Axelarate

Hello, I remember seeing a graduate school that offered the opportunity to work as an editor of (I assume) the school publication in order to earn funding. I can't remember what school this is. Can anyone help? Alternatively, does anyone know of any graduate programs where one could get some editing experience? Thanks!

There are some faculty studying crime here: http://www.sociology.utoronto.ca/research.htm Not sure how they're ranked but criminology is one of the substantive areas here: http://www.as.miami.edu/sociology/graduate-program/

Hello, This is a question for those who have completed an MA or PhD or who are currently enrolled in an MA or PhD program. I'm fascinated by certain sociological topics (particularly those that relate to historical sociology, education, the family, or children, particularly the construction of gender identity in early childhood), but my undergraduate degree was in English and History. As a result, although I've done some sociological reading and perused tons of departmental webpages, I'm not really sure what graduate study in sociology actually entails in terms of methodology. For example, I'm especially unclear about how much quantitative analysis is involved (though I understand this varies by program). I didn't take any stats courses and while I'm decent enough at math, I'm not looking for it to be my bread and butter. Notwithstanding the actual obstacles I would face in getting accepted without formal sociological training, I'm first trying to figure out whether my interests would be better served by pursuing graduate study in the humanities, e.g. social history. One thing, after all, is to think something is interesting, and another is to devote 2 years (because of course I don't qualify for a Phd) to studying it. How will I know which category I fall in? The latter was mostly a rhetorical question, and that was all just a bit of background; I'm not asking you guys to talk about me, but rather to talk about YOU! How have people found their experiences in grad school? Good? Bad? What's your daily life like? What sort of methodologies do you employ? What do/did you love/hate about grad school? Any inside perspective would be valuable!

Thanks, everyone! These are all really useful pieces of advice, and encouraging, too. It occurred to me that one of my big undergraduate papers was on how German-American soldiers constructed their identity during the Civil War--perhaps I wouldn't look like a total bozo in my applications! In response to those who quite helpfully suggest developing a particular research focus, or at least to narrow down my interests, what would be the best way to do that? Is it by reading theory, or more contemporary publications in sociological journals? There's such a wealth of papers out there, I don't know where to start in terms of constructing a reading list. I know no one will be able to tell me what my own research interests are, but is there a particular type of reading you might think most helpful for someone just starting out? Thanks again for the support! It's nice to know there are people out there so willing to help a total stranger

Hello, I've spent a little while now reading through this forum and am impressed by the number of intelligent and helpful users out there! I'm hoping some of them may have some advice for me. I graduated with a BA in English and History from a reasonably respectable university with a 4.0 GPA. I've lately developed a bit of an interest in sociology, and regret not having had the chance to take any courses in my undergrad. But one must look forward, and so I ask: what now? What are the best ways to determine whether sociology is right for me? Reading theory? Reading journal articles? I'd love to hear of anyone's personal experience with sociology: their day-to-day activities, for example, whether in school or in their career, or perhaps what they love/hate about the field? Should I decide that I do, in fact, wish to pursue sociology, what steps should I take toward admission into an actual program? I'm under the impression that, given the high standards for PhD admission, I'd have no chance without some credible background in the field, presumably in the form of a Master's. I've seen numerous pieces of advice on here about MAs, and those who grant that it's a worthwhile experience indicate that school selection must be undertaken with care. I understand that programs prepare students for various post-MA goals. If I do a Master's, it will be with at least some hope of pursuing a PhD--at the very least, I wouldn't want to close that door so early in the game. But in my (admittedly not yet extensive) search, I've had trouble uncovering very many schools that offer a terminal MA to begin with, least of all ones that are PhD-oriented. Would anyone be able to offer a few names I could look into? Also, by the by, does anyone have any firsthand experience with the state of the job market? I know I may appear hopelessly naive to some, but I hope a few of you will take the time to answer at least one of my many questions! (Of course I don't expect comprehensive answers to my entire long post!) Thanks!