PhD in Sociology With Concentration in Women's/gender Studies Admission 2024-25, Eligibility, Books, Question Papers

PhD in Sociology About

The PhD in sociology is awarded to recognize high achievements, independent research, and the use of scientific knowledge to provide insight into the environmental and social factors that affect different groups of individuals. It varies from 3 years to 5 years to earn a doctorate degree in Sociology for a Masters’s degree holder. The basic eligibility criteria are a Master’s Degree from a University recognized by UGC or any other qualification recognized as equivalent thereto in Sociology as with at least 55% marks and qualifying the National level entrance exam or university-level entrance exam. National-level entrance exams such as UGC NET / UGC CSIR NET / GATE / SLET or University entrance exam consisting of written exam and personal interviews while some universities provide admissions on merit basis for Ph.D. in Sociology.

PhD in Sociology Course Highlights

PhD in Sociology Entrance Exam

Most PhD programs in Sociology with a concentration in Women's and Gender Studies require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and/or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English is not their first language.

PhD in Sociology Admission Process

PhD in Sociology Eligibility Criteria

PhD in Sociology Duration

A PhD program in Sociology with a concentration in Women's and Gender Studies typically takes four to six years to complete, depending on the student's research interests and progress.

PhD in Sociology Selection Criteria

PhD programs in Sociology with a concentration in Women's and Gender Studies typically evaluate applicants based on their academic record, research experience, research agenda, writing skills, and fit with the program's goals and values. They may also consider factors such as diversity and the potential for future contributions to the field.

PhD in Sociology How to Apply

PhD in Sociology Application Form

The application form for a PhD program in Sociology with a concentration in Women's and Gender Studies is usually available on the program's website or the graduate school's application portal. Prospective students must complete the application form and provide all required information and documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and writing samples.

PhD in Sociology Application Process

The application process for a PhD program in Sociology with a concentration in Women's and Gender Studies typically involves several steps, including submitting the application form and required documents, taking standardized tests (such as the GRE and/or TOEFL), participating in an interview process, and paying an application fee (if required). Prospective students should carefully review the program's application requirements and deadlines and ensure they have ample time to prepare their application package.

PhD in Sociology Studies Fee Structure

The application fee for a PhD program in Sociology with a concentration in Women's and Gender Studies varies by program and institution. Prospective students should check the program's website or contact the admissions office to determine the current fee.

PhD in Sociology Syllabus

Job Scope After Completed for PhD in Sociology

PhD in Sociology Career Opportunities

Some common career opportunities for graduates of a PhD program in Sociology with a concentration in Women's and Gender Studies include:

• Professor or researcher in sociology, women's and gender studies, or related fields.
  
• Researcher in non-profit organizations focused on gender and social justice issues.
  
• Policy analyst or advocate in government or private sector organizations focused on gender and social justice issues.
  
• Consultant or advisor on issues related to gender and social justice.
  

PhD in Sociology Top Colleges

Some top colleges and universities for a PhD program in Sociology with a concentration in Women's and Gender Studies include:

1. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
   
2. University of California, Berkeley
   
3. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
   
4. University of Texas at Austin
   
5. New York University (NYU)
   
6. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
   
7. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
   
8. Northwestern University
   
9. University of Pennsylvania
   
10. University of Wisconsin-Madison
    

PhD in Sociology Admission Procedure

• Application for the entrance exam 
•  Result declaration
• Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
• Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
• Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by University
• Course work examination
• Result declaration of coursework
• Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
• Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
• A registration letter shall be issued
• Research work started by scholar
• 6 progress reports shall be submitted
• Soft copy thesis submit
• plagiarism report check by the university
• Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
• After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
• After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
• Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University, Degree Awarded.

PhD in Sociology Documents Checklist

1.  Documents (10th onwards)
2. Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
3. Migration Certificate (Original)
4. NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
5. Affidavit (undertaking)
6. Guide Willing
7. Assignments
8. Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
9. Library No Dues
10. Lab Letter
11. Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
12. No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
13. Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
14. C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
15. Conference Certificate - 2
16. Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
17. summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
18. Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About PhD in Sociology 

Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.