PhD in Social Sciences in United States
There are 12 phd Social Sciences programmes for international students across 9 universities in United States. Tuition ranges from €26k to €62k. Browse the full list below, compare entry requirements, and explore scholarships to fund your studies.
Africana Studies PhD
The PhD program in Africana Studies at Brown University aims to equip students with the skills to generate innovative knowledge and cutting-edge scholarship within the discipline. The department serves as an intellectual hub for studying the artistic, cultural, historical, literary, and theoretical expressions of people of African descent globally. Graduates are prepared for careers in research, teaching, and public service, contributing to academic and non-academic communities with critical thinking and global perspectives. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary work with a focus on race, class, gender, and sexuality. Students engage with theories and methods from other academic disciplines, preparing them for significant contributions to both academic and non-academic spheres. The department fosters a vibrant intellectual community through resources like the C.L.R. James Journal and the Rites and Reason Theatre, and offers opportunities for cross-institutional study.
Biopolitics of Human-Nonhuman Relations
This advanced graduate seminar, ENV 796b, delves into the biopolitics of human-nonhuman relations, exploring the theoretical and ethnographic implications of the 'post-humanist' turn. The course examines multi-species ethnography and its philosophical underpinnings, including ontological theories that challenge traditional human-centric perspectives. The seminar is structured into sections that progressively build understanding, starting with foundational introductions to the course and perspectivism. It moves on to explore entanglements, examining the translation of indigenous knowledge, the history of natural history, and the political dimensions of environmentalism. Metaphorical uses of non-human imagery in political discourse and geological imagery are also analyzed. The course culminates in student-selected readings and presentations of their seminar papers, allowing for deep dives into specific areas of interest. The final section concludes with reflections on plants as teachers and a lecture by the course teaching fellow. Enrollment is capped, indicating a focused and interactive learning environment.
Human Development and Social Policy PhD
The Human Development and Social Policy (HDSP) PhD program at Northwestern University investigates the intricate connections between public policy, human development, and societal well-being. It explores how policies impact individuals across their lifespan and how research on human development can effectively inform policy creation and evaluation. The program provides a strong interdisciplinary foundation in human development, advanced research methodologies (both qualitative and quantitative), and the principles of policy development and implementation. Students have the opportunity to specialize in areas like child development and social policy, adult development and social policy, or human development and education policy.
Joint Doctoral Program in Social Work and Social Science
The Joint Doctoral Program in Social Work and Social Science at the University of Michigan offers a unique interdisciplinary approach for students interested in pursuing doctoral research at the intersection of social work and a chosen social science discipline. This program allows students to specialize in Anthropology, Psychology, or Sociology while integrating this with their social work studies. Applicants must apply directly to the School of Social Work and the Rackham Graduate School. The program is designed for students who wish to conduct research that bridges the theoretical and practical aspects of both social work and a social science field, preparing them for careers in academia, research, and advanced practice settings.
Joint PhD Program in Social Work and Social Science
The Joint PhD Program in Social Work and Social Science at the University of Michigan is designed to train scholars committed to social justice and the social work profession. The program focuses on developing deep knowledge of social justice issues and preparing graduates to serve vulnerable populations through intervention research. This interdisciplinary program combines expertise from both the School of Social Work and various social science departments.
Social Sciences PhD Program
The Social Sciences PhD program at Caltech offers a unique interdisciplinary approach for motivated students interested in quantitative research. The program focuses on understanding social phenomena through the lens of individual decision-making, employing rigorous modeling and empirical analysis. Caltech is a pioneer in using laboratory experimentation in social sciences and remains at the forefront of this research methodology. Graduate students are encouraged to engage in independent research early in their studies, often collaborating directly with faculty and participating in weekly seminars and workshops featuring international scholars. The program aims to equip students with a strong foundation in economics, political science, and econometrics, along with advanced technical skills for frontier research, a demonstrated record of independent research, and the ability to collaborate and communicate across social science disciplines.
Frequently asked questions
How many Social Sciences programmes are there in United States?
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12 across 9 universities, listed on this page.
Can international students apply?
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Yes — these programmes admit international students; check each programme's entry requirements and language of instruction.