Students on the doctoral track in Sociology complete a master's degree in the first two years, and then are reviewed for entry into the Ph.D. program. All students in the program receive strong basic training in research methods, theory, and analytic techniques, as well as instruction in several major substantive areas. Work toward the Ph.D. involves coursework and intensive study in one of the department’s five areas of concentration, completion of written and oral comprehensive exams, and completion of a dissertation.

All students receive preparation in sociological theory, research methods, statistics, and teaching sociology that will ready them for careers in teaching and research. In addition, faculty provide instruction and individualized training in a variety of fields of sociology.

The department features nationally prominent faculty whose research is routinely published in the top journals in sociology. As a result of our strong research record, and a favorable faculty-to-student ratio, we have a history of successful student-faculty research collaboration. Because our objective is to train students for jobs in academic and/or research settings, we also offer numerous opportunities for professional socialization. The first year in the program, students attend a weekly pro-seminar that introduces them to the world of academic sociology, covering topics from troubleshooting in the classroom to how to write articles for publication. In the final two years of the program, students attend an job market seminar in which they develop the materials and hone skills necessary to compete in the academic job market.

Director of Graduate Studies Leslie Simons, Professor lgsimons@uga.edu Graduate Program Advisor Melissa Leizear mleizear@uga.edu