PhD in Sociology
The Sociology PhD program trains students for academic and non-academic research careers. Through rigorous coursework and close collaboration with research faculty, students gain expertise in wide range of research methods, both quantitative and qualitative, to answer research questions across varied substantive areas within the discipline of sociology.
Why Choose UB Sociology?
In the UB Department of Sociology and Criminology PhD program, students:
- Collaborate and have mentorships with award-winning and internationally-recognized faculty in research and teaching from day one.
- Gain real-world skills from community partners in research specializations that prepare you for successful and impactful careers after graduation.
- Receive full funding for five years and a fellowship to focus on dissertation research.
- Thrive in either academic or nonacademic careers. Nearly half of our graduates become tenure-track faculty. Others enjoy research careers in nonprofits, government or research centers.
Degree Requirements
Coursework
PhD students must earn 72 credit hours (including up to 12 hours of thesis guidance).
Unless taken during the master’s program in the Department of Sociology at UB, PhD coursework must include the required core courses in sociology:
- Two courses in statistics (SOC 504 and SOC 607)
- Two courses in methods (SOC 606 and one advanced methods course of your choosing)
- Two courses in theory (SOC 567 and 568)
Qualifying Exams and Dissertation
For completion of the PhD degree, students must pass two qualifying exams in departmental areas of specialization. They must also research, write and successfully defend a dissertation that demonstrates independent scholarship and makes a contribution to the discipline. PhD students are expected to defend a dissertation prospectus that outlines their planned research and to initiate work on a dissertation topic under the guidance of their dissertation director and committee, usually during the third or fourth year in the program.
Graduate Handbook
Further information about the PhD degree, including policies, requirements, qualifying exams, the dissertation and coursework, can be found in the Graduate Handbook.
Specializations:
- Crime, Law, and Social Policy
- Family and Life Course
- Health and Illness
- Urban, Community, and the Environment
- Work, Labor, and Political Economy
PhD Program Metrics
PhD Program Learning Outcomes
1. Understand and Apply Sociological Theory. Students will critically engage with classical and contemporary sociological theory to analyze social phenomena. They will integrate theoretical perspectives with empirical research to develop nuanced understandings of social processes and issues.
2. Develop Expertise in Data Analysis. Students will exhibit proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data analysis to interpret and draw meaningful conclusions from complex datasets. They will demonstrate an ability to implement a range of methods— e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups, fieldwork, experiments, quasi-experiments, secondary data analysis, historical approaches, and content analysis—and utilize relevant statistical software, programming languages, and qualitative coding tools to produce robust empirical findings.
3. Critically Evaluate Existing Research. Students will leverage their expertise in both theory and data analysis to critically evaluate research to identify strengths and weaknesses in assumptions, methodology, analyses, and conclusions drawn.
4. Design and Implement Original Research. Students will demonstrate the ability to design and implement independent, ethically grounded empirical studies that effectively address sociological questions and engage with sociological theories in their respective area of expertise.
5. Effectively Communicate Research Findings. Students will exhibit proficiency in communicating their own and others’ research findings and implications to varied audiences, both academic and non-academic.
Contact Us
We encourage prospective students to complete an information request form to learn more about pursuing graduate work in the Department of Sociology and Criminology. Current students may contact their faculty advisor or the Director of Graduate Studies with questions.