UMass Boston

Sociology PhD

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Embark on a journey of critical inquiry, rigorous research, and social transformation.

The Doctoral Program is an innovative approach to sociology and its application to resolving national and international issues. Taught by faculty actively engaged in research and advocacy, students will be prepared for academic careers as well as for leadership roles as applied sociologists in public / private agencies and research organizations.

The program is heavily grounded in research methodology and students engage in detailed study of theory, methodology and statistics as well as their own individual areas of focus. Doctoral students will find a community of scholars and numerous opportunities to work collaboratively with each other and with faculty through conference presentations, journal articles and fieldwork.

In this program, you will:

  • Apply theoretical concepts to empirical issues
  • Analyze data to address a research question
  • Demonstrate scholarly expertise in a substantive area(s)
  • Design and execute a research project of their own
  • Demonstrate scholarly independence.

Career Possibilities

Teach sociology courses and conduct research in academic institutions as a professor. Work as a policy analyst and analyze social issues to provide evidence-based recommendations. Or,  engage in activism and advocacy work, promoting social justice, equity, and the rights of marginalized communities. These are just a few of the possibilities. 

Become a(n):

  • Professor/ Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Nonprofit Manager
  • Diversity and Inclusion Consultant

Plan Your Education

How to Apply

Please visit Graduate Admissions to apply.  

  • Applications must be complete and submitted by January 31
  • Doctoral students are only admitted for September matriculation.
  • Only complete applications are forwarded to the Graduate Program Director for faculty review. 

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: January 31 for fall

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Program Cost Information: Bursar's website

Curriculum

Course Requirements

Required Courses (12 Credits)

Electives (18 Credits)

Complete 18 credits of additional graduate SOCIOL courses.

With approval of the graduate program director, up to six credits from another graduate program may be applied toward this requirement.

Dissertation (6 Credits)

Complete a minimum of six credits from the course below.

Graduation Criteria

Program Requirements

Complete a minimum of 36 credits from ten or more courses including six required courses, 18 credits of electives, and at least six dissertation credits.

Students admitted without an MA in sociology must also complete the requirements for the Applied Sociology (MA) program.

Dissertation: Compose and defend a dissertation based on original research.
Doctoral candidacy: Passage of two comprehensive examinations taken in two parts; theory/methods and substantive area concentration.

Statute of limitations: Ten years.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Apply theoretical concepts to empirical issues;
  2. Analyze data to address a research question;
  3. Demonstrate scholarly expertise in a substantive area(s);
  4. Design and execute a research project of their own;
  5. Demonstrate scholarly independence. 

Contact

sociology.gradprog@umb.edu
Graduate Program Director:  
Cinzia Solari