PhD in Sociology in Boston United States | Northeastern University

The PhD program accepts a limited number of students annually, enabling close faculty mentorship. Each doctoral candidate receives comprehensive five-year funding covering living expenses, tuition, and healthcare (refer to Financial Aid and Awards section). Faculty and graduate students collaborate across various interdisciplinary initiatives, such as the Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute, Brudnick Center on Violence and Conflict, Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy, Urban Health Research Institute, Environmental Justice Research Collaborative, Institute on Race and Justice, Network Science Institute, NULab for Texts, Maps and Networks, and Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program. Sociology and Anthropology faculty often hold cross-disciplinary appointments in environmental studies, law and policy, Latin American studies, African American studies, international affairs, Jewish studies, and criminal justice. Students interested in interdisciplinary work can consult the sociology graduate director or advisors for faculty connections.
With strong interdisciplinary ties and a focus on applied knowledge, our Sociology department addresses critical global challenges—from healthcare inequities and climate change effects to issues of racial/gender inclusion, economic inequality, labor rights, and migrant integration.

Our rigorous program provides methodological, theoretical, and substantive training that fosters analytical skills, social consciousness, and a global perspective on inequality and justice.