Doctor of Philosophy

Sociology

Apply Research Methods in a Transformative Society

Engage in deep quantitative and qualitative research on the structure of human society. You will learn techniques to develop social explanations and explore theory construction. The doctoral program in sociology at the University at Albany prepares you for a professional career in areas including academics, research, government and industry.

Program of Study
Applied Learning
CGS Demography
Career Outcomes
Admissions Requirements
Sociology Home

Program of Study

programofstudy

The PhD in Sociology program emphasizes sociological theory, research methodology, and the application of sociological knowledge in the identification and analysis of social problems. With active faculty mentors you will experience exceptional training in historical-comparative methods throughout the program.

First Year Common Sequence

Research Methods
Sociological Theories I and II
Intermediate Statistics for Sociologists
Orientation to Sociology
Multivariate Analysis

Additional courses are planned in consultation with your advisory committee. Your program will center around a specialization which may be individually arranged to meet your needs and objectives.

Departmental Examinations

Comprehensive examination in methods
Two specialty examinations

Teaching Tool Requirement

Complete the Co-teaching Internship (Soc 606) or substitute teaching experience approved by the department's graduate committee.

Research Tool Requirements

A reading knowledge in one appropriate foreign language or competence in one special methodological area.

Full Time Study in Residence

Dissertation

Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

Graduate Student Handbook

For more information, contact Tse-Chuan Yang at [email protected].

Certificate of Graduate Study in Demography

Equip yourself with the requisite abilities to pursue advanced studies that require expertise in demography, including social work, criminal justice, public administration and sociology, at the graduate or doctorate level. Attaining your CGS in demography also positions you to seek out advanced careers in your current organization or new roles, such as: Urban or Regional Planner, Healthcare Administrator (public or private sector), Policy Analyst, Community Organizer, Demographic Statistical Analyst or Economist

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

Core Courses

Introduction to Demography
Demographic Techniques

Topics Courses

Two courses (topics) from Soc 665 Special Topics in Demography or
One from Soc 665 plus Soc 607 Demography Internships

Demography Courses

Two additional courses from either Soc 665 or other demography related courses.

Statistics

One graduate-level statistics course in a related field.

International Students

The CGS in Demography degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

Applied learning

Collaborate with faculty and other students by becoming a member of the Students of Sociology. Our graduate student organization helps organize panels, workshops and other social events.

Take advantage of the opportunity to work with a faculty mentor to conduct research and co-teach a course. Present your research at regional, national and international professional organizations at any given time during the program.

Group of young professionals having a discussion

appliedlearning

Diverse group of professionals in a meeting

Career Outcomes

A PhD in Sociology prepares you to obtain tenure-track jobs at research universities and liberal arts colleges, postdoctoral fellowships at prestigious academic centers or jobs in state and federal research offices.

Other potential job titles include:

Sociologist
Market research analyst
Postsecondary teacher
Professor
Social worker

career

"One of the best experiences that I have had in the Sociology Department has been that I have enjoyed the feeling of being surrounded by people who cared for my academic development and smooth acclimation to the community. Additionally, I appreciate the vibrant interactions with people both inside and outside of the classroom, which has helped deepen my theoretical interests and broaden my methodological outlook. If you agree that the quality of your community matters for graduate student development, I recommend UAlbany based on my positive personal experiences."

- Ji-won, current PhD student

Admissions Requirements

admissions

PhD Sociology Deadlines

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: January 15
Spring: Not Available
Summer: Not Available

No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: May 15
Spring: Not Available
Summer: Not Available

PhD Sociology Required Application Materials

Transcripts from all schools attended
Three Letters of Recommendation
Official GRE scores (GRE scores greater than 5 years old will not be accepted.)*

To request a GRE waiver, please email [email protected].

Supplemental Documents

Statement of Goals
The statement is generally one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program. It should include a brief description of the applicant's field of interest, related background, desired area of study and research emphasis or career goals.

Writing Sample

Available information for International Applicants.

PhD Sociology Special Notes

This program offers an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience in the course listing as an option to fulfill course requirements. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

CGS Demography Deadlines

Fall: August 1
Spring: December 1
Summer: Not Available

There is no departmental assistantship consideration for this program.

CGS Demography Required Application Materials

Transcripts from all schools attended
Statement of Goals

CGS Demography Special Notes

Please note: This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

Student Learning Objectives

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

PhD

Mastery of multivariate statistical research methods
Mastery of advanced research methods (either qualitative or quantitative)
Expertise in two ASA-recognized subfields of sociology, including an understanding of the development of the subfield and its research agenda in historical perspective; the status of open research questions; and current theoretical and methodological debates
Ability to develop an original, substantial research project based in primary data analysis
Ability to execute an original, substantial research project based on primary data
Develop a pedagogical philosophy and design a course syllabus built around that philosophy
Ability to lead their own undergraduate sociology course

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