Program Overview
Program Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy program in sociology at Arizona State University provides advanced training in theory, research methodology, and substantive fields. Students are prepared for teaching and research, with special emphasis on inequality and power; law and society; race and ethnicity; Latino sociology; health; and children, youth, and families.
Program Details
Degree Awarded
- PHD in Sociology
Program Description
The program focuses on ongoing research projects with individual faculty, research teams, and research institutes and centers throughout ASU. It aims to equip students with the skills necessary for teaching and research, emphasizing areas such as inequality, law and society, race and ethnicity, health, and family studies.
At a Glance
- College/School: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT Extension Eligible: No
Degree Requirements
- 84 credit hours
- A written comprehensive exam
- A prospectus
- A dissertation
Required Core (6 credit hours)
- SOC 603: Perspectives in Sociological Inquiry (3)
- SOC 685: Applied Social Theory (3)
Theory (3 credit hours)
- SOC 585: Sociological Theory (3)
Methods (3 credit hours)
- SOC 591: Topic: Qualitative Research Methods (3)
Statistics (3 credit hours)
- Other requirements as specified by the program
Other Requirements (3 credit hours)
- SOC 791: Topic: Integrative Research (3)
Elective and Research (54 credit hours)
- As specified by the program
Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
- SOC 799: Dissertation (12)
Additional Curriculum Information
- Up to 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree can be used for this degree, with approval.
- A minimum of 30 credit hours of the approved doctoral program, excluding dissertation and research hours, must be completed after admission to the program.
- A qualifying exam, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus, and a dissertation are required.
Admission Requirements
General University Admission Requirements
- All students must meet general university admission requirements.
- U.S. applicants and international applicants must fulfill specific requirements.
- English proficiency is required for all applicants.
Program-Specific Admission Requirements
- Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in sociology or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable bachelor's or master's degree program is required.
- All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee
- Official transcripts
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Personal statement detailing professional goals and research experiences
- Writing sample
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic background
- Proof of English proficiency
Tuition Information
Tuition information can be found on the university's website, including details on how to pay for higher education and financial aid options.
Application Deadlines
- Fall: December 1 (final deadline)
Program Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate contemporary sociological perspectives in original written work.
- Apply sociological research methods to the analysis of data to create an original empirical research paper.
- Conduct research resulting in empirical papers that have an impact on relevant communities.
Career Opportunities
Professionals with expertise in research methodologies and data analysis, as well as an understanding of cultural and social change and various social issues and phenomena, are sought after in many areas, including:
- Human services
- Business
- Education and public policy
- Community service and nonprofit sectors
Career examples include:
- Demographer
- Mediator
- Research professional
- Social or community service manager
- Sociologist
- Sociology instructor
- Urban and regional planner
Accelerated Programs
Accelerated programs allow students to expedite the completion of their degree, earning a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years for some programs. Each program has specific requirements that students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.