Sociology PhD

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The Department of Sociology conducts innovative research, while also remaining committed to teaching and mentoring students. Students in the graduate program gain an in-depth understanding in the department’s areas of expertise (family and the life course; law and social policy; social inequalities; urban and community; work, occupations and institutions) while also benefiting from close, collaborative relationships with faculty. This unique combination of academic rigor and faculty mentoring prepares students to be first-rate researchers.

Degree Requirements

The requirements for the PhD degree include 72 credit hours of graduate study, composed of 36 credits of graded coursework and 36 credits of professionalization, research, or dissertation supervision credits. A grade of B or higher is needed for all required coursework. Written approval must be obtained before taking courses outside the Department that will count towards meeting the credit hour requirements for Sociology graduate degrees. No more than six credit hours from courses taken outside the Department are counted towards meeting the PhD credit hour minimum requirements, and these external courses will replace internal professionalization/research credits rather than elective credits except under extraordinary circumstances.

Students entering directly from their undergraduate program earn their MA en route to their PhD. Students with an MA degree in Sociology applying from another program may be able to transfer up to six course credits (if taken within the last five years) at the discretion of the Graduate Committee, but they cannot waive or transfer credits for required courses. The Graduate Committee will also review that student’s MA thesis and determine whether an additional MA will be required or not. For students with an MA degree not in Sociology, we generally do not transfer in credits, so those students will complete an MA degree en route to the PhD. The Department’s graded course work requirement and course transfer policy are more stringent than the Graduate School’s.

The Doctoral degree is completed by:

Required Courses

Completing all required coursework. Required courses include the Sociological Theory core courses, Research Methods and Statistics core courses, at least one advanced methods elective, and at least 6 additional elective courses, which can include additional methods.

Sociological Theory Core Courses

SOC 567SEM - Classical Sociological Theory Credits: 3
SOC 568SEM - Contemporary Sociological Theory Credits: 3

Research Methods and Statistics Core Courses

SOC 504SEM - Introductory Statistics for the Social Sciences Credits: 3
SOC 606SEM - Social Research Methods Credits: 3
SOC 607SEM - Multiple Linear Regression Credits: 3

At Least One Advanced Methods Elective

At Least 6 Additional Elective Courses

can include additional methods

Research-related and Professionalism Courses

Completing up to 36 credits of professionalization and research-related courses.

SOC 701TUT - Graduate Research Credits: 1 - 6 up to 12 credits
SOC 702TUT - Qualifying Exam Readings Credits: 1 - 6 up to 6 credits
SOC 700TUT - Thesis Guidance Credits: 1 - 12 up to 12 credits
SOC 600TUT - Project Guidance Credits: 1 - 6
SOC 500SEM - Supervised Teaching Credits: 1
SOC 545SEM - Writing for Publication Credits: 3
LAI 699LEC - Seminar in College Teaching Credits: 3

Total Credit Hours: 72

Instruction Method

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time

Credits Required

72 Hours

Time-To-Degree

5 Years

Application Fee

$75

Program Contact

Maggie Balles
405 Park Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260
Email: mlballes@buffalo.edu
Phone: 716-645-2586
Fax: 716-645-2166

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.