Graduate Study in Sociology at BU
Overview
Sociology
at
Boston University offers an active program at the master's
and doctoral levels in preparation for careers in research, teaching,
and applied sociology.
The
program emphasizes core knowledge and theory as well as
rigor and innovation in research. The research and teaching interests
of the faculty facilitate diverse research agendas for students. They
span
a number of
theoretical and methodological approaches, and numerous substantive and
topical interests. The department has particular strengths in theory, the
sociology of religion, community & urban sociology,
race & ethnicity, organizations, comparative-historical sociology,
political sociology, and transnational-global sociology.
Recent dissertations and current work have explored such topics as the
cultural
significance of Fenway Park; the post-war coping practices of
Cambodian widows; the effects of race and class on
women's experience of domestic violence; Weber's analysis of law;
networks and attainment among Latinas in Boston's public housing units;
the social determinants of technological innovations at research and
development laboratories; well-being among American and Soviet-born
Jewish elders; altruism in Argentina; discrimination as the practical
negotiation of
structures; and AIDS among youth in Malawi.
In
addition to
the Ph.D. program in Sociology, the Department of Sociology and the
School of Social Work offer an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program in
sociology and social work. Information concerning this program may be
obtained from the School of Social Work at 264 Bay State Road, Boston,
MA 02215.
Master of Arts
The master's program requires eight semester courses including ones in
theory and in research methods. Comprehensive examinations in methods
are required, and a master's thesis. The M.A. degree normally requires
one-and-a-half to two years of full-time study.
Doctor of Philosophy
At Boston University, the goal of the Ph.D. program is to produce
well-rounded sociologists capable of advancing knowledge in the field
through research, teaching and practice. The Ph.D. program is research
oriented and requires study in two substantive areas, in addition to
general competence in theory and methods. The program involves
course work and writing, demonstration of language skills, extensive
private reading, and varied research experiences.
Students who have already completed an M.A. or its equivalent apply for
the “Post-Master’s Doctor of Philosophy” and are usually required to
take eight seminars. All other students apply for the
“Post-Bachelor’s Doctor of Philosophy” and take sixteen seminars,
covering theory, methods, statistics, their two substantive focus
areas, and electives. In addition to coursework, all Ph.D.
candidates must demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language, write a
Critical Essay that surveys their two designated fields of
specialization, pass the Comprehensive Oral Exam, write and secure
approval of a Dissertation Prospectus, and write and defend a
Dissertation at a Final Oral Examination.
Post-Bachelor's Doctor of Philosophy
Progress in the program is shown by passing through six stages: (1)
satisfying courses (usually 16), (2) a proficiency in a foreign
language, (3) writing a Critical Essay; (4) passing the Comprehensive
Oral Exam; (5) writing and securing approval of the Dissertation
Prospectus, and (6) writing and defending the dissertation at a Final
Oral Examination.
Post-Master's Doctor of Philosophy
The Ph.D. program is research oriented and requires study in two
substantive areas, in addition to general competence in theory and
methods. Formal requirements include (1) an M.A. or its equivalent, (2)
satisfying courses (usually 8), (3) a proficiency in a foreign
language, (4) writing a Critical Essay; (5) passing the Comprehensive
Oral Exam; (6) writing and securing approval of the Dissertation
Prospectus, and (7) writing and defending the dissertation at a Final
Oral Examination.
department
of sociology
boston university
96 cummington street
boston, MA 02215
tel 617.353.2591
fax 617.353.4837
e-mai socinfo@bu.edu
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