Emory University

What you'll study

Coursework and training are designed to build a strong theoretical grounding and methodological toolkit before students focus on dissertation research. Typical elements include:

• Foundations in Social Theory — advanced seminars on classical and contemporary theory, debates in macro- and micro-sociology, and theoretical approaches to inequality and social change.
• Research Methods — intensive training in quantitative methods (statistics, causal inference, survey design, longitudinal analysis) and qualitative methods (ethnography, interviewing, content analysis), plus mixed-methods integration.
• Statistics and Data Analysis — courses in multivariate analysis, modeling, and computational approaches to social data, often with applied lab components.
• Substantive Specialisations — elective seminars and reading groups in areas such as race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, health and medicine, migration, urban sociology, social movements and organisations.
• Professional Development — training in teaching, grant-writing, publishing, and presentation skills; opportunities to gain teaching experience through assistantships.
• Comprehensive Exams and Dissertation — students complete qualifying/comprehensive examinations or preparatory portfolios before embarking on an original doctoral dissertation under the guidance of a faculty committee.

Entry requirements

Applicants should demonstrate strong academic preparation and a clear potential for independent research. Typical application components include:

• Graduate or undergraduate degree in sociology or a related social science; applicants holding only a bachelor’s degree may be considered if they show exceptional preparation and research experience.
• A statement of purpose that outlines research interests, training needs and career goals.
• Academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Letters of recommendation, normally from academic referees familiar with the applicant’s research and scholarly potential.
• A writing sample demonstrating analytical and scholarly ability (for example, a term paper or master’s thesis chapter).
• Standardised test requirements follow university and graduate school policy; applicants should consult the programme for current guidance.
• Relevant research experience, methods training, or publications are advantageous; prior teaching experience is also valued for those seeking teaching assistantships.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD in Sociology from Emory pursue a range of careers that leverage advanced social-scientific skills. Common pathways include:

• Academic careers as tenure-track faculty and postdoctoral researchers in sociology and related departments.
• Research positions in think-tanks, policy institutes, non-governmental organisations and international agencies, focusing on social policy, inequality, health, migration and urban issues.
• Applied research and data science roles in the public and private sectors, where quantitative and qualitative expertise informs programme evaluation, market analysis and social impact assessment.
• Leadership and analytic roles in government agencies and public health organisations addressing social determinants of health, community development and social services.

Why study at Emory University

Emory offers a sociological doctoral experience that is both research-intensive and collaborative. The department is noted for strengths in areas such as race and ethnicity, health and medical sociology, migration and inequality, and methodological training. Located in Atlanta, Emory provides access to diverse urban communities, policy organisations and research partners, allowing students to conduct locally grounded and comparative research. Doctoral students benefit from close mentorship, interdisciplinary centres and resources, and opportunities for teaching and funded research assistantships that support progression from coursework to independent scholarship.