PhD Sociology Admission

PhD Sociology or Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology is a Doctorate Sociology course. Sociology is the study of human cultures, communities, and societies. The PhD program in sociology is based on advanced courses in research methods, statistical inference and sociological theory. Studying sociology not only increases the understanding of human society but also helps to classify human social behavior systematically. Sociology (the science of society) assists an individual in understanding himself, his capacities, talents, and limitations. It tells us why man is a social animal, and why he lives in groups, communities, and societies. The minimum duration of the course is three years and the maximum is five years. The course enhances candidates' academic value along with opening various career scopes.

Benefits of PhD in Sociology

1. Although only a small percentage of sociology graduate students typically pursue a PhD, also known as a Doctor of Philosophy, those who gain coveted degrees from additional mentoring experiences.

2. Sociology helps in building the ability of the students to know the interrelationships between different parameters and see different aspects of a scenario. They learn to see the social structure as a whole through an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to society and human interaction, which is sought in administration, marketing, law, and other fields.

3. The program adopts an observational strategy for granting, and weights research, building understanding in assessment and methods of both subjective and quantitative examination. It helps them to build the range of capabilities required for future professions such as academics, research, performance, corporate, etc.

4. Sociological preparation and exploration develop delicate abilities and enthusiastic knowledge and help them grow from their network into powerful individuals. It encourages students to work individually and in groups and provides efficient preparation and the ability to gather data, examine information, and turn it into a fair and strong argument.

Eligibility Criteria for PhD Sociology

For PhD Sociology course admission, students must understand the eligibility criteria as well as all PhD Sociology course details. To be eligible for the PhD Sociology course, students must have completed their postgraduate studies at a UGC-approved university.

Furthermore, many colleges and universities hold entrance exams to determine which students are qualified for the course. Other colleges, on the other hand, require students to have a minimum of 55 % in their post-graduation. There is no upper age limit for this course.

Why study PhD in Sociology course?

Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology also offers opportunities in the social sector, such as the development of neighborhood and community service, or in social policy areas dealing with children, youth, aging, women's issues, and programs.

Sociology provides a wealth of knowledge on society, social institutions, social action, social interaction, social relations, social change, and the causes and consequences of human behavior, and is, therefore, excellent preparation for life as a whole.

The Doctorate course provides cross-cultural understanding, particularly regarding racial, ethnic, and gender differences in values, attitudes, and approaches to work.

Candidates also have a good teaching option both privately and on a regular basis in schools and colleges/universities.

The candidate will develop research skills such as the ability to identify an issue or research question, design a study to find answers, design the correct instruments, code and interpret the results, and report on the findings (orally and in writing).

The candidate will get to analyze, synthesize, and interpret knowledge, especially problem-solving and sharp, critical thinking.

Earning a PhD in sociology offers students a better understanding of individual and cultural attitudes, opening the door to a wide variety of occupations involving studying complex social issues. Although many graduates remain in academia as researchers in sociology or as professors, a PhD may also allow career advancement in areas such as social work and market research.

Syllabus For PhD in Sociology

The course has a variable time duration of 3 years to 5 years and the syllabus is divided into various papers of areas related to the discipline of sociology. The PhD course work shall involve three papers:

• Research Methodology
• Recent Trends in Sociological Theory
• Anyone of the following optional papers based on specialization
• Industry and Society
• Indian Society: Poverty and Social Inequalities
• Environmental Sociology
• Sociology of Mass Communication and Information Society
• Social Demography
• Sociology of Migration
• Social Movements in India
• Gender and Society

The section-wise syllabus of the PhD in Sociology course is listed below:

PhD Sociology Syllabus Section I

• The meaning and characteristics of sociological theory
• Type of theories
• Relationship between theory and research

PhD Sociology Syllabus Section II

• Structural-functionalism
• The emergence of functionalism
• Functional dimensions of social system: Talcott Parsons
• Codification of functional analysis: Robert King Merton

PhD Sociology Syllabus Section III

• Conflict theory
• Marx critique and dialectics of conflict: Ralf Dahrendorf
• Conflict functionalism: Lewis Coser
• The power elite: C. Wright Mills

PhD Sociology Syllabus Section IV

• Interactionist perspective
• Symbolic interactionism: Herbert Mead
• Phenomenological sociology: Alfred Schutz
• Ethnomethodology: Harold Garfinkel

PhD Sociology Syllabus Section V

• Structuralism, post-structuralism, and post-modernism
• Anthropological structuralism: Claude Levi-Strauss
• Deconstruction: Jacques Derrida
• Relationship between knowledge and power: Michel Foucault

Popular Entrance Exams PhD in Sociology

1. UGC NET
2. UGC CSIR NET
3. GATE
4. SLET

How to prepare for the PhD Sociology Entrance Exam?

To prepare for these entrance exams you need to study the below-given points:

1. Family structure, Social Stratification: Caste, Class, and Gender; Religion
2. The socio-historical and intellectual background of Sociology
3. Concepts of Modernization, Westernization, and Sanskritization.
4. Issues pertaining to economic and social development
5. Issues in sustainable development and ecology.
6. Approaches to the study of social phenomena; Primary and secondary data
7. Fieldwork and survey; Statistical tools (measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, correlation, the test of significance, reliability, and validity).
8. Communalism; Corruption; Globalization, Social Inequality, and Poverty, Democracy.
9. Some Suggested Readings for sociology are also mentioned here fr reference:
10. Giddens, Anthony.Sociology. Polity Press
11. Haralambos, M Sociology: Themes and Perspectives. Oxford University Press
12. Singh, Yogendra. Modernization of Indian Tradition. Rawat Publication
13. Srinivas, M. N. Caste in Modern India and Other Essays. Asia Publishing House

How To Get Admission for PhD Sociology?

PhD Sociology admission is available through both an entrance examination and a merit-based selection process. Many universities provide both direct and entrance exam-based admission to PhD Sociology programs.

Candidates applying for a PhD in Sociology should have their results from the respective entrance exam boards required by the universities they have chosen. Though the admission process varies by college, the steps that one should generally take to gain admission are as follows.

PhD Sociology How to Apply?

PhD Sociology degree course applications are available online through the University website or in person at the Admissions Office. Furthermore, some colleges may conduct interviews prior to admissions to determine whether students have good communication skills.

Candidates applying for the PhD Sociology program should bring all required documents, such as class 12 results, BA results, ID verification, and an SOP, to the entrance exam.

PhD Sociology Selection Process

Regardless of specialization, the selection process for PhD Sociology courses in India is usually the same. In general, once an application for a course is received, colleges decide on the final selection of candidates based on their performance in the entrance exams. Following the procedure, candidates are interviewed in person by the university. Furthermore, the merit obtained by the candidates in their degrees is important.

PhD in Sociology Admission Process

The PhD in the Sociology admission process is based on both merit and entrance examinations conducted by the university/college offering the course or merit-based. Personal Interview rounds are conducted. Admission to a PhD program is also possible at any time during the year through advertising the program in Employment News/web portals/newspapers.

Reservations apply to SC / ST / EWS / OBC NCL / PwD candidates as per Govt. of India rules.

PhD in Sociology Merit-Based Admission :

• Institute/College may specify a higher credit requirement for their PhD program.
• It may also require an individual scholar to complete a larger number of credits based on their background and preparation level.
• The Selection Committee will call eligible candidates possessing the minimum educational qualifications and satisfying additional and stiffer criteria set from time to time, for an interview and/or test.
• Based on the academic record and the performance of the candidates in the interview and/or test, the Selection Committee will recommend the names of candidates found suitable for admission.

PhD in Sociology Entrance-Based Admission :

National-level entrance exams such as UGC NET / UGC CSIR NET / GATE / SLET or University entrance exams consisting of written exams and personal interviews.

• Candidates need to register to the official website by providing their email id, mobile number, and password.
• Fill up the online form with personal and academic details and course details.
• Upload all the scanned documents like the candidate’s Photograph, Signature, Photo Identification, mark sheets, caste certificate, etc.
• Payment of the application fees using a Net banking, debit/credit card.
• Submission of the application fee and form, submit and download the form for future reference.
• Admit cards will be issued to the eligible students based on the information provided by candidates.
• On the given exam date, candidates will have to appear for the same.
• On the announcement of results, based on the marks obtained by the students and institutes cut off, seats and academic records of the candidate’s seats are allocated.
• Candidates who have appeared and qualified for National level entrance exams are exempted from university-level exams but they have to appear for a personal interview round.
• Based on their performance admission is offered.

Job Prospects After Completed PhD in Sociology 

1. Sociologists
2. Market Research Analysts
3. Management Consultants
4. Social and Community Service Managers
5. Research Officer
6. Social Workers
7. Community Counselor
8. Sociology Professors
9. Demographer

Career Options After PhD Sociology Graduation

There are plenty of jobs available for students looking for a career in Humanities and Social Sciences. The job roles will differ PhD Sociology depending on the specialization that one has opted for. PhD Sociology graduates have abundant job opportunities with good salary packages that include the following fields:

1. Advertising
2. Law
3. Broadcast
4. Library and Information Science
5. Business Process Outsourcing Units
6. Policing
7. Civil Services
8. International Relations
9. Social Work
10. Journalism and Mass Communication

Future Scope of PhD in Sociology 

A PhD in Sociology is the highest degree a person can obtain.

In terms of recognition, there are also fellowships of professional societies that are given to senior academics, while these are all prestigious, those from national academies are more prestigious than those from subject-specific societies.

The career is diverse in terms of the specializations from which one might choose.

There will be quite some opportunities once you have completed your education.

Research institutes, the criminal justice system, public health and welfare organizations, private companies, law firms, foreign agencies, medical centers, educational institutions, advertising firms, surveys, and polling organizations are only some of the examples where people from this context are needed.

Sociologists are trained to understand and affect different cultures, ethnicity, religion, gender, etc. Thus, government organizations trust workers with experience in fields such as sociology to tackle issues within society that other communities face.

In this field, expertise in understanding social relations, social behavior, and society is in demand because the media reflects and influences society and culture. One might work with advertising firms, publishing houses, or as a specialist in public relations. One might consider being a journalist too.

Pursue lectures in various colleges and universities.

Sociologists are in demand in the Corporate Social Responsibility Sector (CSR) to promote practices related to environmental protection, public welfare, workers, communities, and other stakeholders.