Sociology

Sociology at Brown University offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the social world, emphasizing critical thinking, research skills, and understanding of complex social phenomena. The program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in sociological theories, methods, and substantive areas, enabling them to analyze societal structures, social change, and individual behavior within various social contexts. Students have the opportunity to engage in rigorous coursework that covers topics such as race and ethnicity, gender, class, culture, social institutions, and global social issues. The curriculum encourages an interdisciplinary approach, integrating perspectives from history, political science, economics, and anthropology to enrich understanding of social issues.

The program emphasizes experiential learning through research projects, seminars, and fieldwork, empowering students to apply sociological concepts to real-world problems. Faculty members are renowned scholars dedicated to mentoring students and fostering a vibrant academic community. Students are encouraged to pursue independent research, often culminating in a senior thesis that contributes original insights to the field of sociology.

Brown's open curriculum allows students to customize their educational experience, merging sociology with other disciplines and exploring interdisciplinary interests. The program prepares graduates for diverse careers in research, policy analysis, community activism, journalism, public administration, and further academic study. It also emphasizes the development of critical analytical skills, ethical reasoning, and effective communication, preparing students to become informed and engaged citizens capable of addressing social challenges thoughtfully and effectively. With access to extensive university resources and a collaborative environment, students in the Sociology program at Brown University are well-equipped to understand and impact the social fabric of contemporary society.

The goals of the doctoral course of study are to enable students to: (a) master the fundamentals of the discipline and develop a thorough command of advanced scholarship in at least two sociological subfields; (b) form a sophisticated intellectual agenda in at least two areas of specialization; (c) design and carry out a challenging program of original research; (d) successfully pursue external research funding; and (e) provide thoughtful, creative, and compelling instruction in the discipline.

Ph.D. in sociology requires successful completion of the following:

1. 24-credit units of coursework (16 for those entering the program with an approved master’s). This coursework must include:
   • Six first-year required courses  – (SOC 2040: Classical Sociological Theory; SOC 2050: Contemporary Sociology; SOC 2430: Fields and Methods of Social Research; SOC 2210: Qualitative Methods; SOC 2010: Multivariate Statistical Methods I; SOC 2020: Multivariate Statistical Methods II)
   • 1-credit unit of teaching experience (SOC 2510: Teaching Practicum in Sociology if funding does not allow for teaching assistantships)
2. Obtain Sheridan Center teaching certificate (Level One)
3. Complete one full year (two semesters) of teaching assistance, within the first three years of the program
4. The master’s paper is to be completed by early in the fourth semester of graduate study (unless student enters with an approved master’s degree)
5. Two preliminary exams in one of the standing areas offered by the department. The preliminary exams may only be completed after the master’s paper is completed.
6. Dissertation proposal successfully defended before the department and approved by the committee.
7. The successful completion and defense of the dissertation. The faculty in sociology also strongly recommend:
   • One writing course (either SOC 2460: Sociology Paper Writing Seminar or a similar course approved by the graduate committee)

Requirements

• Personal Statement
• Writing Sample
• Transcripts 
• 3 Letters of Recommendation 
• GRE 
• TOEFL/IELTS 
• A non-refundable fee of $75 is charged for processing each application received by the Graduate School. This fee must be paid when the application is submitted.
• Graduates of non-U.S. colleges and universities who have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree may apply for admission to the Brown University Graduate School. Along with the application, international applicants must provide the Graduate School with original documents or official certified copies indicating the nature and scope of their educational program. 

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• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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Scholarships

• TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIPS
• RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIPS
• FELLOWSHIPS
• RESEARCH TRAVEL FUNDS

Sociology at Brown University offers a comprehensive and rigorous undergraduate program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of social structures, social change, and human behavior in various contexts. The curriculum encompasses a broad range of topics, including social theory, research methods, cultural analyses, and systemic issues such as inequality, race, gender, and globalization. Students have the opportunity to engage with both quantitative and qualitative research techniques, preparing them for diverse careers in academia, public policy, social services, nonprofit organizations, and private sector enterprises.

The program encourages critical thinking, empirical investigation, and interdisciplinary approaches, fostering an environment where students can explore complex social phenomena and develop well-rounded analytical skills. Many courses emphasize active learning, including fieldwork, case studies, and collaborative research projects. Brown's open curriculum allows students to tailor their academic journey, combining sociology with other disciplines such as anthropology, political science, history, or economics to enrich their understanding of societal issues.

Faculty members in the Sociology Department are renowned scholars dedicated to mentoring students and supporting innovative research initiatives. Undergraduates may participate in various research centers and institutes affiliated with Brown, such as the Population Studies and the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, which further enhance learning and research opportunities. The program also emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging internships, community engagement, and study abroad programs to give students real-world perspectives.

Graduates of the Sociology program at Brown are equipped with critical analytical skills, research competencies, and a nuanced understanding of social dynamics, preparing them for diverse professional paths or advanced studies in social sciences. The program's flexibility, combined with its emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches and experiential learning, makes it a leading choice for students interested in understanding the complexities of modern societies from multiple perspectives.