University of San Francisco

What you'll study

The PhD programme emphasises advanced sociological theory, methodological training, and sustained dissertation research. Early years combine coursework and seminars in classical and contemporary social theory, advanced qualitative and quantitative methods, and specialised substantive fields. Students normally complete core seminars in:

• Sociological Theory — in-depth study of classical and contemporary theoretical traditions and their application to empirical research.
• Research Methods — advanced qualitative methods (ethnography, oral history, narrative, discourse analysis) and quantitative methods (multivariate analysis, longitudinal methods), with instruction in research design and ethics.
• Social Inequality and Race — courses addressing structures and processes of inequality, race and ethnicity, migration, and intersectionality.
• Urban and Community Studies — urban processes, spatial inequality, community organisations and policy, reflecting the programme's engagement with the San Francisco context.
• Gender and Families or other substantive electives

Beyond required seminars, students take elective seminars tailored to their research interests, participate in research practica, and engage in teaching training. The programme culminates in comprehensive examinations (written and/or oral, depending on the student's plan of study) and a doctoral dissertation based on original research, supervised by a faculty advisor and committee. Opportunities exist for interdisciplinary study and collaboration with allied departments, centres, and community partners.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master's degree (such as an MA in Sociology or a closely related social science) or an outstanding bachelor's degree with substantial research experience. Typical application components include:

• Academic transcripts demonstrating strong performance in previous degree(s).
• Letters of recommendation (usually three) from academic referees who can speak to research potential.
• Statement of purpose outlining research interests, fit with the department, and potential faculty mentors.
• Writing sample that demonstrates analytic and research skills (for example, a master's thesis chapter, research paper, or substantial term paper).
• CV or résumé detailing academic and research experience.

Admission is competitive and decisions are based on evidence of readiness for doctoral-level research, alignment with faculty expertise, and capacity for sustained independent scholarship. Applicants whose first language is not English may need to meet the university's English proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Sociology pursue a range of careers in academia and beyond. Common pathways include:

• Academic roles — tenure-track faculty positions in sociology and related social science departments, as well as teaching and research positions at colleges and universities.
• Research positions — roles in think-tanks, policy institutes, and research centres conducting social research, program evaluation, and policy analysis.
• Public sector and NGOs — leadership, analyst, or advisory positions in government agencies, non-profit organisations, and community-based organisations focused on urban policy, social services, and equity initiatives.
• Private sector and consulting — social research, user research, data analysis, and consulting roles that require strong methodological and critical thinking skills.

The programme's emphasis on methodological breadth, community engagement, and theoretical rigour prepares graduates for roles that require advanced research design, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and public scholarship.

Why study at University of San Francisco

USF's Department of Sociology is shaped by the university's Jesuit commitment to social justice, service, and ethical scholarship. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, the department offers unique access to diverse urban communities, policy institutions, and non-profit organisations, providing rich settings for empirical research and community-engaged projects.

Faculty strengths span urban sociology, migration, race and ethnicity, inequality, and qualitative methods, enabling close mentorship and collaborative research opportunities. The programme fosters interdisciplinary connections across public policy, law, ethnic studies, and urban planning, and supports professional development through teaching preparation, research practica, and conference participation.

Prospective doctoral students who seek rigorous training in sociological theory and methods, combined with an applied orientation toward social equity and community partnership, will find USF a supportive environment for developing impactful, publishable research and building an academic or public-interest career.