A PhD in Sociology is a three- to five-year program focused on the scientific study of human social behavior. The goal of the PhD in Sociology is to provide comprehensive knowledge of social behavior through the many PhD in Sociology specializations that students can choose from. Post-graduation jobs for sociology doctoral students include human resources manager, content writer, sociologist, policy analyst, public relations specialist, and more.
A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Sociology is an advanced graduate degree program that focuses on the study of social structures, institutions, and the relationships between individuals and society. The program provides students with a deep understanding of how social structures and institutions shape individuals, and how individuals, in turn, shape society.
During the Ph.D. in Sociology program, students typically undertake advanced coursework in various areas of sociology, including social theory, research methods, statistics, and specialized topics such as gender, race, class, globalization, and urbanization. The program also requires students to conduct original research, which can take the form of a dissertation or thesis.
Ph.D. graduates in sociology are well-equipped for careers in academia, research, and policy-making. Many Ph.D. holders in sociology become professors, conducting research and teaching at universities and colleges. Others find careers in research institutions or government agencies, using their expertise in sociology to address social issues and develop public policies.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Sociology is a rigorous graduate program that provides students with an in-depth understanding of social structures, institutions, and relationships between individuals and society. Here are some highlights of the program:
Advanced coursework: Ph.D. in Sociology programs offer advanced coursework in a wide range of sociological topics, including social theory, research methods, statistics, and specialized areas such as gender, race, class, and globalization.
Original research: Students are required to undertake original research, which can take the form of a dissertation or thesis. This research allows students to develop expertise in a specific area of sociology and contribute to the field's knowledge.
Faculty mentorship: Students in Ph.D. programs in sociology typically work closely with faculty mentors, who provide guidance and support throughout the program.
Interdisciplinary opportunities: Many Ph.D. in Sociology programs offer interdisciplinary opportunities, allowing students to collaborate with scholars in other fields such as anthropology, economics, psychology, or political science.
Professional development: Ph.D. in Sociology programs often provide professional development opportunities such as teaching assistantships, research assistantships, conference presentations, and publishing opportunities, preparing students for successful academic careers.
Career opportunities: Ph.D. graduates in sociology are well-equipped for careers in academia, research, policy-making, and advocacy, among others. The program provides graduates with the skills to analyze and address complex social issues, making a significant contribution to society.
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 | Professors, Sociologist, Political Scientists, Policy Analysts, Management Consultants, Social Workers, Survey Researchers, Pollsters |
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Most Ph.D. in Sociology programs require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. Some programs may also require a subject test in sociology or a related field.
Admission requirements vary by institution, but in general, applicants are expected to have a master's degree in sociology or a related field. Strong candidates will have a high GPA, letters of recommendation from academic or professional references, and a strong research statement outlining their research interests and goals. Applicants may also be required to submit a writing sample or a statement of purpose.
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. |
The duration of a Ph.D. in Sociology program varies by institution, but it generally takes 4-6 years to complete, including coursework, research, and dissertation writing.
The selection criteria for a Ph.D. in Sociology program may include academic achievements, research experience, letters of recommendation, a research statement, and an interview.
To apply for a Ph.D. in Sociology program, students should typically submit an application online through the institution's website. They may be required to pay an application fee, submit official transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, a research statement, and a writing sample. Some programs may also require an interview.
In summary, a Ph.D. in Sociology is a challenging but rewarding program that prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, policy-making, and advocacy. Applicants should carefully review the admission requirements and eligibility criteria before applying and prepare thoroughly for the entrance exam and interview.
To apply for a Ph.D. in Sociology program, candidates should typically complete an online application form available on the institution's website. The application form may require candidates to provide personal and educational details, contact information, transcripts, test scores, a statement of purpose, research interests, and letters of recommendation. Candidates may also need to pay an application fee and upload additional documents such as a writing sample.
Ph.D. in Sociology Merit Based Admission |
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PhD in Sociology Entrance-Based Admission |
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The application fee for a Ph.D. in Sociology program may vary by institution, but it typically ranges from INR 500 to INR 1500.
The syllabus for a Ph.D. in Sociology program varies by institution, but it generally includes coursework in advanced sociological theory, research methods, statistics, and specialized topics such as gender, race, class, globalization, and urbanization. Students will also undertake original research, which may culminate in a dissertation or thesis.
Ph.D. graduates in sociology can find employment in academia, research, policy-making, advocacy, and other related fields. Salaries for sociology professors at universities and colleges in India vary based on the institution, location, and experience, but typically range from INR 50,000 to INR 1,00,000 per month. Salaries for researchers and policy analysts in government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and research institutions may vary depending on the level of experience and job responsibilities.
Professor/Assistant Professor of Sociology |
Researcher/Research Analyst |
Policy Analyst/Policy Advisor |
Social Scientist |
Program Manager/Project Manager |
Ph.D. graduates in sociology can pursue various career opportunities, such as:
Some of the top colleges in India that offer a Ph.D. in Sociology program are:
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.