Graduate Programs

Explore Our Graduate Programs

The Department of Sociology offers graduate work leading to a PhD and is intended for students seeking a professional career in research and teaching in both academic and non-academic settings. The department does not offer a terminal master's degree, although students enrolled in the PhD program will also receive a master's degree as part of their training.


students in meeting with one student connected remotely through a computer

Doctorate Degree in Sociology

Learn more about what goes into earning a PhD in Sociology, from requirements and seminars to the master’s paper and doctoral dissertation process.


 Sociology student

Examining Critical Social Issues

“The University of Oregon's sociology department has one of the best environmental sociology programs in North America. Among our professors and grad students, we have academic experts on the relationship between capitalism and climate change; on Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge; and on environmental racism and environmental justice. Scholars and college students must work to understand these topics better because we are in an age of catastrophic climate change and massive environmental inequality.”

—Justin Szasz, sociology graduate student


student studying alone with laptop

Funding Your Graduate Studies

Discover the opportunities for graduate employment in our department, and get details on applying to graduate awards and fellowships.

Funding and Research Support


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Prepare for the Professional World

Read about the department’s annual job market candidates and their placements, as well as how to connect with career advisors or get professional teaching experience while earning your degree.

Career and Professional Development


Sociology graduate student Christine Capili

Researching Racialized Politics in the US

“Thus far, my favorite project has been my MA research—'Multiraciality: A Disruption of Racialized Politics in the United States.' I ask the following research question: Do multiracial individuals lean white or non white in their political ideologies and political party affiliations? Racialized politics provides an important indicator of multiracial individuals' place in the historic US racial order.”

—Christine Capili, sociology graduate student


male and female student talking with laptops in lounge area

Our Graduate Students

On this page, find FAQs for graduate students, graduate program regulations and the policy for appointment of graduate students to teaching positions.

Resources for the Graduate Community


Events

Spring Career Readiness Week (full list of events)
Apr17
Spring Career Readiness Week (full list of events) Apr 17
The Arts and Crafts of Mapmaking: BTAA GIS Conference Watch Party!
Apr17
The Arts and Crafts of Mapmaking: BTAA GIS Conference Watch Party! Apr 17 Knight Library
"Radium Girls"
Apr17
"Radium Girls" Apr 17 Miller Theatre Complex
"Radium Girls"
Apr18
"Radium Girls" Apr 18 Miller Theatre Complex
ArcGIS Pro and the Makerspace: Laser-Cut Map Notebook
Apr20
ArcGIS Pro and the Makerspace: Laser-Cut Map Notebook Apr 20 Knight Library
Native American and Indigenous Studies Research Colloquium—Landscape Architects and Indigenous-led Projects
Apr20
Native American and Indigenous Studies Research Colloquium—Landscape Architects and Indigenous-led Projects Apr 20 Many Nations Longhouse
Health Grad & Career Expo 2026
Apr22
Health Grad & Career Expo 2026 Apr 22 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Department of History Coffee Hour
Apr22
Department of History Coffee Hour Apr 22 McKenzie Hall
ArcGIS Pro and the Makerspace: Laser-Cut Map Notebook
Apr22
ArcGIS Pro and the Makerspace: Laser-Cut Map Notebook Apr 22 Knight Library
NW-NALRC Community Project Planning and Development Workshops
Apr22
NW-NALRC Community Project Planning and Development Workshops Apr 22