Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Sociology

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Sociology is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of sociology. Upon completing the PhD degree, students will be able to understand and apply the role of theory in sociology, demonstrate expertise in qualitative and quantitative sociological methods, and demonstrate expertise in at least two specialty areas within sociology.

Program Requirements

The PhD program in Sociology is a five-year degree program that requires a minimum of 90 credit hours to satisfy degree requirements. The program is sequenced, and coursework is typically completed in two and a half years. Students will normally obtain a master's degree after two years of study and research as they progress toward the PhD.

Course Requirements

The following courses are required for the PhD degree in Sociology:

• SOCI 526: Contemporary Theory (3 credit hours)
• SOCI 541: Qualitative Research Methods (3 credit hours)
• SOCI 580: Classical Theory (3 credit hours)
• SOCI 582: Quantitative Data Analysis I (3 credit hours)
• SOCI 583: Quantitative Data Analysis II (3 credit hours)
• SOCI 596: Statistical Programming (3 credit hours)
• SOCI 605: Non-Thesis Graduate Research (1-9 credit hours)
• SOCI 606: Thesis Research (3 credit hours)
• SOCI 608: Graduate Research Design (3 credit hours)
• SOCI 610: Professionalization Workshop (minimum of 4 semesters) (4 credit hours)
• SOCI 700: Dissertation Research (1-15 credit hours)
• UNIV 500: Principles of Effective College Teaching (3 credit hours) or UNIV 501: Research on Teaching and Learning (3 credit hours)

Plan of Study

The proposed plan of study for the PhD degree in Sociology is as follows:

• 1st Semester:
  • SOCI 580 or SOCI 526: Classical Theory or Contemporary Theory (3 credit hours)
  • SOCI 582: Quantitative Data Analysis I (3 credit hours)
  • SOCI 596: Statistical Programming (3 credit hours)
  • SOCI 608: Graduate Research Design (3 credit hours)
  • SOCI 610: Professionalization Workshop (1 credit hour)
• 2nd Semester:
  • SOCI 541: Qualitative Research Methods (3 credit hours)
  • SOCI 583: Quantitative Data Analysis II (3 credit hours)
  • SOCI 610: Professionalization Workshop (1 credit hour)
  • Elective course (3 credit hours)
  • Elective course (3 credit hours)
• 3rd Semester:
  • SOCI 526 or SOCI 580: Contemporary Theory or Classical Theory (3 credit hours)
  • SOCI 610: Professionalization Workshop (1 credit hour)
  • Elective course (3 credit hours)
  • Elective course (3 credit hours)
  • Elective course (3 credit hours)
• 4th Semester:
  • SOCI 606: Thesis Research (3 credit hours)
  • SOCI 610: Professionalization Workshop (1 credit hour)
  • UNIV 501: Research on Teaching and Learning (3 credit hours)
  • Elective course (3 credit hours)

Admission Criteria

Admission to the PhD program in Sociology is competitive. Applicants must have a Baccalaureate degree (BA or BS) or equivalent, a minimum 3.00 (B) GPA in undergraduate work, and the intent to complete a PhD in sociology. The admission decision is based on GRE scores (optional), undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, writing samples, a personal essay, and professional experience.

Transfer Credit

Rice University's policy regarding transfer credit applies to the PhD program in Sociology. Requests for transfer credit must be approved for Rice equivalency by the appropriate academic department offering the Rice equivalent course and by the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Opportunities

The PhD program in Sociology provides students with opportunities to engage in advanced research and professional development. Students are encouraged to participate in professionalization workshops, conferences, and other academic events to enhance their knowledge and skills in the field of sociology.