NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Top 10 Sociology DepartmentNational Ranking
- Individualized Program of StudyStudent Focus
- Four Core Areas of StrengthSpecializations
- Strong Faculty-Student CollaborationDepartment Culture
- Excellent Academic & Research PlacementCareer Outcomes
Northwestern University's Department of Sociology offers a PhD program designed to foster scholarly rigor within a supportive and collegial environment. The program emphasizes individualized study and research, with a curriculum that balances theoretical and methodological training in the first year, progressing to seminars, workshops, and independent research in subsequent years. Students are guided to develop expertise in specific sociological subfields, culminating in a dissertation. The department has particular strengths in four key areas: Culture, focusing on systems of ideas, cultural products, and ethnographic analysis; Law, Economy, and Organizations, leveraging strong ties with the Kellogg School of Management and Northwestern Law School; Social Inequality, examining the origins, dimensions, and consequences of various forms of inequality; and Comparative-Historical Sociology, which analyzes social structures and events across different societies and historical periods. The program boasts an exceptional placement record, with graduates securing tenure-track faculty positions at leading universities and research roles at prominent institutions. This success underscores the quality of education and training provided, preparing students for impactful careers in academia and research.
Curriculum
The program is structured to guide students through rigorous theoretical and methodological training, culminating in independent research and a dissertation. The curriculum encourages students to develop expertise in their chosen subfields through a combination of coursework, seminars, workshops, and research.
- Year 1
- Theory Courses
- Methods Courses
- Year 2
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Independent Research
- Second Year Paper
- Year 3
- Special Field Paper
- Beyond Year 3
- Dissertation Research
- Research Seminars
- Workshops
Careers
The Sociology PhD program at Northwestern has a strong track record of placing graduates in academic and research positions at prestigious institutions worldwide.
- Tenure-track Assistant Professor
- Research Positions
- Lawyer (JD/PhD graduates)
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key areas of specialization within the Sociology PhD program?
- The program has particular strengths in Culture, Law, Economy, and Organizations, Social Inequality, and Comparative-Historical Sociology.
- What is the duration of the PhD program?
- The program structure includes coursework, seminars, and research progressing through Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, and beyond Year 3 for dissertation research.
- How can I apply to the PhD program?
- You can apply online through The Graduate School website, submitting an online application form, academic and personal statements, letters of recommendation, transcripts, resume/CV, and English proficiency certification if applicable.
- When is the application deadline for the PhD program?
- The application deadline is December 1, 5 PM CST.
- What are the typical career outcomes for graduates of this program?
- Graduates often secure tenure-track Assistant Professor positions, research roles at prominent institutions, and potentially pursue further studies such as law.
Entry requirements
Previous University StudyStrong academic record, including relevant undergraduate coursework. Details on specific GPA or prerequisites are not provided.
Admission decisions are based on the overall academic record, the quality of the attended institution, and grade point averages (GPA).
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the Northwestern University Student Financial Services website for the most current graduate tuition rates, as specific program tuition is not listed here.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the Northwestern University Student Financial Services website for the most current graduate tuition rates, as specific program tuition is not listed here.
LivingInformation on estimated living costs, including housing and meal plans, can be found on the Graduate Housing and Northwestern Dining websites.
Contact Northwestern University Student Finance for questions about tuition, fees, or billing. Visit the Financial Aid Office website for full cost of attendance information.
How to apply
1. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit the online application form via The Graduate School website.
2. Submit Academic and Personal StatementsPrepare and upload your Academic Statement and Personal Statement as part of the online application.
3. Request Letters of RecommendationArrange for 2-3 letters of recommendation to be submitted.
4. Provide TranscriptsSubmit original transcripts from all previously attended universities.
5. Submit Resume/CVUpload your current Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
6. Certify English ProficiencyIf English is not your native language, you must provide certification of your English language proficiency.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key areas of specialization within the Sociology PhD program?
+
The program has particular strengths in Culture, Law, Economy, and Organizations, Social Inequality, and Comparative-Historical Sociology.
What is the duration of the PhD program?
+
The program structure includes coursework, seminars, and research progressing through Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, and beyond Year 3 for dissertation research.
How can I apply to the PhD program?
+
You can apply online through The Graduate School website, submitting an online application form, academic and personal statements, letters of recommendation, transcripts, resume/CV, and English proficiency certification if applicable.
When is the application deadline for the PhD program?
+
The application deadline is December 1, 5 PM CST.
What are the typical career outcomes for graduates of this program?
+
Graduates often secure tenure-track Assistant Professor positions, research roles at prominent institutions, and potentially pursue further studies such as law.