Sociology programs are designed to help students learn about individuals and societies and how they work and interact. These programs also allow students to get to know about group processes, societal change, and social factors that affect individuals. Several degree programs are offered in this area of study that have been designed to prepare students for a number of related careers. Graduates may become postsecondary teachers, high school teachers or sociologists. According to the information provided with by the bureau of labor statistics, Employment of sociologists is projected to grow 15 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations.
Sociology PhD Programs
The PhD program in sociology is an advanced degree that is suitable for the ones who want to become sociologists or postsecondary teachers. Students in these programs are instructed in a number of topics such as crime and corrections, economic development as well as ethnicity and race.
PhD sociology programs involves conducting original research. The curriculum may include topics such as demography, psychology, social work, and family relationships. Students can also take classes in Social Inequality and Urban Sociology.
Students can complete this advanced program in 6 to 8 years. The program duration may vary by the enrollment status of the students. A doctoral dissertation is required to complete the PhD degree.
In addition to formal course work, PhD program in sociology also gives students a chance to participate in collaborative research projects through its organized research workshops and apprenticeship program.
PhD in sociology online
Some online schools also offer PhD programs in sociology. These programs mays require candidates to participate in discussions, receive assignments, and submit their coursework entirely via the Web. Some programs may also include hybrid format, allowing students to take some classes on the web while others are conducted online. To participate in the online sociology PhD programs, students need to have a computer and a high-speed internet connection.
Admissions requirements
To enroll in the PhD program in sociology, students would need to have at least a bachelor’s degree or preferably a master’s one. Besides, they are also required to submit a statement of purpose, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended as well as results from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). They may also have to provide letters of recommendations. Other requirements for admissions may vary by school.
Job prospects
Employment of postsecondary teachers as well as sociologists is expected to increase faster than the average of all occupations between 2012 and 2022.
According to the BLS figures, the median annual wage for sociologists was $74,960 in 2012 and that of the post secondary teachers was $68,970. Income may vary by type of job, location and experience.
Graduates of a PhD in sociology can improve their prospects of finding a number of senior-level positions in academia, private corporations and government agencies.
Graduates with advanced degrees such as PhD, strong research and statistical skills, and a background in applied sociology will have the better career opportunities, the BLS reported.