Sociology (Graduate Field)

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Field Description

Ph.D. degree candidates may register in general sociology initially but must select one of the eight areas of concentration before taking the Admission to Candidacy examination. Candidates also choose two minors from sociology or related fields. Students normally take a sequence of core courses in theory and methods but may substitute a general examination in these subjects.

Ph.D. students in full-time residence are normally expected to earn the Ph.D. degree within four years. The written and oral Admission to Candidacy examination is usually taken early in the third year, followed by the dissertation and oral defense. One year of directed teaching experience at Cornell is required unless the student is specifically exempted.

Admission to the Sociology Graduate Field is restricted to students who plan to complete a Ph.D. in Sociology. Students can, in consultation with their Special Committees, take a Master’s degree on the way to a Ph.D. A terminal Master’s is also available but is reserved for students who decide they are no longer interested in doctoral studies, or who, in the view of the Special Committee and other Field members, are not making good progress toward doctoral-level research.

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