Program Learning Outcomes:

• Students will gain working knowledge of the main theories and debates within sociology, the principles of social science, research design and data analysis.
• Students will gain the ability to synthesize state-of-the-art theory and research in their chosen areas of interest.
• Students will gain the ability to conduct independent, original, and scientifically meritorious work. This ability is built upon the knowledge of social theory, research design, and quantitative and qualitative analytical approaches developed in required coursework, preliminary exam preparation, and through faculty mentorship.
• Students will become competent teachers. Students will receive training in pedagogical techniques, and/or have opportunities to be a teaching assistant or an independent instructor teaching their own courses.
• Students will develop skills in communicating research study design and results to diverse audiences. The program encourages students to attend academic conferences to present their research.