Apr 20, 2024  
2021-2022 Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Sociology, Ph.D.


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          sociology.ucmerced.edu
          Contact: Mitch Ylarregui, Graduate Program Coordinator, mylarregui@ucmerced.edu

The graduate degree in Sociology offers individualized, research-based, substantive training in social inequality (race/ethnicity, social class, gender and sexuality), political sociology and social movements; education; health; and immigration. Students gain expertise in sociological theory and both quantitative and qualitative research methods.

The deadline for applications is January 15th. Applications are accepted to begin studies during the Fall semester only. Applicants are encouraged to examine faculty research expertise though our web sites and publications as fit with existing research programs is integral for admission. Applicants must provide evidence of an undergraduate grade point average no lower than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Additionally, letters of recommendation, an academic writing sample, and statements of purpose and personal history will be evaluated by the admissions committee as determinants of an applicant’s potential for success in graduate education. Foreign students from non-English speaking counties must also take the TOEFL and TSE exams.

Ph.D. Program Learning Outcomes


  1. Synthesize, critique, apply, and extend major sociological theories.
  2. Critique and evaluate qualitative and quantitative sociological research methods.
  3. Design and conduct independent research that makes an original contribution to sociological knowledge.
  4. Synthesize, critique, and identify extensions to previous empirical and theoretical work in at least two substantive areas of the discipline.
  5. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, about sociological theories, arguments, methods, and concepts.
  6. Be socialized into the profession. This can include attending a conference, organizing a session, presenting research, reviewing a journal article, peer mentoring, and otherwise participating in the organizational life of the program.

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