Competence in sociological theory, statistics, and research methods may be demonstrated by passing two term courses in each area. Students are also required to pass written and oral comprehensive examinations in two selected fields and have a dissertation prospectus approved. After admission to candidacy, the student is permitted to proceed with the dissertation. The dissertation represents a test of the candidate's ability to select and execute a major research project of professional quality. It should show the student's mastery of the field of specialization and it must demonstrably contribute to the body of sociological knowledge.
Teaching is an important part of the professional preparation of graduate students in Sociology.
The department expects students to teach, usually in the third and fourth years of study. The Department of Sociology offers, in conjunction with the program in African American Studies, a combined Ph.D. degree in Sociology and African American Studies. Students accepted to the joint Ph.D. program must meet all of the requirements of the Ph.D. in Sociology with the exception that, excluding the courses required to demonstrate competence in sociological theory, statistics, research methods, and comprehensive examination in two substantive fields, joint-degree students may substitute African American Studies courses for six of the fourteen term courses required to qualify for the Ph.D. in Sociology. For further details see African American Studies.