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