The Ph.D. Program in Sociology develops sociologists of broad theoretical background who are trained in a mixture of research methods, from survey research to ethnographic, historical and comparative approaches. We currently have 150 sociology students in our doctoral program, and about 50 participating doctoral faculty.

Students pursue studies in many areas of sociology, but given our location, we are strong in urban sociology, studies of race, ethnicity, and immigration, research on urban institutions, including schools, and on neighborhoods and urban spaces. The department also has a strong emphasis on social theory and many faculty working in Cultural Studies and Feminist Theory. In addition we have faculty members who study criminal justice, drug use, police practices, health, globalization and development.