A distinctive feature of the department is its emphasis on multimethod data collection and analysis. In addition to pursuing particular substantive interests, students have an excellent opportunity to conduct and integrate various qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including evaluation research and applied sociology and anthropology. Generally, those admitted have a much higher average. Students apply directly to the departmental graduate secretary for admission. All students are required to master basic theory and methodological skills.
Students typically begin their studies in the fall semester.
You will be assigned an interim adviser who is a likely candidate to be your adviser, given your stated area of interest. When you arrive, the graduate co-ordinator will inform you as to which faculty members, on the basis of their areas of specialization, are likely candidates for membership on your advisory committee. Until you have formed your advisory committee, your interim advisor will fill out your evaluation reports. It is strongly recommended, that you choose your permanent adviser by the end of the first semester and the rest of your committee by the middle of the second semester. The Department of Sociology and Anthropology is a major participant in the PhD program in rural studies in the field of sustainable rural communities.