PhD in Sociology - Race, Ethnicity and Immigration 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 different academic units. Students may choose advisors from any faculty member within the Graduate Field. Prospective applicants should examine faculty research specialties and contact relevant professors, though admission decisions are made holistically rather than for specific faculty collaborations.

During their initial year, sociology doctoral candidates complete core theory and methodology coursework before selecting two specialization areas from the options below. These concentrations allow students to build expertise - either through two major focuses or one major and one minor concentration.

Following first-year requirements, students complete two concentration exams and produce a Qualifying Paper - an original, publishable research article. Successful completion leads to Doctoral Candidacy, typically achieved by the third year. The subsequent phases include developing a dissertation proposal, conducting dissertation research, and defending the final work.

Specializing students examine racial/ethnic identities and immigration dynamics, analyzing either individual experiences or broader societal patterns. This concentration requires mastery of contemporary scholarship and relevant research methodologies for studying race, ethnicity, migration status, and their societal impacts.