Sociology (PhD)

The Sociology PhD program at UCSF offers an exceptionally deep curriculum focused on the sociology of health, illness, biomedicine, and health care systems. The program is one of the most highly ranked graduate programs in sociology nationwide: the National Research Council in 2010 ranked the UCSF program 6th-20th out of a field of 118 sociology doctoral programs.

Program Description

The program features extensive training in both general sociological theory and the sociology of health, illness, and medicine; it also provides rigorous methodological training in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including hands-on learning through the conduct of original research. Commitments to social justice and reducing health inequalities pervade the curriculum and the research of faculty and students.

Faculty

Faculty for the Sociology program include five core Sociology faculty as well as more than 35 Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) faculty members, including emerita, adjunct professors and volunteer faculty.

Specializations

• Race, class, gender and health
• Social policy and health policy
• Social determinants of health, including community and individual exposures to violence, incarceration, and work conditions Additionally, faculty have expertise in aging, science and technology studies, mental health, and health disparities. The program has commitments to social justice and reducing health inequalities that pervade the curriculum and the research of faculty and students. The theoretical bases of the program focus on classical, interactionist, and contemporary sociological perspectives, and the program has a dual orientation toward qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Admission Requirements

Post baccalaureate students with backgrounds in the social sciences, in certain humanities such as history or philosophy, and in the health professions such as public health, nursing, psychology, or social work.

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will develop a broad understanding of and capacity to apply sociological theories to empirical questions and disciplinary debates.
2. Students will develop in-depth understanding and knowledge of the sociological dimensions of health, illness, medicine, health care, and health policy.
3. Students will demonstrate understanding of and ability to use qualitative and quantitative research methods, at a basic level in either qualitative or quantitative methods and at a more advanced level in the other.
4. Students will demonstrate the capacity to conduct independent and original research, in an ethical and responsible manner.
5. Students will develop the oral and written communication skills to convey sociological arguments and the findings of research to a variety of audiences.

Degree Requirements

• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• All core courses and required activities taken and passed
• Six quarters in residence including a minimum of three registered quarters after advancement to candidacy
• Pass qualifying examinations
• Completion and submission of the dissertation

Core Courses

Coursework to be completed in first two years: | Course List Code | Title | Units | | --- | --- | --- | | Social Theory Sequence (offered in odd academic years) | | | | SOCIOLOGY 212A | Sociological Theory: Classical | 5 | | SOCIOLOGY 212B | Sociological Theory: Contemporary | 5 | | SOCIOLOGY 212C | Sociological Theory: Symbolic Interactionism | 5 | | Medical Sociology Sequence (offered in even academic years) | | | | SOCIOLOGY 207 | Sociology of Health & Medicine | 5 | | SOCIOLOGY 208 | Constructionist & Interactionist Persp. on Health & Illness | 5 | | SOCIOLOGY 260 | Policy and Politics of Health | 5 | | Quantitative Methodology Sequence (in a student’s first year) | | | | SOCIOLOGY 289A | Advanced Quantitative Research Methods I | 4 | | SOCIOLOGY 289B | Advanced Quantitative Research Methods II | 5 | | Qualitative Methodology Sequence (in a student’s first & second year) | | | | NURSING 212A | Qualitative Data Collection & Ethics (Spring of first year) | 2 | | SOCIOLOGY 285A | Qualitative Methods I (Fall of second year) | 5 | | SOCIOLOGY 285B | Qualitative Methods II (Winter of second year) | 5 | | Total Units | | 51 |

Area of Emphasis - Electives by Advisement

Course List Code	Title	Units
Professional Development Seminar (required year 1 if on offer; optional in subsequent years)
SOCIOLOGY 251	Professional Development Seminar	1
Optional but Recommended
SOCIOLOGY 237	Proposal Preparation Seminar (year 1)	1
SOCIOLOGY 215	Dissertation Proposal Seminar (year 2)	1

Non-course Core Requirements

• Pass qualifying exams
• Dissertation proposal and defense
• Dissertation and dissertation defense

The Sociology program office is located at the Mission Bay campus. The Sociology program is offered by the UCSF Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs, administered by the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) in the UCSF School of Nursing, and delivered by faculty members in the UCSF School of Nursing.

University of California San Francisco

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Overview:

University of California San Francisco (UCSF) is a renowned public research university located in San Francisco, California. It is a leading institution in the fields of health sciences, biomedical research, and patient care. UCSF is known for its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and its dedication to improving human health.

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Services Offered:

UCSF offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Calendar:

Provides information on academic schedules and important dates.

Career Center:

Assists students with career exploration, job searching, and professional development.

Financial Aid:

Offers financial assistance to eligible students through scholarships, grants, and loans.

General Catalog:

Contains detailed information about academic programs, policies, and resources.

Library:

Provides access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.

Registrar:

Handles student records, registration, and graduation.

Student Success Guide:

Offers resources and support services to help students succeed academically and personally.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-Class Faculty:

UCSF boasts a faculty of renowned researchers, clinicians, and educators who are leaders in their fields.

Cutting-Edge Research:

The university is at the forefront of biomedical research, with groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in various areas of health sciences.

Exceptional Patient Care:

UCSF is home to a world-class medical center that provides comprehensive and compassionate care to patients.

Vibrant Campus Community:

UCSF offers a diverse and supportive campus community with a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation.

Location in San Francisco:

The university's location in San Francisco provides students with access to a vibrant city with numerous cultural, entertainment, and career opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

UCSF offers a wide range of academic programs across its various schools, including:

School of Dentistry:

Offers programs in dentistry, oral health, and dental research.

School of Medicine:

Provides education and training in medicine, biomedical research, and public health.

School of Pharmacy:

Offers programs in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and drug discovery.

School of Nursing:

Provides education and training in nursing, nursing research, and healthcare leadership.

Graduate Division:

Offers graduate programs in various disciplines, including biomedical sciences, public health, and bioengineering.

Global Health Sciences:

Focuses on global health issues and provides training and research opportunities in this field.

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Other: