Program Overview

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Sociology of Education (PhD)

The Sociology of Education PhD program prepares graduates to analyze educational problems and issues and social change using the theoretical tools and research methods of sociology. Students are expected to become thoroughly familiar with primary perspectives, theories, and questions of the discipline of sociology and the field of sociology of education. Candidacy, dissertation proposal, and dissertation are required. The Sociology of Education PhD program is 48 credits for students who matriculate with an MA and 65 credits for students who matriculate with a baccalaureate degree only.

Program Description

This multidisciplinary PhD program in Sociology of Education prepares graduates to analyze educational problems and issues and social change using the theoretical tools and research methods of sociology. The program prepares professors of educational sociology for schools and colleges of education or for universities with specializations in the area of sociology as it applies to education and researchers who can conduct basic and applied research in various public and private institutions in order to advance both the practice of education and the study of sociology.

Admissions

Admission to graduate programs in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development requires the following minimum components:

• Résumé/CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts
• Proficiency in English

Program Requirements

Upon acceptance to the Sociology of Education PhD program, you will be notified if you are expected to complete 48 or 65 credits.

48-Credit Program

• ASH-GE 3011: Department Seminar I (3 credits)
• Foundations Requirements in Sociology of Education (6 credits)
  • SOED-GE 2002: Sociology of Education
  • SOED-GE 2325: Social and Cultural Studies in Education
• Sociology of Education Electives (6 credits)
  • SOED-GE 2374: Race and Racism
  • SOED-GE 2163: Soc of Higher Ed
  • SOED-GE 2373: Gender and Inequality: The Role of Schools
• Research Methods Courses (18 credits)
  • APSTA-GE 2001: Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences I
  • APSTA-GE 2002: Statistics for Behav and Social Sciences II
  • APSTA-GE 2139: Survey Research Methods
  • INTE-GE 2007: Qualitative Methods in International Education
  • INTE-GE 2008: Quantitative Methods in International Education
  • PADM-GP 2902: Multiple Regression and Introduction to Econometrics
  • RESCH-GE 2140: Approaches to Qualitative Inquiry
  • RESCH-GE 2142: Interview & Observation
  • RESCH-GE 2143: Participatory Action Research
  • RESCH-GE 2147: Fieldwork Data Collection
  • RESCH-GE 2148: Fldwrk: Data Analysis
  • RESCH-GE 3040: The Listening Guide Method of Psychological Inquiry
  • RESCH-GE 3045: Advanced Seminar on the Listening Guide
• Non-SOED Specialized Courses (12 credits)
• Dissertation Proposal Seminar (3 credits) Total Credits: 48

65-Credit Program

Students who matriculate with a BA only, or an unrelated graduate degree, must follow the course list above, as well as take an additional 17 credits in consultation with an academic adviser.

Additional Program Requirements

Comprehensive Examination

After completing most of their coursework, and generally by the fall of their third year for full-time students, students take an oral comprehensive examination. The oral examination focuses on two areas: a list of core books and articles that our program considers to be foundational to the field of Sociology of Education and a list of readings in the area of the student's specialization as they begin to work towards their dissertation project.

Dissertation Proposal

Once a student has passed the comprehensive exam, they advance to candidacy. At this point, they focus on preparing a dissertation proposal, which is approved by the student's dissertation committee and then by two outside readers during an oral dissertation proposal defense. Generally, the proposal is written and approved by the end of the third year of full-time doctoral study.

Dissertation and Final Oral Examination

During this stage the candidate will collect and analyze the data required for the dissertation, complete the writing of the dissertation, and pass a final oral examination. This stage typically takes one to two years when attendance is full-time.

Sample Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid 1st Semester/Term:

• ASH-GE 3011: Department Seminar I (3 credits)
• SOED-GE 2002: Sociology of Education (3 credits)
• SOED-GE 2325: Social and Cultural Studies in Education (3 credits)
• Research Methods Course (3 credits) Total Credits: 12

2nd Semester/Term:

• SOED-GE 2372: Critical Social Theory and Education (3 credits)
• Sociology of Education Elective (3 credits)
• Research Methods Course (3 credits)
• Non-SOED Specialized Courses (3 credits) Total Credits: 12

3rd Semester/Term:

• Research Methods Course (6 credits)
• Sociology of Education Elective (6 credits) Total Credits: 12

4th Semester/Term:

• Research Methods Course (3 credits)
• Sociology of Education Elective (6 credits)
• Non-SOED Specialization Courses (3 credits) Total Credits: 12

5th Semester/Term:

• Research Methods Course (3 credits)
• Non-SOED Specialization Courses (6 credits)
• Dissertation Proposal Seminar (3 credits) Total Credits: 12

6th Semester/Term:

• Research Methods or Sociology of Education Electives (5 credits) Total Credits: 5 Total Credits: 65

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Display an expertise in an area of specialization in the sociology of education through the production of a high-quality MA thesis.
2. Think critically, undertake systematic investigations and research, and communicate effectively orally and in writing to academic and non-academic audiences.
3. Ask research questions and formulate problems using a broad range of theoretical and methodological tools.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the larger social and cultural contexts that shape educational institutions and human learning.

Policies

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

Steinhardt Academic Policies

Additional academic policies can be found the Steinhardt academic policies page.