Get your PhD in Sociology

At Iowa, the PhD program in Sociology is designed to provide you with rigorous training in theory and methods, with specialized programs in social psychology, gender, and social and political organizations. Our program offers intensive faculty guidance, interdisciplinary coursework, and a wide array of research and teaching opportunities to prepare you for careers in academic, private, and government institutions.

Program overview

Students who wish to pursue the PhD in Sociology may enter with a MA degree in Criminology or Sociology from another university or may first earn the MA degree in Sociology at the University of Iowa. A MA Thesis or MA Research Paper is required and must be approved before the PhD in Sociology. The requirements of the MA in Sociology with intention to continue to the PhD in Sociology are mapped below:

 SHMinimum GradePrimary Learning Outcomes

SOC:5110 Research Design and Methods

3B-[1] Develop a foundation in sociological theory

SOC:5160 Research Design and Methods

3B-[1] Develop research methodology skillset
SOC:6170 Introduction to Sociological Data Analysis3B-[1] Develop research methodology skillset

SOC:6180 Linear Models in Sociological Research

3B-[1] Develop research methodology skillset
SOC:7270 Scholarly Professionalism and Integrity I2Pass[1] Learn research ethics; socialization to discipline

SOC:7271 Scholarly Professionalism and Integrity II

2Pass[1] Learn research ethics; socialization to discipline

At least three (≥9sh) Elective Courses in the Department, at least two of (≥6sh) which must be SOC

CRIM:7030 or SOC:7030 Readings & Research, up to a maximum of 3sh a

SOC:6080 Master's Thesis a

Combined ≥11Combined 3.25 GPA

[1] Develop research methodology skillset

[2] Develop expertise in criminological and social science theory

[3] Develop substantive expertise

[4] Develop scholarly and research communication skills

[6] Develop skills to work with policy makers

 

Notes:

a By arrangement with instructor, non-graded or graded option.

More info

Students may only advance to or be accepted into the PhD in Criminology upon completing the University of Iowa Sociology MA with Thesis or Research Paper, or by entering with an equivalent Sociology or Criminology MA/MS granted by a peer program at another university. To complete the PhD, students must take a total of 72sh; a minimum of 36 must be taken after the MA is conferred. PhD curriculum requirements are mapped below:

 SHMinimum GradePrimary Learning Outcomes(s)
One advanced sociological theory course such as SOC:61103B-[2] Develop expertise in criminological theory
Two elective courses in methods/statistics numbered 5000 or above≥3B-[1] Develop research methodology skillset

At least five (≥15sh) Elective Courses in the Department, at least four (≥12sh) of which must be SOC

CRIM: 7030 or SOC:7030 Readings & Research a

SOC: 7090 PhD Dissertation a, b

Combined ≥27Combined 3.25 GPA

[1] Develop research methodology skillset

[2] Develop expertise in criminological theory

[3] Develop substantive expertise

[4] Develop scholarly communication skills

[6] Develop skills to work with policy makers

 

Notes:

a By arrangement with instructor, non-graded or graded option.                                                                   

b Applicable to the 72sh requirement but cannot be used to obtain the 36sh post-MA requirement.

18 s.h. from these:

 SH
SOC:5250 Graduate Writing3
SOC:5310 Gender Theory3
SOC:5510 Sociology of Health3
SOC:6110 Theory Construction and Analysis3
SOC:6140 Sem: Select Topics Sociological Theory3
SOC:6175 Qualitative Methods3
SOC:6210 Contemporary Approach Social Psychology3
SOC:6220 Sem: Select Topics Social Psychology3
SOC:6264 Post-Industrial Cities3
SOC:6310 Gender Stratification Seminar3
SOC:6320 Sociology of Religion3
SOC:6420 Sem: Select Topics in Deviance and Control3
SOC:6440 Crime and Health in the Life Course3
SOC:6450 Sem: Select Topics in Comparative Criminology3
SOC:6550 Environment and Society3
SOC:6610 Complex Organizations3
SOC:6740 Racial Inequality3
SOC:6750 Race and Crime3
SOC:6180 Social Stratification3
SOC:7010 Teaching Sociology3
SOC:7030 Reading and Research Tutorial3
SOC:7170 Advanced Statistical Modeling of Data3
SOC:7175 Social Science Research: Big Data3
SOC:7410 Communities and Crime3
SOC:7460 Sociology of Law Seminar3
SOC:7500 Sem: Select Topics in Political Sociology3
SOC:7620 Soc Networks: Theory and Sociological Apps3
SOC:7820 Sem: Select Topics in Social Stratification3

 Description and Primary Learning Outcomes
Milestone 1

MA Thesis/Research Paper

[1] Develop research methodology skillset

[2] Develop expertise in social science theory

[3] Develop substantive expertise

[4] Develop scholarly communication skills

Milestone 2

Comprehensive Exam

[1] Develop research methodology skillset

[2] Develop expertise in social science theory

[3] Develop substantive expertise

[5] Teaching preparation

[6] Develop crime policy analysis skills

Milestone 3

Dissertation Prospectus

[1] Develop research methodology skillset

[2] Develop expertise in social science theory

[3] Develop substantive expertise

[4] Develop scholarly communication skills

Milestone 4

Dissertation

[1] Develop research methodology skillset

[2] Develop expertise in social science theory

[3] Develop substantive expertise

[4] Develop scholarly communication skills

Experience 1

Teaching Assistantships

[5] Teaching preparation

Experience 2

Research Assistantships and Co-authorship/Collaborative Research Experiences with Faculty Mentors

[1] Develop research methodology skillset

[2] Develop expertise in criminological and social science theory

[3] Develop criminological and social science substantive expertise

[4] Develop scholarly communication skills

[6] Develop crime policy analysis skills

 

Experience 3

Departmental Committee Service

[7] Socialization to discipline

Experience 4

Departmental Workshop/Talk Series

Reinforces all learning outcomes

Experience 5

Professional Development Workshops

[4] Develop scholarly communication skills

[7] Socialization to discipline

Create your academic path

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Current course list

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Affiliated faculty

Michael Sauder
Pinned content, custom sorted.

Michael Sauder, PhD

Title/Position
Department Chair
Professor
Jennifer Glanville

Jennifer Glanville, PhD

Title/Position
Professor
Sarah Harkness

Sarah Harkness, PhD

Title/Position
Associate Professor
Jennifer  Haylett

Jennifer Haylett, PhD

Title/Position
Associate Professor of Instruction
Director of Undergraduate Studies - Sociology
Steve Hitlin

Steve Hitlin, PhD

Title/Position
Professor
Michael Lovaglia

Michael Lovaglia, PhD

Title/Position
Professor
Freda Lynn picture

Freda B. Lynn, PhD

Title/Position
Professor
Mary Noonan

Mary Noonan, PhD

Title/Position
Associate Professor
Victor Ray

Victor Ray, PhD

Title/Position
F. Wendell Miller Associate Professor
Louise Seamster

Louise Seamster, PhD

Title/Position
Assistant Professor
Yongren Shi

Yongren Shi, PhD

Title/Position
Assistant Professor
Bodi Vasi

Ion "Bodi" Vasi, PhD

Title/Position
Associate Professor