2010-2011 University Catalog 
  
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2010-2011 University Catalog

Sociology, PhD

Banner Code:  LA-PHD-SOCI

Web: soan.gmu.edu

The doctoral degree in sociology provides rigorous training in public and applied social research, including skills in research design, data analysis, and substantive areas that are pertinent to various sectors in the Washington, D.C., area. Graduates have the theoretical, analytical, and professional skills that prepare them for academic positions in teaching or research. They are also well-qualified for nonacademic positions in the many settings that rely on the expertise of sociologists including human service agencies, marketing research firms, educational systems, nonprofit foundations, and law enforcement agencies.

This program of study is offered by the Department of Sociology and Anthropology .

For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  chapter of this catalog.

Application Requirements

Applicants must meet the admission standards and application requirements for all graduate students as specified in the Admission  of the catalog. Applicants to the PhD in sociology should submit the following:

  • A statement of purpose of academic study
  • A writing sample such as a full-length research paper
  • Three letters of recommendation from faculty members or those who can evaluate the applicant’s academic potential
  • GRE scores (the general test is required; subject tests are optional)

Applicants are advised to consult Application for Graduate Study for admission deadlines.

Reduction of Credit

Students who enter the program with a master’s degree may be allowed a reduction of credit up to 30 credits subject to the approval of the graduate director and the dean.

Degree Requirements

Eight foundation courses (24 credits)

One required foundation course (3 credits)

Two courses of theory (6 credits)

Two required courses of methodology and analysis (6 credits)

One elective course of methodology and analysis (3 credits) chosen from:

Two courses of statistics/methods (6 credits) chosen from:

Two proseminars (6 credits)

Three courses (9 credits) in one of the following specializations:

Depending on the topic, special topics courses SOCI 633 and SOCI 833 (or others) may be applied to the specialization with prior written approval of the director. Up to two courses (6 credits) may be from outside sociology, chosen in consultation with (and approval of) the student’s advisor or the graduate director.

Three courses in institutions and inequalities (9 credits) chosen from:

Three courses in sociology of globalization (9 credits) chosen from:

Six elective courses (18 credits)

Students may take up to two courses (6 credits) from outside sociology, chosen in consultation with and approval of the graduate director.

Research Proficiency

Students must demonstrate proficiency in a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods prior to taking the qualifying exams for candidacy. Proficiency is determined by satisfactory course work or an exam. Students in the specialization in sociology of globalization must also demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language at an advanced level of reading and comprehension.

Dissertation proposal and research (15 credits)

Students must complete a minimum of 3 credits of 998 and a minimum of 3 credits of 999. Once enrolled in SOCI 998, students must maintain continuous registration for at least 1 credit; once enrolled in 999 students must follow the university continuous registration policy as specified in the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.

Total: 72 credits

Advancement to Candidacy

To advance to candidacy, doctoral students must complete all course work required on their approved program of study. Students must also successfully pass two written qualifying examinations. One examination is in the foundations of sociological inquiry, linking research methods and sociological theory to public concerns. The second examination is in the student’s area of specialization, administered by a faculty committee appointed by the graduate program director.

In addition, students must have a dissertation committee appointed by the dean and an approved dissertation proposal. Evidence of the approved proposal must be on file in the Dean’s Office before advancement.