Social Science (Ph.D.)

Two students having a conversation.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Paul Markel, Director and Acting Graduate Coordinator
School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies
Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies 107, Box 2120
605-688-4322

Program Information

The Ph.D. program in Social Science is designed to prepare students for professional careers in teaching, research and creative activity, as well as applied or practice-oriented roles in academic, government, and industry settings. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary studies focused on rural life, and students are encouraged to identify areas of interest that align with faculty expertise.

Course Delivery Format

Courses are generally delivered face-to-face in small seminar settings.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy	60 Credit Plan
	90 Credit Plan

Core Requirements

60 Credit Plan

SOC 712 - Sociological Theory I Credits: 3
SOC 713 - Sociological Theory II Credits: 3
SOC 726 - Teaching Sociology Credits: 2
SOC 727 - Teaching Sociology Practicum Credits: 1-3 (1 credit required)
SOC 738 - Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Credits: 2
SOC 739 - Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Practicum Credits: 1-3 (1 credit required)
SOC 792 - Topics (COM) Credits: 1-6 (3 credits required)
SOC 794 - Internship (COM) Credits: 1-6 (6 credits required)
SOC 898D - Dissertation (COM) Credits: 1-12 (18 credits required)
Electives Credits: 21

90 Credit Plan

CD 604 - Community Analysis Credits: 3
SOC 501 - The Research Process Credits: 3
SOC 504 - Sociological Inquiry Credits: 3
SOC 590 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1-3 (1 credit required)
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 726 - Teaching Sociology Credits: 2
SOC 727 - Teaching Sociology Practicum Credits: 1-3 (1 credit required)
SOC 738 - Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Credits: 2
SOC 739 - Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Practicum Credits: 1-3 (1 credit required)
SOC 792 - Topics (COM) Credits: 1-6 (3 credits required)
SOC 794 - Internship (COM) Credits: 1-6 (6 credits required)
SOC 898D - Dissertation (COM) Credits: 1-12 (18 credits required)
Electives Credits: 32

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not Required
TOEFL: 90 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 9.5
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo: 115

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’s expertise and interests.

General Requirements

Graduate students must consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements .