Columbia University

What you'll study

The PhD is structured to combine advanced disciplinary study with intensive methodological training and dissertation research. In the early years students typically take coursework in core substantive fields (for example: comparative and urban sociology, political theory and behaviour, economic approaches to social questions, and anthropological methods) alongside formal courses in quantitative and qualitative methods, research design and statistics.

Progression normally includes passing one or more qualifying or field examinations to demonstrate mastery of chosen literatures and methods, completing any required teaching practicum, and developing a dissertation proposal. The central component is an original doctoral dissertation under the supervision of one or more faculty advisors. Students are encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary projects and often draw on seminars, centres and workshops across Columbia’s schools.

• Core topic areas: political institutions and behaviour, social stratification and inequality, urban studies, culture and identity, development and globalisation, demography and population studies.
• Methodology and methods: advanced statistics, causal inference, survey and experimental methods, ethnography, archival and historical methods, computational social science.
• Research training: research design, grant writing, data collection and management, publication practice and peer review preparation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a strong undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline; many applicants also hold a master’s degree or prior research experience. Successful candidates typically demonstrate clear research interests, strong academic performance, and potential for independent scholarly work.

Applications normally require:

• a detailed statement of purpose outlining research interests and fit with faculty expertise,
• academic transcripts,
• curriculum vitae,
• several academic letters of recommendation from people familiar with the applicant’s research potential,
• a writing sample demonstrating scholarly or analytic ability,
• evidence of English language proficiency if applicable.

Admission is competitive and based on the overall strength of the application and match with faculty supervision. Applicants should consult the programme’s admissions webpage for any additional or updated requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of a social-science PhD typically pursue careers in several sectors. Many enter academic careers as postdoctoral researchers, lecturers and tenure-track faculty in sociology, political science, anthropology or related departments. Others move to research-focused roles in policy institutes, think tanks, international organisations, government agencies and non-governmental organisations where they apply research skills to public policy and program evaluation.

There is also demand in the private sector for doctoral-level social scientists in roles that require advanced data analysis, survey design, evaluation research and applied social research—such as market and public-opinion research firms, data analytics teams, foundations and corporate social responsibility units.

Why study at Columbia University

Columbia offers an intellectually rich environment with access to a wide range of disciplinary departments, professional schools and research centres. Being in New York City provides unparalleled opportunities for fieldwork, partnerships with public institutions and NGOs, and engagement with diverse communities and data sources.

Students benefit from faculty who are active researchers in their fields, interdisciplinary centres and institutes (for example those focused on population research, social and economic policy, and urban studies), extensive library and archival collections, and a cohort of doctoral peers across the social sciences. The university also provides structured mentoring, funding support packages and professional development resources to prepare students for academic and non-academic careers.