Sociology

Dalhousie University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology is a selective and collegial programme. Many of the PhD students secure scholarships and pursue careers in academia, research, policy, and the non-profit sector.

Be a part of lively debate, and close-knit connections in Dalhousie University ‘s small, friendly, and selective Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology  programme. 

Sociology investigates social processes that are fundamental to how society works, but often invisible and misunderstood. It focuses on how relationships among people shape their experiences. It unpacks deterministic and egocentric understandings to offer better accounts of a wide range of pressing social issues, such as the environment, health, crime, inequality, immigration, transnationalism, identity, and social change. Sociology uses a wide range of evidence, including interviews, historical sources, and even statistics. Sociological perspectives can be applied to multiple social contexts and scales, from the world all the way down to everyday interactions. Because the discipline challenges commonly held assumptions, sociologists are often on the cutting edge of contemporary debates.

Possible careers include:

• Professor

Programme options

Thesis: Pursue independent and original research guided by a supervisor to develop and defend your thesis. 

Courses include: 

• PhD Seminar in Sociology and Social Anthropology

• Language Requirement

• Comprehensive Examination

• Doctoral Thesis Proposal

• PhD Thesis