The
sociology department’s graduate program is built around issues related to
inequality in health and social policy. Students receive training in the basics
of the discipline, including quantitative methods and theory, and then advanced
training in (1) qualitative and feminist methods; (2) inequality studies; and
(3) aging and the life course. Students are mentored carefully and provided with
many opportunities to teach, conduct research, present papers, and pursue
fellowships and grants.
The
department’s strength lies in its teaching and use of qualitative
methodologies such as ethnography, narratives, conversational analysis, life
history, and in-depth interviews. Quantitative design and analysis of
large-scale data sets are also well-mentored and integral to basic coursework.
Theory courses incorporate classical foundations of sociology, as well as more
contemporary theory, including feminist and post-modernist voices.
After
doctoral students complete core courses, they pursue advanced study in theory
and method, developing substantive areas of specialization. This portion of the
program is highly individualized and includes some combination of advanced
seminars, directed studies or apprenticeships, and participation in Maxwell
School programs and research centers.
Although
sociology offers M.A. and Ph.D. degrees, the program is structured primarily
toward students who are pursuing doctoral degrees. The M.A. requires 30 credits,
including theory, methods, and statistics; two advanced seminars; and four
graduate courses selected by the student. A master’s thesis option may be
substituted for six graduate credits.
The
Ph.D. requires 72 credits, including master’s degree work. Students may
petition to transfer a maximum of 30 credits from other institutions. In
addition, the student must pass a comprehensive examination and complete
research tool requirements. The doctoral qualifying examination is usually taken
during the third year of study. Students choose an exam committee, and the exam
covers theory, methods, and a substantive area. The final stage of the Ph.D. is
the successful development, execution, and defense of a dissertation.
The
sociology department typically admits six to eight new graduate students each
year. This small class size allows students to develop a close relationship with
faculty members and extensive involvement in department activities. Graduate
students serve on departmental committees. All graduate students are encouraged
to work closely with faculty advisors to develop their own courses of study by
taking advantage of other social science disciplines and centers within the
Maxwell School.
Students
are encouraged to develop and present their research at professional meetings
and to publish in journals of the discipline. Joint publication with faculty
members is also encouraged, as is participation at the Maxwell School’s
multidisciplinary research centers.
In
addition to scholarly and research activity, the sociology department stresses
teacher training. It is an active participant in the University’s Future
Professoriate Project, which helps students develop their teaching skills in a
heavily mentored and supportive environment. Most graduates obtain academic
positions in teaching colleges and universities.
The
department is located in Maxwell Hall at
The graduate admissions committee consists of departmental faculty members and graduate students. Financial assistance includes teaching assistantships and a small number of highly competitive University Fellowships. Some research and program assistantships are available in the department or through Maxwell research centers.
Selected student research topics include:
Sociology
contact:
Andrew London, Graduate Director
Department of Sociology
302 Maxwell Hall
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY 13244-1090 USA
Telephone: 315-443-2346
Fax: 315-443-4597
Main departmental website with graphics
www.maxwell.syr.edu/soc
A graphic version of this site is also available.