While online learning is growing in popularity, not all undergraduate and graduate degree programs are available online. For instance, no college or university in the United States currently offers an online Ph.D. program in sociology. The following article provides information about universities that offer campus-based programs that lead to a Ph.D. degree in sociology.
Ph.D. in Sociology Degree Programs Overview
While an online Ph.D. in Sociology program is not yet an option, there are several large and well-known universities across the U.S. that offer relevant on-campus doctoral-degree programs. These schools have comprehensive programs that emphasize research and prepare students for a career in sociology.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutSociologyPhDPrograms">Important Facts About Sociology PhD Programs</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Online Availability </td><td> No</td></tr>
<tr><td>Prerequisites </td><td> Bachelor's degree; some schools require students to earn master's degrees as part of a Ph.D. program</td></tr>
<tr><td>Common Courses </td><td> Contemporary social theory, research design, labor movements</td></tr>
<tr><td>Possible Careers </td><td> Research analyst, professor, consultant, social services program director, sociologist</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td> $92,910*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 5% growth*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---PopularSchools">Popular Schools</h3><p>Some institutions that offer traditional Ph.D. programs in sociology include:
</p><h3 id="section---StanfordUniversity">Stanford University</h3><p>Highly-ranked Stanford University in California offers both stand-alone and joint doctoral degree programs in sociology. Requirements of the Ph.D. in Sociology program include taking research and methods courses, sociological theory courses, survey courses and workshops. In addition to a dissertation, a second-year paper must also be completed.
</p><h3 id="section---DukeUniversity">Duke University</h3><p>Students who are pursuing a Ph.D. in Sociology at Duke University in North Carolina must enroll full-time for at least six semesters. Fields of study within the program include social psychology, economic sociology, medical sociology and social networks. Course requirements dictate that students must take 6 core courses as well as 7 electives.
</p><h3 id="section---PortlandStateUniversity">Portland State University</h3><p>Introduced in the fall of 2008, the Ph.D. in Sociology program at Portland State University is open to students who have obtained master's degrees. Core graduate courses in sociology and 16 credits in electives must be completed. In addition, students must attend a social inequality seminar and complete a dissertation.
</p><h3 id="section---JohnsHopkinsUniversity">Johns Hopkins University</h3><p>The Departments of Sociology at Johns Hopkins offers a Ph.D. program that combines several features. As with most programs, students are required to take a number of core courses and electives, however, the program at Johns Hopkins also mandates a research apprenticeship, a one-semester teaching assistantship, and a residence requirement.</p>
