology, social development, family studies.
Notable Faculty : Wu Xu, Zhang Weiying.
Unique Features : The program offers unique insights into rural development and social change in China, with a strong focus on empirical research.
Osaka University (Japan)
Focus : Sociology of education, social networks, cultural studies.
Notable Faculty : Hiroshi Ishida, Yuko Tsukamoto.
Unique Features : The program emphasizes cross-cultural studies and social network analysis, providing a broad understanding of sociological issues in Japan.
University of Indonesia (Indonesia)
Focus : Urbanization, social policy, gender studies.
Notable Faculty : Iwan Pranoto, Wening Udasmoro.
Unique Features : The program provides a comprehensive approach to understanding urbanization and social policy in Indonesia, with a strong focus on gender studies.
Focus : African sociology, social change, urban studies.
Notable Faculty : Jeremy Seekings, Nicoli Nattrass.
University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa)
Focus : Development sociology, labor studies, health sociology.
Notable Faculty : Vishwas Satgar, Devan Pillay.
Unique Features : The program is renowned for its focus on development issues and labor studies in the African context.
Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
Focus : Social inequality, rural sociology, sociology of education.
Notable Faculty : Lindy Heinecken, Cherryl Walker.
Unique Features : The program emphasizes rural sociology and educational research, providing unique insights into South African society.
University of Nairobi (Kenya)
Focus : Development studies, urbanization, gender studies.
Notable Faculty : Karuti Kanyinga, Winnie Mitullah.
Unique Features : The program offers a strong emphasis on development and urbanization issues in East Africa, with a focus on gender studies.
Makerere University (Uganda)
Focus : Social policy, rural development, health sociology.
Notable Faculty : Edward Kirumira, Josephine Ahikire.
Unique Features : The program is well-regarded for its research on rural development and social policy in Uganda.
University of Ghana (Ghana)
Focus : Sociology of development, social stratification, migration studies.
Notable Faculty : Nana Apt, Akosua Adomako Ampofo.
Unique Features : The program provides in-depth research opportunities in West African social issues, with a strong emphasis on development and migration.
University of Ibadan (Nigeria)
Focus : Development sociology, gender studies, health sociology.
Notable Faculty : Olabisi Aina, Olayinka Omigbodun.
Unique Features : The program is known for its strong focus on development and health issues in Nigeria, providing a critical perspective on African social dynamics.
University of Botswana (Botswana)
Notable Faculty : Lydia Nyati-Ramahobo, Joseph Tlou.
Unique Features : The program offers a comprehensive approach to understanding urbanization and social policy in Botswana, with a strong focus on gender studies.
Cairo University (Egypt)
Focus : Urban studies, social policy, family studies.
Notable Faculty : Ahmed Zayed, Heba Raouf Ezzat.
Unique Features : The program is distinguished by its strong emphasis on urban issues and family dynamics in the Middle Eastern context.
University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)
Focus : Development studies, rural sociology, social change.
Notable Faculty : Nuhu Hatibu Senkoro, Martha Qorro.
Unique Features : The program offers a deep understanding of social change and development issues specific to East Africa.
Focus : Social change, urban sociology, political sociology.
Notable Faculty : Maria Arminda do Nascimento Arruda, Glauco Arbix.
Unique Features : The program offers unique insights into Brazilian social structures and urban dynamics.
Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (Chile)
Focus : Social policy, development sociology, cultural studies.
Notable Faculty : Eduardo Valenzuela, Teresa Matus.
Unique Features : The program emphasizes applied sociology and public policy, with a strong focus on Chilean and Latin American contexts.
University of Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Focus : Urban studies, labor sociology, social movements.
Notable Faculty : Gabriel Kessler, Maristella Svampa.
Unique Features : The program is known for its critical approach to social movements and labor issues in Argentina.
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Focus : Environmental sociology, urban sociology, social inequality.
Notable Faculty : Michel Misse, Moema Miranda.
Unique Features : The program provides comprehensive training in environmental and urban sociology, focusing on social inequalities in Brazil.
University of the Andes (Colombia)
Focus : Social policy, conflict studies, cultural sociology.
Notable Faculty : Rodrigo Uprimny, Angelika Rettberg.
Unique Features : The program offers a strong focus on conflict resolution and social policy in Colombia and Latin America.
Federal University of Minas Gerais (Brazil)
Focus : Development sociology, rural sociology, sociology of education.
Notable Faculty : Heloisa Salles Pereira, Luciana Andrade.
Unique Features : The program emphasizes rural development and educational research, providing unique insights into Brazilian society.
National University of San Marcos (Peru)
Focus : Social change, indigenous studies, urbanization.
Notable Faculty : Rolando Ames, Isabel Coral Cordero.
Unique Features : The program provides a critical perspective on indigenous issues and urbanization in Peru.
Federal University of Bahia (Brazil)
Focus : Cultural studies, race and ethnicity, social movements.
Notable Faculty : Jocélio Teles dos Santos, Marilene Corrêa.
Unique Features : The program is distinguished by its focus on cultural studies and race relations in Brazil.
Central University of Venezuela (Venezuela)
Focus : Social policy, development studies, political sociology.
Notable Faculty : Margarita López Maya, Hector Briceño.
Unique Features : The program provides extensive research opportunities in social policy and development within the Venezuelan context.
University of Santiago (Chile)
Focus : Sociology of education, urban studies, social change.
Notable Faculty : José Joaquín Brunner, Manuel Antonio Garretón.
Unique Features : The program emphasizes educational research and urban sociology, offering a comprehensive understanding of social change in Chile.
Thammasat University (Thailand)
Focus : Development studies, political sociology, social movements.
Notable Faculty : Chaiwat Satha-Anand, Thanet Aphornsuvan.
Unique Features : The program offers critical insights into Southeast Asian development issues and political movements.
Chulalongkorn University (Thailand)
Focus : Cultural sociology, social inequality, urban studies.
Notable Faculty : Naruemon Thabchumpon, Chalidaporn Songsamphan.
Unique Features : The program emphasizes cultural and urban studies with a focus on social inequalities in Thailand.
University of Colombo (Sri Lanka)
Focus : Post-conflict studies, development sociology, migration.
Notable Faculty : Siri Hettige, Premakumara de Silva.
Unique Features : The program is distinguished by its focus on post-conflict societal issues and development in Sri Lanka.
Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Israel)
Focus : Social stratification, sociology of religion, migration.
Notable Faculty : Vered Kraus, Moshe Semyonov.
Unique Features : The program provides a comprehensive approach to social stratification and migration studies, particularly in the Middle Eastern context.
University of Haifa (Israel)
Focus : Peace and conflict studies, social networks, cultural sociology.
Notable Faculty : Gad Barzilai, Ayala Emmett.
Unique Features : The program offers unique insights into peace and conflict resolution, with a strong emphasis on social network analysis.

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The Department of Sociology at the University of Cambridge is a world-class centre for teaching and research in Sociology. It has a proud tradition of research grounded in engagement with contemporary real-world issues.

Our Department is ranked first for Sociology in the Guardian's Best Universities league table and first for Sociology in the Complete University Guide League Table 2024 .

The Times Higher Education World University ranking 2024 rates our department second overall in the UK for the Social Sciences. And the QS World University rankings list our department as 2nd of 521 sociology departments across the world in 2023.

Our PhD programme combines taught content in research methods and academic skills with independent study under the supervision of one or more experts in the student's chosen field.

Many who graduate from our PhD programme go on to become professional researchers or academics; others work in national government, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, and consultancies.

Our PhD programme aims to create an environment which supports our students:

to think critically
to undertake state-of-the-art research in their chosen fields
to engage with the world at the interface between theory, policy and practice
to develop a full portfolio of research skills
to produce a scholarly, exciting and socially relevant PhD
to move on to interesting and fulfilling jobs

Admission to the PhD programme is via a competitive process in which current Cambridge students are considered on the same basis as external applicants. Cambridge MPhil students require a final mark of at least 70% overall and 70% on the dissertation to continue to PhD study.

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages .

Details of Open Day events run by the Sociology Department can be found on the Department's Outreach Page .

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, department of sociology, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, michaelmas 2025.

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Funding Deadlines

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2025, Lent 2026 and Easter 2026.

Similar Courses

Latin American Studies (by thesis only) MPhil
Development Studies MPhil
Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Modern Middle Eastern Studies) MPhil
Latin American Studies PhD
Latin American Studies MPhil

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What Can You Do With A PhD In Sociology?
After a PhD

Introduction

This article will answer “what can you do with a PhD in Sociology?”. First, let’s start with the basics: Sociology is a social science which aims to understand the behaviour of society. This is a very broad definition but captures the essence of the subject. Sociology studies range from the structure of different groups and organisations within society to divisions from religion, class, race, age and gender.

A PhD degree in sociology provides insight into social concepts and requires a strong understanding of research methods, statistics, data collection and analysis. Research shows that most Social science graduates move into academia, though other (non-academic) career options exist.

Data on leavers

The Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Longitudinal Survey, carried out by HSEA, captures information about the activities and perspectives of graduates three and a half years after they completed their studies. Based on over 11,000 responses from 2012/13 Social study leavers, approximately 83% of UK domiciled leavers who achieved a qualification through postgraduate research were in work, with another approx. 7.5% in further study.

Pie Chart of Sociology PhD Career Employment Destinations

Destinations of 2012/13 UK and other EU domiciled leavers with postgraduate research in Social studies.

More information on this data can be found here . The same survey also includes information on those in employment. The table below presents the employment destination (categorised by jobs) of UK domiciled Social study leavers (2012/13) who obtained postgraduate qualifications.

UK domiciled leavers (Postgraduate Social studies 2012/13) in employment (inc. work and further study) by Standard Industrial Classification of employer

More information on this data can be found here .

We can see the largest four destinations are: 1) Human health and social work activities, 2) Public administration and defence; compulsory social security, 3) Education and 4) Professional, scientific and technical activities. We can also see that some social study graduates take up jobs/roles in financial and insurance activities, retail trade and manufacturing.

Of course, a postgraduate degree is much more specialised than an undergraduate degree, and so your PhD programme can be tailored to particular career options if you already have long-term aspirations for your career. For example, a PhD in Sociology with a focus on international relations lends itself to a career in international politics.

Studying sociology equips you with the skills for a career not only in the academic field but also in a wide range of fields including business, health & social care, marketing, public relations, education and politics. Examples of typical first roles post-graduation for sociology doctorates includes lecturers, researchers, positions in government, youth workers and public health services.

The analytical nature of sociology studies lends itself to a career in business. Business is a very broad term – think statistics, public relations, human resources etc. The ability to emphasise and understand human behaviour is important in the last two examples, and business often looks to sociology students at university for these attributes. Due to the competitive nature of business jobs, PhD students should look to undertake work experience which would support their academic work before applying.

Marketing is the art of understanding social behaviour and human thinking to best develop campaigns to target these attributes. A PhD degree in sociology provides a strong foundation of knowledge in gender, race, age and human behaviour etc. which enables you to use your research skills to more accurately forecast the effectiveness of marketing campaigns to target demographics. This understanding, combined with the analytical skills gained from a PhD makes a career in marketing a suitable destination for sociology graduates.

Social & social care

Social researchers are able to transition into social care roles such as community development officers, welfare officers, counsellors as well as careers in the public health service, the criminal justice service and in rehabilitation. These roles let you make the most of the ‘human’ side of your research programme and allow you to interact with members of the public (from varying backgrounds) in a more intimate nature. If you are a student who particularly enjoyed the health oriented aspects of your PhD study, this could be the right career path for you.

A Sociology PhD degree can prepare you in a career in education at any level. As a research student you are likely to have knowledge of child behaviour and the learning process in children which can be used (alongside a professional teaching qualification) to land you a teaching role in primary and secondary education.

In terms of higher education, a research degree typically forms part of the entry requirements for a teaching role in universities. Generally, university lecturers have much more freedom in the contents and coursework of their course than lower education teachers, which allows you to focus on your chosen speciality and tailor research training to your research interest. Universities often offer their doctorates part time teaching positions as a way of assisting in the transition from student to teacher.

It is important to note that an educational role in higher education is not just limited to lecturing at a university, but also includes supervising research projects, tutoring students and running research programmes.

Similar to marketing, a successful politician needs to have a strong understanding of social culture and be in tune with the values of different demographics. A career in politics can range from being an activist to engaging with charities, regardless of the level of involvement – a PhD in sociology gives you the perspective of different cultures and can allow you to use this insight to contribute to society. Whether your postgraduate research area is directly related to politics or not, looking for work experience is advised as it often forms part of entry requirements for political roles.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

Skills for your CV

It is important to remember that whilst most Sociology doctorates pursue a career in academia, holding a PhD in the subject gives you a number of skills and attributes which make you desirable to a wide range of employers. You must be able to recognise these skills when preparing your CV and job applications.

Examples of skills you will learn as a sociology PhD student during your postgraduate study include:

An understanding of the social concepts and current issues faced in society,
The ability to emphasise and use information to make strong arguments,
An understanding and application of statistical methods and analytical techniques,
Appreciate the diversity and range of cultures in the world,
Use the above knowledge to become more influential in society and relate your knowledge to public policy.

In addition to the above having a PhD also equips you with several transferable skills . These are skills which a vital in the professional working environment and can be used in any sector. Examples of transferable skills postgraduate research students possess include communication, team working, work ethic, time management, problem-solving and the ability to carry out independent research.

Browse PhDs Now

Join thousands of students.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

Harvard is one of the world’s leading centers for training and mentoring the next generation of sociologists. The Department of Sociology offers several programs of graduate study leading to the Ph.D. in Sociology , the Ph.D. in Sociology and Social Policy , and the Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior .

The aim of the Graduate Program in Sociology is to prepare students for scholarly and applied research and for teaching in sociology. The program combines an emphasis on competence in social theory and research methods with opportunities for the development of each student's own interest.

Doctoral candidates are expected to achieve a solid proficiency in fundamentals that will enable them to teach basic and advanced sociology courses and engage in both quantitative and qualitative research. Students are trained in several sub fields of sociology in which the faculty has concentrations of expertise. Among these are social stratification and inequality (including race and ethnic relations), the study of complex organizations, economic sociology, political sociology, comparative/historical sociology, health and social policy, cultural analysis, urban sociology, criminology, and life course. The program includes a sequence of required courses on theory and theory construction, designed to acquaint every student with skills necessary for developing social explanations, and required courses in both qualitative methods and advanced statistics to familiarize students with techniques for collecting and analyzing data.

Sociology Faculty and Student Involvement in University Initiatives

For further information on the research topics that Harvard students have explored and the careers of some recent graduates, see Graduate Degrees Awarded .

Harvard Griffin GSAS does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other protected classification.

Graduate Office

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Email [email protected]

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Elena Ayala-Hurtado

Eun se baik, derick s. baum, matthew brooke, holly hummer, in jeong hwang, lauren taylor, joseph wallerstein.

y'all don't read

how does a [sociology] phd work?

Image courtesy Pexels .

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A Black person faces profile, a backpack hanging off of their right shoulder, as they exit a building. They’re wearing a black shirt, have an inch or two of hair on the top of their head, and the photo is framed on the left by an out-of-focus plant.

This is Part I of a two-part series on the basics of a [sociology] PhD. Part II is titled “ so they’ll pay me to get a phd? ” and handles the monetary logistics.

A PhD ain’t for everybody, not because of intelligence, but because it requires a whole lot.

Dedicating at least five years of your life to getting an advanced degree that does not guarantee employment is a choice not all of us — or those who rely on us — can afford to make. Alternatively, a PhD can provide some of us five years of job stability for the first time. Either way, finding information on the process as someone with further proximity to power — whether it be due to race, gender, class, disability, citizenship, language, nationality, or something else — can feel really aggravating. Almost everything I learned out about the “hidden curriculum” of graduate school came from word-of-mouth and, eventually, personal experience.

This U.S.-based FAQ of sorts is my attempt to make the process a bit less scary. And although I am writing about my PhD program in sociology, much of the information can translate across academic departments. I’ve included links if you want to learn more about a particular topic.

relevant information about the author

My name is Anthony James Williams, I use they/them/theirs pronouns, and I’m in my thirties. At the time of publication I am a third year PhD student in the Department of Sociology at the University of California, Los Angeles. I started community college as a first-generation college student in 2007, transferred to the University of California, Berkeley in 2013, became a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow in 2014, and graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, Theatre, and Performance Studies in 2016. I then applied to 13 sociology programs, got into 8, and began at UCLA in 2017–18 school year.

I have also worked as a mentor to undergraduate students in the humanities, arts, and social sciences, and this year I begin the National Science Foundation Graduate Student Research Fellowship Program . I am not an admissions officer, I’m just a Black queer graduate student trying to help folks feel prepared. The examples I give throughout are real and come from my experiences. You can learn more about me and my graduate school work on my website .

“Earning” a PhD makes you a doctor of philosophy, and while that “doctor” bit may be obvious to some: I did not know there were non-medical doctors until I was in my early twenties. I knew that my instructors had a degree, I just didn’t know whichdegree . For the record, college instructors must usually possess a master’s degree or higher to get hired as lecturers or adjunct professors. But to become an assistant professor, an associate professor, or a full professor at a four-year university or graduate-only university? You gotta get that PhD. Here is how it works.

After you attain your high school diploma or general education diploma (GED), you can keep it going with trade school certifications, your associates, your bachelor’s, your master’s (MSW, MBA, MFA, MPH, MPP, MIIL, MA, MS, etc.), an even higher degree (PhD, EdD, MD, DO, JD), something else entirely, or none of them. Some degrees, like the PhD, the juris doctor (JD) the master’s in social work (MSW) are terminal, meaning end of the line. You get that degree and you should be set within your chosen career path.

Example : I have my high school diploma, my BA, and now my MA. As a PhD student in sociology my typical workday — because it is a job — is some mixture of reading, writing, and teaching.

Less than 2% of the U.S. population possess a PhD . Due to a history of structural racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of structural and interpersonal exclusion: most of those people who do have a PhD are white men. And of those PhD-recipients, about half go into higher education with the goal of a tenure-track position, which essentially translates to “job security.” But many people choose to not go into academia for very valid reasons .

And just like the departments are ranked, everything inside the school is hierarchical. In order of least to most access to power and influence: undergrads, Master’s students, Master’s/PhD students, PhD candidates*, lecturers/adjuncts, assistant professors, and full professors. I won’t get into department chairs or deans, but just know that everyone has a boss.

*A PhD candidate is someone who is “ABD,” or “all but dissertation.” This means they have completed all coursework, all MA requirements, all qualifying and/or comprehensive exams, and a successful dissertation prospectus proposal. In essence, all they have left to do is do the dissertation, defend their work, and then they’ll get their PhD. This is why we often make a distinction between “PhD student” and “PhD candidate.” One is ‘merely’ a student, the other is eligible for a PhD.

But if nothing else, please notice that lecturers and adjuncts often teach large classes but do not receive the same benefits as professors, including any real form of job security. Some folks willingly become adjuncts while they are in their PhD program, but many folks are pushed into lecturer positions because there are only so many academic jobs as professors. Some universities will hire “continuing lecturers” or “senior lecturers” who then receive different benefits, but this practice is less common than the per-class style.Most universities do not allow them to vote on new hires, departmental changes, or graduate student admissions. They do not have the same, if any, healthcare because they are treated as contractors. And they often have to adjunct at more than one university in order to make enough money.

Example : I am one of two Black graduate students in my cohort of 13 students, the cohort above me had zero Black students, and the cohort below me had three.

People often enter a PhD in sociology to research — whether for the academy, the public sector, or the private sector — and teach . But STEM and social science PhD program train you on conducting research, not teaching, which is why there are so many amazing researchers who are not the best trained or most kind educators. This distinction is important.

While most college professor jobs come with teaching responsibilities, most professors at Research I institutions — this is what people mean when they say “R1” — like UC Berkeley de-prioritize teaching. Outside of their personal feelings about teaching, professors at top universities have to worry about getting published, securing grants, and doing service work in order to get tenure. In contrast, liberal arts schools like Pitzer allow space for the professor to teach and research, meaning that teaching and mentoring become a vital part of being a professor.

Example : I chose a PhD to be able to teach, research, and mentor, but I recognize(d) that my training would specifically be about research.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: The same brown-skinned Black person from the previous image stands, looking down at a notepad and writing on it with a pen. In front of him are papers, another pen, headphones, a computer monitor, and a keyboard.

The good news : You do not have to have earned a Master’s degree to enroll in a PhD program because many programs include a Master’s degree along the way. And with the right criteria, you can get in straight from undergrad.

The bad news : Academia is elitist and conservative as hell and so that means that in addition to the straight up racism, classism, and sexism, you’re also dealing with rank and legacy. So although a student can enter a PhD program with just their Bachelor’s degree, not every student can.

Example : My sociology PhD program at UCLA includes a Master’s degree. I entered with only my BA and earned my Master’s in June 2019 after two years in the PhD program.

GPA Requirements

Some students had to work and parent as undergraduates, which means they might have focused more on graduating and paying rent than their grades. The reality is that departmental requirements often start at 3.0, but top-ranked programs are really looking for ~3.5 and above.

Example : I had a 3.9 when I applied.

Not actually a strong indicator of how well someone will do in graduate school, as research tells us. And there is a long history of racism, classism, and profit behind standardized tests, yet they are still required and some schools use these as a baseline for admissions.

Prep courses are expensive as hell and I don’t recommend them unless you can get them paid for. Instead, I recommend using the free version of Magoosh six to eight weeks before you take the exam. Also take lots of practice tests, some of which are available for free from ETS themselves. And remember that the GRE is about checking your knowledge about the test , not checking the knowledge you learned during undergrad. So you will likely get similar scores whether you take it your junior year, your senior year, or years later because it isn’t based on that knowledge. Don’t let the GRE dissuade you from applying.

Example : I used my Mellon Mays funds to take a GRE prep course and ended up doing well on writing (99th percentile), well on verbal (82nd percentile), and poorly on math (51st percentile). And as a sociology student I did not have to take any subject tests.

Statements of Academic Purpose

These are different from the essays that got some of us into undergrad in that they are much more focused on your academics. A way to “get to know you,” but ultimately you need to use your personal story in service of your research and scholarly trajectory. I suggest following Dr. Eve L. Ewing’s advice on how to write a personal statement for graduate school . This is where you can sometimes make up for gaps in education, sparse CVs, and more. But do note that some schools will ask for a second, more personal statement or a “diversity statement.” You can share more of your personal story there, but keep in mind that.

Example : I’m a proponent of not pimping out our trauma, so I opened these statements with a paragraph about relevant personal information related to my research journey.

Writing Samples

Let them know that you have conducted research before and can write it up. But if you haven’t conducted research, grab a really good final paper from a class and polish it up.

Example : I took the excerpts from 50-page honors thesis that demonstrated I could design and complete a research project. So it looked like a bit of literature review, a short section on methods, lots of analysis, and some findings.

Letters of Recommendation

What is in the letters and who writes the letters are both important. The letters should speak to your potential as an academic through discussing you as a student, research assistant, or another similar role. To make their job easier you have to tell them well in advance (two months or more), remind them as the deadlines come up, send them your materials (statements, cv, writing sample, previous graded work from their class), and feel free to ask them to highlight certain things.

Students often ask me about which professors to ask, and I’ve been told that while they should all be from professors — as opposed to people like bosses, grad students, or faith leaders —from your academic discipline, their ranking really depends on where you are applying. Ideally they are tenured professors from your current school or the school you graduated from, but it can get tricky.

Say you need three letters and two are from tenured professors: if your community college lecturer will write a really fantastic letter then you may want to include them over a big-shot tenured professor who knows nothing about you or your work other than that you received an ‘A’ in their class.

Example : For most schools, I went with a junior faculty member in my discipline, a senior faculty member in my discipline, a senior faculty member outside my discipline, and the continuing lecturer who oversaw my thesis project. When I could only select three I would usually use the first three, but when I could select up to five I would include them all.

Your curriculum vitae, or your academic resume, lists your accomplishments. My best advice is to recognize that you won’t have much to list and that is okay. Then lookup the CVs of people you admire to see how they formatted them and what they listed.

Example : I had published a lot in popular press but not academically, so I highlighted the relevant popular press work, included all of my public service at the university, and included grants I had won from community college.

You’re the only one who will know if you want to enter a PhD program and if you’re ready. What I usually advise people to do is talk to graduate student friends, and if they don’t have any, read things like the Survey of Doctoral Education . Grad school ain’t going nowhere, and it can take much more than five years, so taking time with your decision is key.

Example : I hope to complete my PhD in five years, but my anecdotal observations seem to suggest that it takes sociology PhD students around seven years to finish. But even if I’m done with my dissertation in five years, I may want to get out another publication before going on the job market. Life happens (death, birth, health, marriage, divorce, money issues, etc) and you are working on your own timeline.

Image courtesy Pexels.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: An out-of-focus white human in profile wears a red shirt and takes up the left side of the frame. The middle and right side of the frame have a lighter-skinned brown human with short hair on the top and shorter on the sides. They also sit in profile, their hands resting on the counter as they look at their phone. They wear a blue shirt.

In short, go where they give you the money, the resources, two to four professors you can see yourself working with, and the professional support necessary to get you a job once you’re done. Here is a breakdown of what to consider and why.

Department Rank

First, a school can have a cute reputation, but not all departments within that school are ranked equally. So pay attention to the department more than the school’s name and reputation.

Second, ranking unfortunately determines potential stipends, chances to earn external fellowships and grants, and job prospects. A mediocre individual can get into a top-ranked institution and rely on their big name affiliation to get them a job at a similarly top-ranked university. A extremely innovate and well-trained individual can get into a lower-ranked institution but they do not have the same resources and are more likely to find a job at a similarly low-ranked university. It should not be all about ranking because you could end up at a highly-ranked school and hate your life, but do make sure to consider it.

Example : UCLA was top 10 for sociology at the time that I applied, as were my other two choices (University of Michigan and Harvard). But UMD was top 50 for sociology at the time that I applied and had Dr. Patricia Hill Collins not been retiring then that faculty relationship might have trumped department rank for me.

Department Fit

You have to go to a school with at least two professors with whom you’d want to work, but ideally three or four. You go to graduate school to do your own work under the advising of specific professors. The issue with just two professors of interest is that they switch jobs, your research interests change, you have less letter-writers, or something else entirely.

And more generally, you find out if you’d like to work with them by visiting their faculty pages and/or personal websites. Look at what they’ve published about in the last 10 years, see if your research interests align, see if your methodologies align, and when you visit the school after getting admitted: see if you think you can get along with them. Ask them how many graduate students they take on at a time to get an idea of how much time you’ll have together. Ask them what their advising style is and what they expect out of their students. You work closely with your advisor, so find out what you need to know.

But it is not just the professors, it is so much more. Is it a closed-door or an open-door type of department? Are there professors in other departments at the school that you’d like to work with? How large is your cohort? Do you get along with your cohort? What courses are offered? Do they teach the methodologies you’d like to learn? How much are you expected to teach? What are the departmental requirements to earn your MA/PhD?

Example : In the last two years the three people I would have like to worked with — if I accepted Columbia’s offer — have all left to The Graduate Center, CUNY. I could not have predicted that, but had I gone there I would have had to find a new advisor during my third year of graduate school. I ultimately chose UCLA for my two advisors who I felt would help me create the work I wanted to create even though they did not specialize in what I hoped to work on.

Geographic Location

This encompasses a lot of things. Some of these questions may seem silly or obvious, but not every university is built near the specific things you may need. What are the population demographics? Is there a community there of folks who speak your language(s)? Is it a small town, a college town, a large city, or something else? How much does it actually cost to live there? How far will you be from your friends, family, and partners and how much will it cost for you to see each other? What other schools and potential resources surround the area? What is the political climate? What is the weather like? Is there a nightlife? What does dating look like for you? How accessible is it? What does the area feel like?

Example : Wisconsin Sociology is a top 10 program that I got into and would have gladly attended if it was the best choice for me out of those that offered me admission. But I dislike the cold and I like being close to Black and brown people, so I chose a city I dislike (Los Angeles) so that I could be warm and around more Black and brown folk. I also had loved ones living in California and I would be lying if I said that didn’t affect my decision.

Your health is so important. Graduate students have notoriously bad mental health outcomes that are particularly heinous for those of us with marginalized identities. So this is about much more than if the campus offers a graduate student gym. Make sure that whichever program you select provides you with resources for your spiritual, mental, physical, sexual, and emotional wellness. You come first, don’t let the PhD steal you from you.

Example : I take advantage of my dental/vision/health insurance plans, I use the STI testing services on campus, and I try to go to acupuncture regularly.

Image courtesy the author (me!), photographed by Jenny Baquing .

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A young Black person with medium brown skin smiles directly into the camera, their black hair in short locs. They have a thick black mustache and a black goatee to match. They are wearing a blue denim shirt.

So now you know a lot more than I knew about the PhD process as I applied. But can you survive on what they’re paying you? Part II of this two-part series, “ so they’ll pay me to get a phd? ” explores just that. If you’ve read both, feel free to visit “ AMA: PhD edition ,” the public thread where you can ask me anything about this whole process.

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