PhD in Sociology - Policy Analysis 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, others come from various academic units. Students may choose any field faculty member as their advisor. Prospective applicants should examine faculty research specialties and consider contacting relevant professors, though admission decisions aren't tied to specific faculty or labs.

During their initial year, sociology doctoral candidates complete core theory and methodology courses before selecting two specialization areas from the options below. These concentrations allow students to build expertise - they may choose two major focus areas or combine one major with one minor concentration.

Following first-year coursework, students undertake two concentration exams and develop a Qualifying Paper - an original research article suitable for journal submission. Successful completion leads to Doctoral Candidacy, typically achieved by full-time students in their third year. Subsequent milestones include developing a dissertation proposal, completing dissertation research, and defending the final work.

Modern sociology increasingly intersects with social policy domains including public health and governmental policy. Specializing students must understand both the practical dimensions of policy analysis and the research methodologies used to evaluate social factors in policy-related challenges.