Public Policy and Sociology

Degree Requirements for the Public Policy & Sociology PhD Program

Sociology Specific Course and Exam Requirements

• Introduction to Graduate Studies: SOC 500
   
• Theories and Practice of Sociology: SOC 505 and SOC 506
   
• Logics and Strategies of Sociological Research Inquiry: SOC 507
   
• Statistical Methods I & II: SOC 510 and SOC 610
   
• Research/Methods Practicum: Students must complete one semester of a research practicum that provides the full range of practical experiences with a research strategy. Students must complete at least one of the following courses:
  • Qualitative Research Methods: SOC 522 or 523
  • Comparative and Historical Methods: SOC 532 or 533
  • Quantitative Practicum: SOC 542 or 543
  • Survey Methodology: SURMETH 600, 672, or 673
• Elective Courses: Students must take a minimum of three substantive, topical courses within Sociology. 
   

Public Policy Specific Course Requirements

• Microeconomics (1 course; 3 credits): students typically take PUBPOL 555, but may petition the PhD Program Director to allow another course to count toward this requirement.
   
• Policy Institutions (1 course; 3 credits): students often take a 600 level Political Science course, but students may petition the PhD Program Director to allow another course to count toward this requirement.
   
• Program Evaluation (1 course, 3 credits): students typically take PUBPOL 639. Students may petition the PhD Program Director to allow another course to count toward this requirement.
   
• Substantive Policy Area (2 courses; 6 credits total): at least one of these courses must be taken outside the student's home social science department. Both courses must be approved by the PhD program director.
   
• Policy Seminar (4 semesters; 1 credit per semester): PUBPOL 810 meets bi-weekly and students are required to enroll in this course during their first two years in the PhD program.

Additionally, all students must fulfill the Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship (RCRS) requirement. Students typically take SOC 899 (or its equivalent) to satisfy this requirement.

 

Typical Plan for Public Policy & Political Science Students