Program Overview

Sociology - Ph.D.

Overview

The Ph.D. degree in Sociology provides students with advanced training for research and teaching careers in higher education and for research-based careers in both the public and private sectors. The program offers specializations in criminology and deviance, the sociology of health and mental health, social inequalities (race, class, gender) and social psychology.

Admissions

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcripts(s)
• GRE scores (taken within the last five years) (starting with the fall 2026 admission term, the GRE is no longer required)
• Goal statement (1-2 pages), describing current academic interests, research interests, long-range career goals and how admission will facilitate the achievement of these goals
• Three letters of recommendation from current/former professors who can adequately evaluate the applicant's past work and potential
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 DET score

Coursework

• Major Requirements:
  • SOC 72002: Professional and Ethical Issues in Sociology (3 credits)
  • SOC 72105: Contemporary Sociological Thought (3 credits)
  • SOC 72218: Advanced Data Analysis (4 credits)
  • SOC 72219: Qualitative Methods in Sociology (4 credits)
  • SOC 72894: College Teaching of Sociology (3 credits)
  • Advisor-Approved Electives (16 credits)
• Culminating Requirement:
  • SOC 82199: Dissertation I (30 credits)

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of sociological theory by using it to better understand social phenomena and human behavior, develop new theoretical arguments and pose and attempt to answer research questions.
2. Demonstrate a an advanced understanding of research methods in sociology, including both quantitative methods (e.g., survey, experimental) and qualitative methods (e.g., participant observation, content analysis).
3. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of statistics in application to social research, including advanced techniques (e.g., structural equation modeling, hierarchical linear modeling).
4. Demonstrate the ability to synthesize complex scientific literatures and execute sophisticated original research through the successful completion of a dissertation project.

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum Major GPA: 3.000
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.000

Program Delivery

• Delivery: In person
• Location: Kent Campus

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: Priority deadline: December 1

Why Kent State University

• Sociology, Criminology and Justice Studies: Learn more about undergraduate and graduate academic programs in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at Kent State.
• University Libraries: There is so much to check out at the University Libraries!
• Faculty Research in the News: Research at Kent State focuses on solving major global challenges we face as a society - in healthcare, energy and sustainability.