PhD in Sociology - Study of Religion in Davis United States | University of California Davis

UC Davis's Sociology Ph.D. program focuses on thorough training in sociological theory and research methods as the foundation for quality academic work. Graduate students in sociology are motivated to engage in research projects from the early stages of their studies. The curriculum covers specialized topics including group dynamics and social activism, cultural comparisons across history, gender studies, economic sociology, legal systems, social norms and regulation, political sociology, psychological aspects of society, racial and ethnic studies, migration patterns, and urban community structures. Graduates develop both qualitative and quantitative expertise required for academic research and instruction in sociology. Admission to the graduate program leads directly to Ph.D. candidacy, with the master's degree earned during progress toward the doctorate. Advancement in the Ph.D. program depends on successfully meeting all M.A. degree benchmarks.

The Designated Emphasis in Religion Studies offers graduate students a cross-disciplinary perspective on how religious concepts have evolved historically and how these ideas shape fundamental modes of thinking, action, and self-identification globally, particularly in Western societies. Instead of treating religion as a static influence on other evolving domains (such as arts, culture, or social systems), this program examines religious studies as a dynamic, context-dependent field that actively shapes its subjects of investigation.