How to Get a Ph.D. in Sociology

By eHow Education Editor

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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

Difficulty: Challenging

Preparing for a Sociology Graduate Program

Step1

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.

Step2

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.

Step3

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

Step1

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.

Step2

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.

Step3

Pass an area examination which tests your knowledge in your specialization. Defend your dissertation proposal in front of your dissertation committee.

Step4

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.

Step5

Present your dissertation orally to your committee and other faculty members in the department. Defend it during a question and answer session.