A doctorate in xociology can open the door to the fascinating world of research. Sociologists study trends in human behavior, interpersonal interactions and the impact institutional issues such as race and gender have on people's opportunities. For students with a knack for understanding how people behave in groups, getting a Ph.D. in Sociology can lead to a stable and rewarding career.
Instructions
Preparing for a Sociology Graduate Program
1. Work hard as an undergraduate. Major in sociology or a closely-related discipline such as Anthropology. Take undergraduate courses that require you to conduct ethnographic fieldwork. Study and master statistical analysis. Take a variety of high-level sociology courses to develop specific interests.
2. Investigate graduate programs. Apply to programs that have faculty specializing in your interest. For example, if you wish to conduct research on gender, it is advisable to pursue study in a sociology department that has a concentration of faculty doing research in the same area so you can learn from their expertise.
3. Take the Graduate Records Examination and obtain letters of recommendation from current professors. If returning to school after an absence, ask employers to write letters of recommendation.
Pursuing a Ph.D. in Sociology
4. Choose an advisor that shares your research interests and with whom you have a good rapport. Pick a faculty member that you can envision working closely with for the next several years.
5. Complete coursework. The majority of your time in gradate school is spent conducting your own research for your dissertation and taking requires courses. The number of classes required varies depending on the school. Consult the Graduate Advisor in your department when you begin.
6. Pass an area examination which tests your knowledge in your specialization. Defend your dissertation proposal in front of your dissertation committee.
7. Conduct in-depth ethnographic research through participant observation or obtain a data set for quantitative research. Write a literature review, methodology section and a write-up of your research findings to complete your dissertation.
8. Present your dissertation orally to your committee and other faculty members in the department. Defend it during a question and answer session.
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