Sociology is the study of social relationships and institutions. It explores topics including religion, culture, education, crime, family, gender, sexuality, social change, inequality, and much more. Sociologists use a variety of research methods to understand and analyze social issues and the social processes that shape human lives.
By earning a Ph.D. in Sociology, you’ll learn to think critically, evaluate, analyze, and communicate effectively. You’ll also learn to ask and answer insightful research questions that expand our understanding of people and society. After completing your degree, you’ll be prepared to work in academia or for a government organization, nonprofit, business, or public policy agency.
Whether you want to conduct research at a top think tank or teach courses at a nationally ranked university, earning a Ph.D. from one of these programs will help you reach your goals.
What kind of Ph.D. in Sociology should you get?
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Some universities offer specialized degrees in sociology, like NYU’s Ph.D. in Sociology of Education. At most universities, you’ll declare one or two areas of specialization. Your options generally depend on the expertise and research interests of the faculty. As you browse the PhDs listed here, pay attention to the specializations offered. Try to choose a program that aligns with your interests in the field.
Although most Ph.D. programs are on campus, some programs are available online. Online programs give you the convenience and flexibility to work around your schedule. If you’re interested in pursuing an online degree, browse our list of the Best Online Colleges and Universities.
How much money do people make with a Ph.D. in Sociology?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a sociologist is $82,050. High-level employment in research institutes think tanks, and private and government agencies may offer higher pay.
Graduates with a Ph.D. in Sociology may also teach courses and conduct scholarly research at universities. According to PayScale, the average salary for a full-time professor is $99,712. Of course, this salary may vary widely depending on the university.
Jobs for sociologists are projected to show little to no growth over the next decade. However, the demand for professors is expected to grow at a rate of 15%, which is much faster than average.
What can you do with a Ph.D. in Sociology?
Most graduates with a Ph.D. in Sociology teach at liberal arts colleges and research universities. There, you will continue your scholarly research while also teaching college courses. You will be expected to continue publishing your work in journals or even books.
Another option is to work as a researcher for institutes, government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and public policy organizations. A master’s degree will suffice for some of these positions. However, most high-level roles with good promotion prospects require a Ph.D. in the field.
What are the requirements for a Ph.D. in Sociology?
Typically, you will only need a bachelor’s degree to enter a Ph.D. program in Sociology. You will earn your MA in Sociology as you complete requirements for the Ph.D. If you already have a master’s degree, you may be able to complete the Ph.D. program at a faster pace.
Requirements for a Ph.D. generally include coursework in sociological theory, methodology, and statistics. You’ll develop a general foundation in these areas, then acquire an advanced level of knowledge in at least one area of specialization. Other requirements may include passing a qualifying examination, writing papers and/or submitting them for publication, and devising and completing a reading list in your area(s) of specialization.
After completing these requirements, you advance from Ph.D. candidate to Ph.D. student. You will then need to write and defend a dissertation, a process that takes 1-2 years. In total, you should expect to spend five-seven years completing your Ph.D.
What are the best PhDs in Sociology?
The 30 schools listed below offer the best PhDs in Sociology. To compile this list, we’ve considered factors like tuition costs, return on investment, and school reputation. In addition, every school on this list is accredited, and many are nationally ranked.
All data comes from sources like:
Bureau of Labor Statistics PayScale U.S. News & World Report Princeton Review Official university websites and course catalogs
Earning your Ph.D. in Sociology is a major investment, so it’s natural that you want the best of the best. Choose any program on this list, and you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need for long-term success in the field.
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