Program Overview
Introduction to the Rice Sociology Program
The Rice Sociology program is designed to help students develop expertise through excellence in teaching and involving students in research. Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies and how people interact within these contexts.
The Rice Sociology BA
The undergraduate program in Sociology at Rice University allows considerable latitude in pursuing personal interests while ensuring familiarity with core sociological theories and research methods. Students work closely with faculty to study some of the most pressing social issues of our day, including:
- Inequality
- Education
- The environment
- Immigration
- Race and ethnic relations
- Gender
- Social movements
- Health and well-being
- Religion in public life
Degree Requirements
The program requires students to complete a series of courses, including:
- Core sociological theories
- Research methods
- Electives in areas of interest
Research Opportunities
Students have many opportunities to develop their skills in research, including:
- Working on research papers in upper-level courses
- Getting involved in collaborative research projects with faculty
- Conducting independent research through the senior honors thesis program
Honors and Awards
Rice Sociology students have received a variety of honors, such as:
- Fulbright Scholarships
- Watson Fellowships Majors also go on to prestigious schools of law, medicine, public health, public policy, as well as top sociology Ph.D. programs.
Career Paths
Recent graduates have gone on to work in:
- Consulting
- The tech industry
- Public health
- The non-profit sector
- Education
- Community organizing
- Research in a variety of different governmental and non-governmental offices
The Rice Sociology PhD
The graduate program in Sociology at Rice University is designed to provide students with advanced training in sociological theories, research methods, and substantive areas of interest.
Course of Study
The program requires students to complete a series of courses, including:
- Core sociological theories
- Research methods
- Electives in areas of interest
Research Areas
Faculty research areas include:
- Building Research on Inequality and Diversity to Grow Equity
- Houston Education Research Consortium
- The Kinder Institute for Urban Research
- Racism and Racial Experiences Workgroup
- The Religion and Public Life Program
- Sociologists Talking About Population Health
Financial Assistance
The program offers financial assistance to qualified students, including:
- Teaching assistantships
- Research assistantships
- Fellowships
Graduate Student Resources
The program provides a range of resources to support graduate students, including:
- Academic advising
- Research support
- Professional development opportunities
Placements
Recent graduates have gone on to secure tenure-track positions at top universities, as well as research positions in government and non-profit organizations.