Curriculum and Summary of Coursework
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:
| Timing | SH | Minimum Grade | Primary Learning Outcomes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SOC:7270 Scholarly Professionalism and Integrity I |
Y1S1 |
2 |
Pass |
[7] Learn research ethics; socialization to discipline |
|
SOC:6170 Introduction to Sociological Data Analysis |
Y1S1 |
3 |
B- |
[1] Develop research methodology skillset |
|
CRIM:5xxx Foundations of Criminological Theory |
Y1S1 |
3 |
B- |
[2] Develop expertise in criminological theory |
|
SOC:5160 Research Design and Methods |
Y1S2 |
3 |
B- |
[1] Develop research methodology skillset |
|
SOC:7271 Scholarly Professionalism and Integrity II |
Y1S2 |
2 |
Pass |
[7] Learn research ethics; socialization to discipline |
|
SOC:6180 Linear Models in Sociological Research |
Y1S2 |
3 |
B- |
[1] Develop research methodology skillset |
|
CRIM: 5xxx Criminal Justice Systems |
Y1S2 |
3 |
B- |
[2] Develop expertise in criminological and social science theory [3] Develop substantive expertise [3] Develop scholarly and research communication skills [6] Develop skills to work with policy makers |
|
At least three (≥9sh) Elective Courses in the Department, at least two of (≥6sh) which must be CRIMa CRIM:7030 or SOC:7030 Readings & Research, up to a maximum of 3sh b SOC:6080 Master's Thesisb |
Y1-2 |
Combined ≥11 |
Combined 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 A list of elective courses is provided in Appendix A.
b 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:
|
|
Timing |
SH |
Minimum Grade |
Primary Learning Outcomes(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CRIM:7xxx Advanced Criminological Theory c |
Y2+ |
3 |
B- |
[2] Develop expertise in criminological theory |
|
Graduate Methods Course c |
Y2+ |
≥3 |
B- |
[1] Develop research methodology skillset |
|
Graduate Methods Course c |
Y2+ |
≥3 |
B- |
[1] Develop research methodology skillset |
|
At least five (≥15sh) Elective Courses in the Department, at least four (≥12sh) of which must be CRIM a, c CRIM: 7030 or SOC:7030 Readings & Research b CRIM: 7090 PhD Dissertation b, d |
Y2+ |
Combined ≥27 |
Combined 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 A list of elective courses is provided in Appendix A.
b By arrangement with instructor, non-graded or graded option.
c Students must choose among approved courses or obtain approval by DGS.
d Applicable to the 72sh requirement but cannot be used to obtain the 36sh post-MA requirement.
Program Milestones and Experiences
|
|
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 |