Sociology, PhD
Graduate work at the University of Pennsylvania is conducted through graduate groups formed according to different areas of study. These groups administer programs leading to the AM and PhD degrees. Those seeking a graduate degree in Sociology should apply to the Graduate Group in Sociology. Sociology students earn their MA on the way to the PhD. There is no terminal Master's degree program.
It is possible to earn a joint Ph.D. in Sociology and another discipline by being admitted to and satisfying the requirements of two Ph.D. programs and writing a single dissertation. Currently, students are enrolled in joint degrees with Demography, Education, Communications, and Africana Studies. Students seeking a joint Ph.D. combining Sociology with another program must be admitted in that program (as well as Sociology); admittance to the second program may occur after admission to the Sociology program.
For more information: http://sociology.sas.upenn.edu/graduate_resources
Required Courses
A minimum of 12 course units must be taken at the University of Pennsylvania.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 5350 | Quantitative Methods I | 1 |
| SOCI 5351 | Quantitative Methods II | 1 |
| SOCI 6020 | Proseminar in Classical Sociology | 1 |
| SOCI 6040 | Methodology of Social Research | 1 |
| SOCI 6200 | Sociological Research II | 1 |
| SOCI 7070 | Second Year Research Seminar I | 1 |
| SOCI 7071 | Second Year Research Seminar II | 1 |
| Select nine electives 1 | 9 | |
| Teaching Requirement | ||
| Four semesters of undergraduate teaching are required, one course per semester- typically for second and third year. | ||
| Total Course Units | 16 | |
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
- 1
Three electives must be in Sociology.
- 2
A minimum of 12 credits must be in Sociology courses.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Sample Plan of Study
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Quantitative Methods I and Quantitative Methods II | ||
| Proseminar in Classical Sociology | ||
| Methodology of Social Research | ||
Select two Sociology courses | ||
| Year 2 | ||
| Second Year Research Seminar I | ||
| Second Year Research Seminar II | ||
Select four electives | ||
Second Year Paper/MA Thesis | ||
Teaching Assistantship | ||
| Year 3 | ||
| Sociological Research II | ||
Select three electives | ||
Paper Submission | ||
Dissertation Committee Selected | ||
Teaching Assistantship | ||
| Year 4 | ||
Dissertation Proposal | ||
| Year 5 and Beyond | ||
Dissertation Research and Defense | ||