Department Website
Program Description
This multidisciplinary PhD program in Sociology of Education prepares graduates to analyze educational problems and issues and social change using the theoretical tools and research methods of sociology. Students are expected to become thoroughly familiar with primary perspectives, theories, and questions of the discipline of sociology and the field of sociology of education. Candidacy, dissertation proposal, and dissertation are required. The Sociology of Education PhD program is 48 credits for students who matriculate with an MA and 65 credits for students who matriculate with a baccalaureate degree only.
The program prepares professors of educational sociology for schools and colleges of education or for universities with specializations in the area of sociology as it applies to education and researchers who can conduct basic and applied research in various public and private institutions in order to advance both the practice of education and the study of sociology.
Admissions
Admission to graduate programs in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development requires the following minimum components:
- Résumé/CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation
- Transcripts
- Proficiency in English
See NYU Steinhardt's Graduate Admissions website for additional information on school-wide admission. Some programs may require additional components for admissions.
See How to Apply for admission requirements and instruction specific to this program.
Program Requirements
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| ASH-GE 3011 | Department Seminar I | 3 |
| SOED-GE 2002 | Sociology of Education | 3 |
| SOED-GE 2325 | Social and Cultural Studies in Education | 3 |
| SOED-GE 2372 | Critical Social Theory and Education | 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 9 |
| 12 |
| 12 |
| 5 |
| 3 |
| Total Credits | 65 |
Additional Program Requirements
Comprehensive Examination
After completing most of their coursework, and generally by the fall of their third year, students take an oral comprehensive examination. The exam consists of an oral examination in two areas: a list of core books and articles that our program considers to be foundational to the field of Sociology of Education and a list of readings, both theoretical and empirical, in an area of the student's specialization.
Dissertation Proposal
Once a student has passed the comprehensive exam, they advance to candidacy. At this point, they focus on preparing a dissertation proposal, which is approved by the student's dissertation committee and then by two outside readers during an oral dissertation proposal defense. Generally, the proposal is written and reviewed by the end of the third year of full-time doctoral study.
Dissertation and Final Oral Examination
During this stage the candidate will collect and analyze the data required for the dissertation, complete the writing of the dissertation, and have a final oral examination. This stage ordinarily takes one to two years when attendance is full-time.
Sample Plan of Study
Plan of Study Grid
| 1st Semester/Term |
|---|
| ASH-GE 3011 |
Department Seminar I |
3 |
| SOED-GE 2002 |
Sociology of Education |
3 |
| SOED-GE 2325 |
Social and Cultural Studies in Education |
3 |
|
3 |
| | Credits | 12 |
| 2nd Semester/Term |
|---|
| SOED-GE 2372 |
Critical Social Theory and Education |
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Credits | 12 |
| 3rd Semester/Term |
|---|
|
6 |
|
6 |
| | Credits | 12 |
| 4th Semester/Term |
|---|
|
3 |
|
6 |
|
3 |
| | Credits | 12 |
| 5th Semester/Term |
|---|
|
6 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Credits | 12 |
| 6th Semester/Term |
|---|
|
5 |
| | Credits | 5 |
| | Total Credits | 65 |
Following completion of the required coursework for the PhD, students are expected to maintain active status at New York University by enrolling in a research/writing course or a Maintain Matriculation (MAINT-GE 4747) course. All non-course requirements must be fulfilled prior to degree conferral, although the specific timing of completion may vary from student-to-student.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:
- Display an expertise in an area of specialization in the sociology of education through the production of a high-quality MA thesis.
- Think critically, undertake systematic investigations and research, and communicate effectively orally and in writing to academic and non-academic audiences.
- Ask research questions and formulate problems using a broad range of theoretical and methodological tools.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the larger social and cultural contexts that shape educational institutions and human learning.
Policies
NYU Policies
University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.
Steinhardt Academic Policies
Additional academic policies can be found the Steinhardt academic policies page.