Program Overview

Introduction to the Sociology Doctoral Program

The Sociology Doctoral Program aims to equip students with the necessary theoretical knowledge to comprehend complex social processes, identify solutions to social problems, and conduct research in various fields of sociology. The program focuses on providing students with a strong foundation in social science research methods and techniques, as well as encouraging them to explore different areas of sociology.

Program Description

The program's objectives include:

• Enabling students to understand and analyze social processes from a historical perspective
• Providing students with the necessary skills to conduct research in sociology and related fields
• Encouraging students to explore different areas of sociology, including but not limited to:
  • Urban and rural sociology
  • Demography
  • Political sociology
  • Sociology of gender
  • Body sociology
  • Visual sociology
  • Sociology of work
  • Sociology of religion
  • Sociology of knowledge
  • Sociology of crime

Degree Awarded

Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded a Doctoral degree in Sociology.

Level of Degree

The program is offered at the postgraduate level.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

• Hold a master's degree with a thesis
• Have a minimum score of 55 in the ALES exam (Academic Personnel and Postgraduate Education Exam)
• Pass a written scientific evaluation exam and/or an interview
• Meet other requirements as specified by the Institute's Board and Senate

Program Requirements

The program consists of:

• Core courses
• Elective courses
• A doctoral thesis

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Analyze social processes from a historical perspective
2. Identify and apply appropriate research methods and techniques in sociology
3. Conduct research in various fields of sociology
4. Evaluate and interpret sociological data
5. Communicate research findings effectively
6. Demonstrate expertise in a specific area of sociology
7. Contribute to the development of sociology as a discipline
8. Apply sociological knowledge to real-world problems
9. Demonstrate an understanding of the social and cultural context of Turkey and the world
10. Design and implement research projects in sociology
11. Demonstrate an ability to work independently and as part of a team

Course Structure

The program consists of:

• 1st Semester:
  • Advanced Research Methods
  • Classical Sociological Theories
  • Departmental Elective
• 2nd Semester:
  • Contemporary Sociological Theories
  • Departmental Elective
• 3rd Semester:
  • Seminar
  • Departmental Elective
• 4th Semester:
  • Doctoral Qualifying Exam
• 5th-8th Semesters:
  • Doctoral Thesis

Departmental Electives

Students can choose from a range of elective courses, including:

• Advanced Sociological Research Methods
• Economic Sociology
• Cultural Studies
• Migration Studies
• Gender Studies
• Sociology of Religion
• Visual Sociology
• Sociology of Work
• Political Sociology
• Environmental Sociology
• Digital Culture and Society
• Urban Sociology
• Sociology of Crime

Thesis

The doctoral thesis is an original research project that demonstrates the student's ability to conduct independent research in sociology. The thesis is supervised by a faculty member and must be defended in front of a panel of examiners.