Doctor of Philosophy - Sociology
About Our Program
The UNLV Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology program trains students in classical and cutting-edge theory and methods to foster independent research on the social world. Students can enroll in a post-bachelor’s or post-master’s track depending on their educational degrees and sociological expertise.
Through our doctoral program, students will accomplish the following:
- 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
- Experience and skill in pedagogy and postsecondary instruction
- Professional socialization
- Participation in professional organizations
- Oral presentation skills
- Familiarity with the process of academic publication of original research
- Cultivation of analytical research and writing skills that culminate in the ability to author an original doctoral dissertation of substantial depth and quality
Areas of Specialization
Our department is fairly generalist with our 17 full-time faculty specializing in a range of areas, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods and multiple theoretical orientations. We value many forms of sociology, including academic research, but also teaching and public sociology. Our ten areas of specialization are:
- Culture
- Deviance and criminology
- Environment and health
- Family, aging, and the life course
- Gender and sexuality
- Politics and social movements
- Race and ethnic studies
- Social psychology and theory
- Urban and community studies
- Population and demography studies
Career Opportunities
Our doctoral graduates have secured positions in the academy, industry, and public sector. Our graduates are professors, prestigious government and industry roles including state agency officials, university administrative directors, institutional research fellows, corporate executives, and a Las Vegas city councilman and mayor pro tem. Students are prepared for the workforce with opportunities to develop their CV and expertise, including skills such as sociological imagination, critical thinking, analytical reasoning, quantitative and qualitative methods, oral and written communication, and problem solving.
Student Experience
UNLV Ph.D. program students receive active and supportive student-centered mentorship in research, teaching, service, and professionalization. Our program offers structured spaces for graduate student input and values the role of Ph.D. students in our department culture. As a department, we value many forms of sociology, including academic research, teaching, and public sociology.
“UNLV’s Ph.D. in Sociology transformed the way I think and work. Its renowned and supportive faculty deeply shaped my structured, analytical thinking. The program’s quantitative training laid the foundation for the rigorous work I do today in analyzing health disparities. Publishing with faculty, along with research and teaching experience, helped launch my career in epidemiology.”Erick López, Class of 2020
