Suggested PhD Timeline

Our goal is for PhD students to graduate within 5 years with publications and research experience needed to succeed on either the academic or applied job market. 

First Year (18 credits)

Fall Semester

SOC 504: Introductory Statistics for Social Sciences (required)

SOC 567: Classical Sociological Theory (required)

SOC 606: Social Research Methods (required)

TA responsibilities

Weekly Sociology proseminars

Spring Semester

SOC 568: Contemporary Sociological Theory (required)

SOC 607: Multiple Linear Regression (required)

Advanced methods course or elective

Select Faculty Advisor (dept form required)

Select MA project topic and begin MA research (in coordination with Faculty Advisor)

TA responsibilities

Weekly Sociology proseminars

Research hours (in collaboration with faculty)

Second Year (18 credits, total of 36 by year’s end)

Fall Semester

  • 3 electives
  • MA research and writing
  • TA responsibilities
  • Weekly Sociology proseminars
  • Research hours (in collaboration with faculty)

Spring Semester

  • 3 electives
  • Complete MA project
  • Present MA project to department
  • Submit an abstract or manuscript for conference presentation
  • TA responsibilities
  • Weekly Sociology proseminars
  • Research hours (in collaboration with faculty)

Third Year (18 credits, total of 54 by year’s end)

Fall Semester

  • 3 electives
  • Submit MA paper for publication
  • TA responsibilities
  • Weekly Sociology proseminars
  • Research hours (in collaboration with faculty)

Spring Semester

  • 3 electives
  • First qualifying exam
  • Submit an abstract or manuscript for conference presentation
  • TA responsibilities
  • Weekly Sociology proseminars
  • Research hours (in collaboration with faculty)

Fourth Year (12 credits, total of 66 by year’s end)

Fall Semester

  • 2 electives
  • SOC 700: Thesis Guidance (3 credits)
  • Second qualifying exam
  • Dissertation proposal defense
  • Work on independent research paper to submit for publication by year’s end
  • TA responsibilities
  • Weekly Sociology proseminars
  • Research hours (in collaboration with faculty)

Spring Semester

  • SOC 700: Thesis Guidance (3 credits)
  • Dissertation research
  • Submit an abstract or manuscript for conference presentation
  • Work on independent research paper to submit for publication by year’s end
  • TA responsibilities
  • Weekly Sociology proseminars
  • Research hours (in collaboration with faculty)

Fifth Year (6 credits, 72 by year’s end)

Fall Semester

  • SOC 700: Thesis Guidance (3 credits)
  • Dissertation research and writing
  • Academic or applied job market
  • TA responsibilities
  • Weekly Sociology proseminars

Spring Semester

  • SOC 700: Thesis Guidance (3 credits)
  • Dissertation writing
  • Dissertation defense
  • TA responsibilities
  • Weekly Sociology proseminars