Medical Sociology PhD Programs

Admissions Requirements for PhD in Medical Sociology Programs

Every school is different and admissions can be competitive, so you want to be prepared with all the necessary materials. Most schools require a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. Schools generally require all academic transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a sample of your academic writing, your resume or CV (curriculum vitae), and an application fee. You may also want to mention any scholarships awarded or prior academic field-related work experience when applying.

Expected Coursework in PhD in Medical Sociology Programs

Sociologists in the medical field are concerned with analyzing and managing structural policies that affect everyone across different ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic borders. To find a good program, search for sociology PhD concentrations that focus on the health and social sciences. The length of these programs can last anywhere from four to six years, and programs involve learning advanced research and problem-solving techniques.

Health Sociology

General health sociology involves studying the ways health organizations serve different populations around the world and how to improve healthcare. Students may study general healthcare economics, corporate interests in healthcare, how to care for specific populations, and different management methods such as intervention and policy. Some topics may focus on a global scale, while others are examined on a case-by-case basis.

Mental Illness Sociology

Medical sociology also includes how organizations respond to caring for mentally ill patients and what can be done to improve these systems for better healthcare equality. Students take into careful consideration healthcare policy and management of these systems with different mental health disorders in mind. Courses also may focus on ways that mental health conflicts can be advocated for patients on an individualized basis.

Healthcare Policy & Management

Healthcare policy may involve anything from policy data analysis to healthcare management policies. Students in this sub-area are concerned with gathering data in how healthcare organizations are managed with regards to corporate and ethical responsibility. Students gather data on how organizations can better manage the economic sustainability and ethics of compassionate globe-wide healthcare.

Data Analysis and Research Methods

Medical sociologists gather data on healthcare to improve the structure of healthcare systems for many different populations in many different environments. Students taking courses on data analysis are preparing to be leading scientists in the field of research. They may learn how to take on such methods as quantitative research, surveys, regression analysis, evaluation methods, applied sociology, competitive analysis, and sociological theory.

Medical sociology studies how to improve healthcare systems for different populations. Students working towards a PhD learn advanced research methods and healthcare policies. Part of the program also prepares graduates to solve real-world healthcare issues around the globe.