PhD in Sociology at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
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    PhD in Sociology at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    United States of America
    United States of America, Paradise
    PhD in Sociology at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers the PhD of Sociology as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Paradise , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for sociology and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 28, 2027.

    About PhD in Sociology

    The Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology offers programs designed for both students holding a bachelor's degree in sociology or a closely related discipline who have a strong record of academic success, are likely to be highly successful in graduate school, and who have a professional interest in, and commitment to, earning a doctorate in Sociology and for students who have already earned a Master's degree in Sociology or a closely related discipline, and who can demonstrate evidence of substantial expertise in Sociology. This program trains students in advanced sociological concepts and applications, as well as advanced theoretical and methodological frameworks for conducting original research. In addition, students develop at least 2 advanced areas of specialization from among the department's core areas of specialization. Sociology doctoral students also have the opportunity to participate in our pedagogy and postsecondary teacher training program.

    Graduates of this program are well prepared for academic research and teaching positions, as well as careers in applied and community sociology. Educational outcomes for our doctoral program include: development of expertise in both classical and contemporary sociological theories, mastery of both quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis, development of specialized expert knowledge in at least two substantive areas, professional socialization, participation in professional organizations, oral presentation skills, familiarity with the process of academic publication of original research, and cultivation of analytical research and writing skills that culminate in the ability to author an original doctoral dissertation of substantial depth and quality.

    Available Options

    • Post-Bachelor's Track
    • Post-Master's Track

    Ph.D.'s in Sociology will have knowledge of:

    Key Concepts, Debates, and Trends in Sociology
    Demonstrate an understanding of the discipline of sociology, key concepts, debates and trends and how these contribute to our understanding of social reality.
    • Students can demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of basic concepts in sociology: culture, social change, socialization, stratification, social structure, institutions, and differentiations by race/ethnicity, gender, age, and class.
    • Students can articulate an understanding of how culture and social structure operate.
    • Students can articulate the reciprocal relationships between individuals and society.
    • Students can articulate the macro/micro distinction.
    • Students can articulate the internal diversity of the United States and its place in the international context.
    Major Sociological Paradigms and Theories
    Demonstrate the role of theory in sociology:
    • Define theory and describe its role in building sociological knowledge.
    • Compare and contrast basic theoretical orientations and paradigms.
    • Demonstrate the historical/cultural context in which these theories were developed.
    Methods used in Sociological Research
    Demonstrate understanding of the role of evidence in qualitative and quantitative methods in sociology:
    • Identify basic methodological approaches and describe the general role of methods in building sociological knowledge.
    • Compare and contrast the basic methodological approaches for gathering data.
    • Design research studies in an area of choice and explain why various decisions were made.
    • Critically assess published research and explain how the studies could have been improved.

     

    Disciplines

    College of Liberal Arts

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Sociology at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    Entry Requirements

    While each graduate program has unique admissions standards, the Graduate College maintains minimum standards for graduate admission. All advanced degree and certificate program applicants must meet these eligibility requirements to be considered for admission. Immigration status does not impact admission to UNLV.

    1. Bachelor’s Degree – You must hold a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, or an approved international equivalent.
    2. Grade Point Average – You must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 (4.00=A) for your bachelor’s degree, or a minimum 3.00 (4.00=A) for the last two years (60 semester hours).
    3. Additional Requirements – Factors that may also be considered by the academic department to which you are applying include test scores (like the GRE or GMAT), the type of course work completed during undergraduate studies, letters of recommendation, writing samples or portfolios, and any other supporting documents your department/program may ask you to submit to complete your application.
    4. International Applicants: Proof of English Proficiency – The application process for international students is the same as for domestic students, with the exception of submitting proof of English Proficiency.
    5. Transcripts – All applicants are required to submit a transcript from each postsecondary institution attended, showing all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades received. If the institution is outside the U.S., a foreign credential evaluation may be required. Please review our foreign credential evaluations page for additional guidelines, information, and requirements.
      Credentials not in English must be accompanied by an English translation certified as true by a university official, an official representative of a United States embassy or consulate, the United States Information Service, the United States Education Foundation, or an approved professional translating service. Notarized copies of originals or translations are not considered official.

    Credentials from China: Students who have completed a degree in China must provide copies of the original language transcripts and a copy of their Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate. Documents verified by the Center for Student Services and Development (CSSD) or the China Academic Degree and Graduate information Center (CDGDC) are also accepted. 

    Credentials from India: Consolidated marks sheets are acceptable if yearly mark sheets are not available. Mark sheets must also be issued by the degree-granting institution. Mark sheets from affiliated colleges, are not acceptable or considered official. Students who have completed a degree in India must also provide a copy of their Provisional Certificate.

    Please note that the aforementioned requirements are the minimum requirements established and monitored by the Graduate College. Meeting the minimum admissions requirements is a necessary but not sufficient condition of admission. Admission decisions are based on applicants meeting the minimum Graduate College requirements and a more extensive and holistic departmental review, which considers a combination of factors, including indicators of success based upon academic degrees and records, the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores, relevant work experience, and the like.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 65
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 80

    Career Opportunities after Completing PhD in Sociology

    Ph.D.'s in Sociology will be able to:

    Show Evidence of the Development of a Sociological Imagination
    Apply sociological knowledge, principles, concepts and the sociological imagination to their own projects.
    Exhibit Confidence in Expressing Ideas Orally and in Writing
    Students can demonstrate critical thinking:
    • Demonstrate skills in recall, analysis and application, and synthesis and evaluation.
    • Identify underlying assumptions in theoretical orientations or arguments.
    • Identify underlying assumptions in particular methodological approaches to an issue.
    • Show how patterns of thought and knowledge are directly influenced by political and economic social structures.
    • Present opposing viewpoints and alternative hypotheses. Engage in teamwork where many different points of view are presented.
    Students will develop sound research practices:
    • Articulate the utility of the sociological perspective as one of several perspectives on social reality.
    • Present their work at peer-attended regional, national, and international conferences.
    • Publish their work in peer-reviewed regional, national, and international journals or books.

    Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Sociology at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    Application Fee 95

    How to Apply for PhD in Sociology at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    1. Review Admission Requirements – Review requirements for advanced degree and certificate program applicants. Be sure to check your department of interest as well because departmental requirements vary. Please note that only degree-seeking students are eligible for I-20/student visas and graduate assistantships. Certificate programs are not considered degree-seeking. However, with proper approval students may be enrolled concurrently in both degree and certificate programs.
    2. Application Procedures – To apply to the Graduate College, submit the following admission materials for consideration:
      • A completed application. Complete the application online.
      • A nonrefundable admission application fee of $95, payable online by credit card or by check/money order, to the Board of Regents, UNLV.

        *Note: Applications and materials will not be processed until the application fee is received. Applicants to any UNLV graduate program must pay the admission application evaluation fee for each application filed. Denied applicants, who later seek admission to the same or other UNLV degree program, are required to pay an additional application fee.
    3. Additional Graduate College Application Materials – If needed, send any additional Graduate College admission materials (for example: your admission receipt with your check payment; your transcripts if you did not upload them into your online application; or your official transcripts upon admission; etc.) to:

      Office of Admissions

      University of Nevada, Las Vegas
      Mail Stop: 1021
      4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.
      Las Vegas, NV 89154

    4. Additional Materials for your Department & Degree Program Application – Submit any additional department-required admission materials by uploading them into your online application. Please check with your graduate program of interest and refer to the application checklist on the Home tab of your Grad Rebel Gateway account in order to determine their specific admission requirements prior to submitting your online application.
    5. Financial Certification Requirement – Submit Financial Certification form and Bank Letter to the Graduate College.
      Before an I-20 can be issued, all international students must submit a completed Financial Certification form and bank letter. Even if you anticipate receiving a Graduate Assistantship, you must submit the Financial Certification form and bank letter.
      • Confidential Financial Certification
    PhD in Sociology at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    United States of America

    United States of America, Paradise

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