Students and Their Support

The department has a large and active graduate program. We are primarily a Ph.D. program, although the M.A. is available en route to the Ph.D.  We typically admit 12 to 15 new students each year and have a total of 70 to 80 students enrolled in any given semester.  Students are expected to be full-time while completing their coursework.  The department generally offers 12 to 15 graduate seminars per semester.  The department’s undergraduate program is among the largest in the United States, with approximately 400 sociology majors.

Most graduate students are supported financially by sources connected with the department.  Nearly all research and teaching assistantships as well as fellowships include tuition waivers and benefits.  In 2009-2010, stipends for graduate assistantships and fellowships range from $14,500 to $15,250. Very competitive students who receive fellowships through the graduate school or through the department are also offered one-half of a graduate assistantship for a total stipend ranging from $21,750 to $22,125.  A number of students have been funded off-campus at such places as the National Institute on Aging, National Center for Health Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, and others.

Graduate students not only take classes in sociology but also are encouraged to participate in the profession.  The department and the Graduate School provide some financial support for students to attend and participate in conferences and professional meetings.