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Why sociology? Because it enables the best blend of every kind of research question one could pose, from the mundane to the profound; it is multimethod and nimble; it is broad and theoretically rich; and it enables one to seek solutions and social change. Why a discipline? Because while the world may not actually be carved up into disciplines, academia still is, and because departments still privilege their own. Soc Depts prioritize applications from Soc PhDs and so on. Having training in a broad discipline like Soc is a good thing - applicable to non-academic settings, careers, etc as well. But if you want to be a professor, best to have disciplinary training (for the foreseeable future, anyway).

What makes a good program for you will be a bit subjective...a program that is in the top 10 according to US News or ASA rankings may not have any faculty in your area/s, thus making it a 'bad' program. A good program: 1. is the best you can get into that also gives you the most funding 2. is in an area of the country where you can be happy and not too poverty-stricken for 5 - 7 years or so (yes, many people with funding also end up with student loans) 3. has at least two, if not three, faculty in your primary research/interest area and your secondary areas 4. has training programs or workshops - to prepare you to teach your own courses, write grants, write publishable articles 5. has a demonstrated record of graduating PhD students in a timely manner, in your fields of interest, and who develop a career trajectory; in other words - is supporting the sort of work you wish to do 6. has professors who are at least minimally engaged in something besides their own advancement 7. has structures and systems for mentoring you on things like writing a good cover letter and CV; writing a good article; doing real, solid research that is widely marketable and easily explainable; doing good theorizing; writing well and cleanly In terms of future, placements, etc...the road from first year to job searching years is long. You may not want to attempt an R1 career, with grant and publishing pressures, PhD & MA supervisions, possible mass class teaching. Flexibility is key when considering a program - you want a program that won't, by negligence or by design, close off opportunities for you. Good luck with the process!