Sociology (Ph.D.)

Program Coordinator/Contact

Mary Emery, Department Head
Meredith Redlin, Professor/Graduate Coordinator
Department of Sociology and Rural Studies
Hansen Hall 004
605-688-4132

Program Information

The Ph.D. program in Sociology is designed to prepare students for professional careers in teaching, research and creative activity, and applied or practice-related sociology in academic, government and industry setting areas. Students are encouraged to identify areas of interest that connect with faculty areas of expertise and interest. Students seeking admission must have an approved Master’s degree (thesis option), not necessarily in Sociology. If a thesis in a closely related field is not in evidence, Ph.D. students will be required to complete SOC 501 and SOC 504 in their first year of coursework. A student guide to the program is located on the department website.

Course Delivery Format

Courses are generally delivered face-to-face in small seminar settings. A limited number of courses may be offered via DDN or on-line.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy

60 Credit Plan

Core Requirements

SOC 707 - Sociological Practice and Public Policy Credits: 3
SOC 710 - Research Methods Credits: 3
SOC 711 - Qualitative Research Methods Credits: 3
SOC 712 - Sociological Theory I Credits: 3
SOC 713 - Sociological Theory II Credits: 3
SOC 790 - Seminar Credits: 1-4 Orientation to Graduate Study (1 credit required)
SOC 794 - Internship Credits: 1-6 (6-12 credits required)
or SOC 726 - Teaching Sociology Credits: 2
and SOC 727 - Teaching Sociology Practicum Credits: 1-3
and SOC 738 - Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Credits: 2
and SOC 739 - Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Practicum Credits: 1-3
SOC 898D - Dissertation - PhD (COM) Credits: 1-12 (12 credits required)

Social Science Statistics Coursework

Select six credits from the following. Credits: 6

SOC 501 - The Research Process Credits: 3
SOC 792 - Topics (COM) Credits: 1-6 (Advanced Survey Methods, Spatial Data Analysis, Data Management) (3 credits required)
SOC 794 - Internship Credits: 1-6 (“Statistics” in title) (3 credits required)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Required
TOEFL: Required score of 575 paper-based, 90 Internet-based
IELTS: 6.5

Doctor of Philosophy students seeking entrance must have an approved Bachelor’s and Master’s degree (thesis option), not necessarily in Sociology. Each applicant should have 2 signed letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the student’s academic record.

It is required that applicants also include a writing sample and personal statement. The personal statement should identify the student’s academic goals and describe how those goals fit with the faculty expertise and interests.

General Requirements

Graduate students must consult with their advisor before registering for graduate work.

For additional information refer to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements .