Degree Programs
For students who wish to become critical analysts of social problems, NC State's graduate program in sociology offers training that provides preparation for academic, research, and applied careers. The doctoral program is characterized by an intellectually stimulating and academically rigorous, yet supportive, environment.
With a low graduate student-faculty ratio, the department offers students the opportunity to work closely with a dynamic, high-quality, research-oriented faculty that has a wide range of interests. Many times, students are invited to collaborate with faculty members on theoretical and empirical research. Students and faculty often work with community groups and government agencies to promote progressive social change.
- a teacher training program
- opportunities to teach a variety of undergraduate courses
- funding for travel to professional meetings
- close interaction with faculty in colloquia and seminars.
The Master of Science in Sociology (M.S.) requires 30 semester credit hours of course work and a research thesis. Students entering without a master's degree in sociology and planning to continue in our doctoral program typically earn the M.S. degree en route to the Ph.D. We do not admit students who plan to end their graduate studies at the M.S.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program builds on core courses in theory and research methods. Students select two areas of departmental specialization in which to concentrate their studies. These are described below. The PhD normally requires a master's degree, at least 14 courses (some of which may have been included in the master's program), written and oral preliminary examinations, a dissertation, and a final oral defense.
Students take core courses in theory, research methods, and applied statistics, plus a first year proseminar. Completing the master's program takes five semesters. Doctoral students can expect a 5-6 year program. Students who bring a master's degree in sociology to our doctoral program may be able to finish in a shorter time. Those who earned their master's degree in our department should be able to finish the doctorate in 3-4 years.
Core Areas
Core areas of the curriculum are theory and methods/analysis. Offerings are:
Theory
- SOC 701 Classical Theory
- SOC 702 Contemporary Theory
- SOC 703 Theory Construction
- SOC 704 Feminist Thought
- ANT 511 Anthropological Theory
- SOC 508 Social Organization
Methods/Analysis
- SOC 713 Introductory Quantitative Analysis
- SOC 707 Quantitative Sociological Analysis
- SOC 708 Advanced Quantitative Analysis
- SOC 711 Research Methods
- ANT 516 Qualitative Analysis
- SOC 715 Qualitative Analysis
- SOC 712 Advanced Survey Methods
Master's students must take and pass SOC 701, SOC 713, and SOC 711. Doctoral students must earn a grade of "B" or higher in SOC 701, SOC 713, SOC 707, and SOC 711. Doctoral students must complete the core curriculum with a grade of "B" or higher in two theory electives and two methods/analysis electives.
Areas of Specialization
Doctoral students select two areas of specialization. They must pass three (or four, depending upon the area selected) courses and a preliminary examination in each. Our designated areas of specialization are listed below. The links provide much more information about the area and its faculty.
Designated Areas
Course Offerings
Graduate courses are offered on various rotations, more often for required courses in the core areas of theory and methods/analysis, less often for courses in the areas of specialization and elective courses in the core areas. The intended rotation of graduate courses is revised and extended each year in order to allow students to plan their course selections a full three years in advance. We are usually able to offer the courses on the schedule given in this published rotation.
Graduate Manual
The most complete presentation of the rules and procedures under which the graduate program operates is given in the Graduate Manual.
