Sociology
Director of Graduate Studies: Assata Zerai
57 Computing Applications Building
605 E. Springfield Ave.
Champaign, IL 61801
(217) 333-1950
Fax: (217) 333-5225
E-mail: soc@illinois.edu
Major: Sociology
Degrees Offered: M.A., Ph.D.
Graduate Concentration: African American Studies (available to all degrees)
Medical Scholars Program: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Sociology and Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) through the Medical Scholars Program
Graduate Degree Programs
The Department of Sociology offers graduate programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree.
Admission
The Graduate College admission requirements apply. Students applying for admission should have a background in one of the social sciences, preferably sociology. Applicants must submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores on the tests of verbal ability, quantitative ability, and analytical ability. The advanced test in sociology is optional. A writing sample is required. Non-native English speakers must also submit Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores and the Test of Spoken English (TSE) scores. The department does not accept applications to the M.A. program.
Degree Requirements
*For additional details and requirements refer to the department's graduate handbook and the Graduate College Handbook.
Master of Arts
| Required Courses: | Required Hours |
|---|---|
| SOC 590PRO (2 semesters) | 4 |
| SOC 500 or 501 | 4 |
| SOC 485 | 4 |
| One of SOC 571, 581, 583, 587 or 590 | 4 |
| Six additional courses at 400 or 500 level (at least 4 in SOC and 4 at the 500 level) | 24 |
| Total Hours | 40 |
Minimum Hours Required Within the Unit: |
32 |
Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: |
28 |
| Other Requirements:* | |
| At least two semesters in residence and 5 UIUC courses minimum are required. | |
| A Master's paper is required. | |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.25 |
The master's degree is granted as an intermediate step on the way to the Ph.D. Students should ordinarily complete the requirements during their second year of residence.
Doctor of Philosophy
| Required Courses: | Required Hours - Entering with approved B.S./B.A. degree | Required Hours - Entering with M.S./M.A. degree* |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 590PRO (2 semesters) | 4 | 4 |
| SOC 500 or 501 | 4 | 4 |
| SOC 485 or equivalent and 586 | 4-8 | 4-8 |
| One of Soc 571, 581, 583, 587 or 590 | 4 | 4 |
| At least 3 courses in the student's area of specialization | 12 | 12 |
| Two substantive breadth courses from departmental areas other than the student's area of specialization. | 8 | 8 |
| Thesis Hours Required – SOC 599 (min/max applied toward degree): | 3-24 | 3-24 |
| Total Coursework Hours | 72 | 48 |
| Total Hours | 96 | 64 |
Minimum Hours Required Within the Unit: |
43 | 43 |
Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: |
43 | 43 |
| Other Requirements:* | ||
| Student must meet all other area of specialization requirements | ||
| Students must earn a B or better in every required course. | ||
| Minimum GPA: | 3.25 | 3.25 |
| Qualifying Exam Required | Yes | Yes |
| Preliminary Exam Required | Yes | Yes |
| Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required | Yes | Yes |
| Dissertation Deposit Required | Yes | Yes |
The graduate program is small and cohesive with a high faculty-student ratio. All students are required to take a small core of required courses in theory and methods, and then specialize in one of four areas. The areas are composed of collaborative research and curricula, and constitute the major locations for graduate student training. The areas are Social Dynamics and Structure: Networks, Population and Life Course; Race, Class and Gender; and Transnational Studies. Doctoral candidates must pass a specialty examination in their area and write and defend a dissertation proposal and final dissertation.
Medical Scholars Program
The Medical Scholars Program permits highly qualified students to integrate the study of medicine with study for a graduate degree in a second discipline, including Sociology. Students may apply to the Medical Scholars Program prior to beginning graduate school or while in the graduate program. Applicants to the Medical Scholars Program must meet the admissions standards for and be accepted into both the doctoral graduate program and the College of Medicine. Students in the dual degree program must meet the specific requirements for both the medical and graduate degrees. On average, students take eight years to complete both degrees. Further information on this program is available by contacting the Medical Scholars Program, 125 Medical Sciences Building, (217) 333-8146 or at www.med.illinois.edu/msp.
Graduate Teaching Experience
Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program.
Financial Aid
Financial support is provided for most graduate students through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, tuition and fee waivers, fellowships, and other University and external financial support.