A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sociology is an advanced degree program that focuses on the study of society, human behavior, and social structures. This program aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and analytical tools necessary to conduct original research in the field of sociology.
Typically, a PhD program in sociology involves coursework in various sociological theories, research methods, and statistical analysis. Students are expected to complete a set of core courses and electives to deepen their knowledge of specific sociological topics, such as gender, race, class, culture, globalization, or social inequality.
In addition to coursework, students are required to conduct independent research and write a dissertation that makes an original contribution to the field of sociology. This involves identifying a research question, designing a research project, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting findings in a written document.
Graduates of a PhD program in sociology can pursue academic careers as professors or researchers in universities and research institutions. They can also work as consultants or policymakers in governmental and non-governmental organizations, or in the private sector, such as market research firms or social service agencies.
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The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sociology is an advanced degree program that offers a range of highlights and benefits, including:
Research opportunities: A PhD in Sociology offers the opportunity to conduct original research in areas of interest to the student, providing an opportunity to contribute to the field of sociology and potentially make a difference in society. |
Academic rigor: The PhD program in Sociology is a rigorous academic program that challenges students to think critically and analytically, and to develop advanced research skills. |
Career opportunities: Graduates of a PhD in Sociology program can pursue a range of careers, including academic positions as professors or researchers, as well as consulting, policy-making, or research roles in governmental and non-governmental organizations. |
Interdisciplinary approach: Sociology is an interdisciplinary field that draws on knowledge and methods from a range of fields, including anthropology, psychology, economics, and political science. As such, students in a PhD program in Sociology have the opportunity to explore interdisciplinary perspectives and approaches. |
Flexibility: PhD programs in Sociology often offer students flexibility in terms of coursework and research, allowing students to tailor their program to their interests and career goals. |
Intellectual community: PhD programs in Sociology provide students with opportunities to connect with other scholars, both within the program and through conferences and professional organizations. This helps to build an intellectual community that can support students throughout their careers. |
Personal development: Pursuing a PhD in Sociology is a significant personal and intellectual challenge that can help students to develop a range of skills, including critical thinking, research, writing, and communication. These skills are valuable not only in an academic context but also in many other professional and personal settings. |
1 | Candidates must have a Master's degree in Sociology from a recognized university/institution or have secured at least 55% marks in a Sociology subject. |
2 | Candidate must have completed her MPhil degree in a relevant field with at least 55% marks from a recognized university/institution. |
3 | For SC/ST/OBC/PH reserved category candidates, 5% marks or equivalent relaxation will be allowed as per UGC guidelines. |
4 | Applicants must have good communication skills or the ability to express their ideas both orally and in writing. |
5 | Some candidates are in their final year of the program and are expected to meet all eligibility requirements by the third week of July after the start of their courses are eligible to apply for admission. |
6 | Five years of senior-level experience in education/industry/management/professional. |
7 | There is no minimum age limit to apply for the course. |
8 | Candidates are expected to have the English language skills required for their course of study. However, some colleges also teach in Hindi, Urdu, or other Indian languages. |
9 | Her candidates with UGC NET/SET/SLET/M. Phil will be exempted from the university entrance written test but will have to appear for the personal interview. |
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Ph.D. in Sociology Merit Based Admission |
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PhD in Sociology Entrance-Based Admission |
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Course Name | PhD in Sociology |
Course Level | Doctorate |
Full-Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology |
Duration | 3 years - 5 years |
Examination Type | Semester |
Eligibility Criteria | Post Graduation |
Admission Process | Entrance Exam + Personal Interview |
Course Fee | Notified Soon |
Average Salary | INR 4 Lakhs to INR 15 Lakhs |
Top Recruiting Companies | WHO, UNICEF, Ministry of HRD, Drug Manufacturing Companies, UGC, Public Health Entities, Academic Institutions |
Job Positions | Professor, Sociologist, Political Scientist, Policy Analysts, Management Consultants, Social Workers, Survey Researchers, Pollsters |
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The selection criteria for a Ph.D. in Sociology program may vary from one university to another. However, some common selection criteria include:
Academic Performance | Candidates must have a good academic record with a minimum of 55% marks in their Master's degree program. |
Entrance Exam | Candidates must perform well in the entrance exam to be shortlisted for the interview round. |
Interview | Candidates must demonstrate their research aptitude, communication skills, and suitability for the program during the interview round. |
To apply for a Ph.D. in Sociology program, candidates can follow these steps:
Research: Candidates should research various universities and institutes that offer a Ph.D. in Sociology program and select the ones that align with their research interests. |
Application: Candidates can obtain the application form from the university's website or by visiting the admissions office. They must fill in the form and attach the required documents such as academic transcripts, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. |
Entrance Exam: Candidates must appear for the entrance exam on the scheduled date and time. |
Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. |
Admission: Candidates who clear the entrance exam and interview will be offered admission to the program. |
1 | The fee for a Ph.D. in Sociology program varies from one university to another. |
2 | It may also depend on whether the candidate is a domestic or international student. |
3 | The fee typically includes tuition fees, registration fees, examination fees, and other miscellaneous fees. |
4 | Candidates should check with the university or institute for the exact fee structure. |
The syllabus for a Ph.D. in Sociology program varies from one university to another. However, some common topics that are covered in the program include:
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Graduates of a Ph.D. in Sociology program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Some of the job roles that graduates can pursue include:
Professor/Assistant Professor of Sociology |
Researcher/Research Analyst |
Policy Analyst/Policy Advisor |
Social Scientist |
Program Manager/Project Manager |
The career opportunities for graduates of a Ph.D. in Sociology program are diverse and may include:
1 | Teaching and research positions in universities and colleges |
2 | Research positions in government agencies and non-profit organizations |
3 | Consulting positions in private and public sector organizations |
4 | Policy and advocacy positions in government agencies and non-profit organizations |
5 | Management and leadership positions in organizations that focus on social issues |
Some of the top colleges that offer a Ph.D. in Sociology program are:
1 | Harvard University |
2 | University of California, Berkeley |
3 | Stanford University |
4 | Princeton University |
5 | University of Chicago |
6 | Columbia University |
7 | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor |
8 | New York University |
9 | University of Pennsylvania |
10 | Duke University |
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D. 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.