PhD in Sociology - Gender in Ithaca United States | Cornell University

The Sociology Graduate Field accepts approximately 6-7 PhD candidates annually, maintaining a total enrollment of around 40 students. These graduate students receive guidance from over 30 distinguished Sociology Graduate Field Faculty members spanning Cornell University. While many faculty hold primary appointments in the Sociology Department, students may choose advisors from across this diverse group. Prospective applicants should examine faculty research specialties and consider contacting relevant professors, though admission decisions are made holistically rather than for specific faculty collaborations.

First-year sociology PhD students begin with core theory and methods coursework before selecting two specialization areas from the options below. These concentrations may include either two major focuses or one major and one minor focus. Following their first year, students complete two concentration exams and develop a Qualifying Paper - an original, publishable research article. Successful completion leads to Doctoral Candidacy, typically achieved by the third year's start. The subsequent phases include developing a dissertation proposal, conducting dissertation research, and defending the final work.

Gender specialization requires in-depth understanding of how sex and gender influence identity formation, social interactions, institutional experiences, and life trajectories including family, career, and health outcomes. Students in this concentration must demonstrate mastery of contemporary gender theory and methodological innovations within sociological research on gender.