A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sociology is a postgraduate degree that allows students to conduct original research and contribute to the field of sociology. It typically takes 3-5 years to complete and involves coursework, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation.
During a PhD in Sociology, students will delve deeply into the study of human society and social behavior, including topics such as culture, race, gender, inequality, social change, and more. They will develop research skills such as data collection and analysis, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and statistical analysis.
The coursework for a PhD in Sociology may include classes in sociological theory, research methods, statistics, and specialized topics in areas such as criminology, health, education, or environmental sociology. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in seminars and workshops with other scholars in the field.
The comprehensive exams typically involve both written and oral components and are designed to test the student's knowledge of the field and their ability to think critically and independently.
The dissertation is the culminating project of the PhD in Sociology and requires students to conduct original research in a specific area of the field. This involves designing and executing a research project, analyzing the data, and presenting the findings in a written dissertation that is typically defended in front of a committee of faculty members.
Graduates with a PhD in Sociology can pursue careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other fields that require expertise in the social sciences. They may work as professors, researchers, policy analysts, or consultants, among other roles.
Course level | Doctorate Degree |
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 | Updated 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, Cosmetic Industries, Consulting Firms, etc. |
Job Position | Professor, Sociologist, Political Scientist, Policy Analyst, Management Consultant, Public Relations Specialist, and Guidance Counselor. |
UGC NET UGC CSIR NET GATE SLET |
PhD in Sociology Merit-Based Admission
PhD in Sociology Entrance-Based Admission
Candidates should have passed a Master’s Degree in Sociology or have sociology as a subject with a minimum of 55% marks from a recognized university/institution. Candidate should have an MPhil Degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 55% marks from a recognized university/institution. In the case of reserved category SC / ST / OBC / PH candidates relaxation of 5% marks or equivalent grade is given as per UGC guidelines. Candidates should have good communication skills or the ability to express themselves verbally as well as in writing. Candidates in the final year of their programs and who expect to complete all their qualifying degree requirements before the third week of July of the course commencement are eligible to apply for admissions. Experience of senior level for five years of teaching/industry/administration/ professional. There is no requirement bar of age to apply for the course. Candidates will be expected to have the English language skills for their course, however, some specialized universities will teach in Hindi, Urdu, or other Indian languages. Candidates with UGC NET / SET / SLET / M. Phil are exempted from appearing for the conducted entrance written test but need to appear for the personal interview round. |
A PhD in Sociology program typically takes 3-5 years to complete, depending on the student's pace and the requirements of the program. |
Selection Criteria: Selection criteria for a PhD in Sociology program may include academic record, research experience, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and performance on the entrance exam (such as the GRE). |
1. To apply for a PhD in the Sociology program, applicants typically need to submit an online application, transcripts from all previous academic programs, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and their entrance exam scores (such as the GRE).
2. Some universities may also require a writing sample or other materials.
3. Applicants should carefully review the application requirements and deadlines for each program they are interested in and follow the instructions provided by the university.
The application form for a PhD in Sociology program can usually be found on the university's website.
Applicants will need to create an account, provide personal information, and upload their transcripts, entrance exam scores, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and any other required materials.
The application fee for a PhD in Sociology program can vary by university but is typically between $50 and $100. |
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Job Position | Job Description |
Sociologists | Sociologists use the analytical and data collection methods they have learned on their way to a Ph.D. to help study specific groups of individuals and foster a better understanding of why people react to certain environmental and social events as they do. They make observations about race and sex-related societal behaviors and determine the emotional and physical impact they have on the people involved. They can help local, state, and federal officials understand their particular populations and help formulate policies. |
Market Research Analysts | Market research analysts use various methods of collecting data to determine the composition of a given community and better understand behavior. They then use the data they have collected to determine the effectiveness of a given market strategy and present detailed reports to management about their findings to help them formulate new strategies. |
Management Consultants | Management Consultants analyze business problems, investigate possible remedies or improvements, and present solutions to customers. Management Consultants are armed with adequate problem-solving skills to help generate viable solutions to sociological problems. They have effective writing and public speaking skills, for reporting and presenting clients with analyzes and solutions. |
Social and Community Service Managers | Public and community service administrators are collaborating with leaders in the community and government to determine the resources and programs needed. These professionals are monitoring the effectiveness of established programs and ensuring they are meeting goals. They supervise programs for community outreach and awareness-raising. Writing funding applications may also be a crucial feature of the occupation. |
Research Officer | Project officers oversee research programs and collaborate with members of the team to ensure the project remains on budget. They help to determine the research project's objectives, as well as research methods and other test parameters. Data may also be reviewed and analyzed by research officers during the course of the project. |
Community Counselor | Community counselors can work in a variety of settings, including private practice, mental health centers, facilities for rehabilitation, or prisons. Regardless of the setting, it is the job of a community counselor to work with individuals to develop appropriate mental treatment and provide community preventive services. |
Sociology Professors | Develop a curriculum, instruct students, and may serve on university or college committees. Work is also a strong component of such positions, and for tenured positions, it is often important to publish research in academic journals. The Faculty of Sociology may also supervise research projects for students. A Ph.D. in sociology is usually a prerequisite of four-year university teaching. |
Social workers | Social workers help government leaders identify groups that need support and lobby for services like health care, food assistance, and childcare. They manage a caseload of assigned customers, determine what kinds of assistance are needed, and develop overall objectives. They keep detailed records of these interactions and follow-up with all concerned individuals to ensure conditions are improved and goals are met. |
Demographer | Demographers are population specialists who gather and analyze vital statistics relating to changes in the human population, such as births, marriages, and deaths. They prepare and perform research studies to analyze patterns in the population and assess the impacts of population movements. Demographers work for government agencies as well as private firms across the country. |
Some of the career opportunities for graduates with a PhD in Sociology include:
Professor of Sociology or related fields
Researcher for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private research institutions
Policy analyst or consultant for government agencies or non-profit organizations
Sociologist for corporations or businesses
Social science researcher for market research or public opinion polling firms
A PhD in Sociology is the highest degree a person can obtain.
In terms of recognition, there are also fellowships of professional societies that are given to senior academics, while these are all prestigious, those from national academies are more prestigious than those from subject-specific societies.
The career is diverse in terms of the specializations from which one might choose.
There will be quite some opportunities once you have completed your education.
Research institutes, the criminal justice system, public health and welfare organizations, private companies, law firms, foreign agencies, medical centers, educational institutions, advertising firms, surveys, and polling organizations are only some of the examples where people from this context are needed.
Sociologists are trained to understand and affect different cultures, ethnicity, religion, gender, etc. Thus, government organizations trust workers with experience in fields such as sociology to tackle issues within society that other communities face.
In this field, expertise in understanding social relations, social behavior, and society is in demand because the media reflects and influences society and culture. One might work with advertising firms, publishing houses, or as a specialist in public relations. One might consider being a journalist too.
Pursue lectures in various colleges and universities.
Sociologists are in demand in the Corporate Social Responsibility Sector (CSR) to promote practices related to environmental protection, public welfare, workers, communities, and other stakeholders.