That_One

You might want to consider Sociology departments that are strong and do research in Economic Sociology: UW-Madison, UC-Berk, Michigan, Cornell and so on. If you haven't already, check out the writings of Richard Swedberg, Mark Gannovetter and Neil Smelser (including their handbook in econ soc and "The Sociology of Economic Life"). Of course, one would not say that they are political economy scholars, but they certainly focus on the intersections of the economy and society and take excursions to politics/state.

Hi all, I just wanted to create a discussion about the current and future job market for PhD sociologists (inside and outside of academia). Should current Sociology PhD students feel optimistic about the future job market, or is it not looking good for us? What do you guys think? ~That_One

Rjc, I do want suggestions...as I am new to Soc!

I just thought I would create a thread for decisions so that we can all get an idea of where this year's sociology applicants (at least the ones that participate in this forum) are ending up. If possible, please indicate what was most important in your decision (funding, location, other department attributes). We can use the following format: I will be attending : NAME OF SCHOOL Deciding Factor: Most Important Factor

My sense is that they will have to give funding to everyone at somepoint or another. Therefore, a larger incoming cohort would mean having to give a lot of funding to a larger group of people in the years to come. But that's just my guess!

I am just wondering what you guys' thoughts are on the pros and cons of going to a young department where most faculty are Assistant professors.

Tritonetelephone, I'm thinking you're likely to go to UMass? Or are you liking the idea of being as close to Miami beach as possible?

Good idea, doctoraldude. And although I have not seen any subfield rankings, I do agree UI stands out from the three in my areas.

Thanks for the response. Right now, i am actually inclined towards Iowa. I just wanted to consider all worthy departments before I decline any offers, however, so that no regrets will follow later.

I am interested in Organization theory and econ soc. My list is pretty much narrowed down to the following: 1. U of Iowa (PhD) 2. U of KY (MA/PhD) 3. Iowa State U (MA/PhD) MA/PhD designates that I applied to the master's program with the intention of continuing for the PhD. I have been waitlisted at UMass, and I expect to hear from one more - - but I wanna get rid of two of the three so that people on waiting lists at those schools can get an offer. I would love to hear suggestions/comments and PMs are welcome. Thanks in advance!

Well, that certainly depends on how well you do! Graduate schools, after all, require you to maintain a minimum GPA in order to keep your funding. Some departments also plan to get rid of the "excess package" by filtering out students before or after they take qualifying examinations. So the first couple of years one might have to worry about grades...but later on (assuming your survive), you are likely to be more worried about research, publications and teaching.

Hi there - I don't know much about the Urban Sociology specialization and its job prospects, but I just wanted to assure you as long as you make a good case for yourself about why you want to puruse a PhD in Sociology, the lack of background in Soc will not be an issue for you. I have secured several admissions and funding offers this year (way more than my expectation - especially given the economic crisis) and I do not have a single sociology course on my transcripts. And your transition from Architecture to Urban Sociology is natural enough that you can make a good case for it in your SOP (that is, your SOP will be very criticial). That said, I will now yield the floor to those who can answer your other question. GOOD LUCK!

I'm leaning towards Iowa so far, but not decided yet.

Hello all, Are there any subfield rankings in Sociology that I can get my hands on? I am particularly interested in complete rankings in economics sociology and organizations. I know US News has such rankings, but I think they require subscription or something.

I read this article about being waitlisted and some guy mentioned that he wanted to be neither the best nor the worst student at the program he was going to attend. My question is - SHOULD YOU NOT GO TO A PROGRAM AT WHICH YOU GOT AN OFFER OFF THE WAITLIST? Does being accepted off the waitlist signify that you're likely to have to work harder than your classmates? What are your thoughts?

I have been reading different articles on the subject of how to select your program and now that I have several offers , I am finding this process very confusing. Of course, funding, research and placement are important factors. But I am most concerned about endning up in a program where faculty are not friendly and accessible, I will be over-worked, and the attrition rate is very high. How does one gather information on these criteria. I am a newcomer to sociology and I am also wondering how stringent the grading is in Sociology (how deadly are the curves)?

Got into the Soc graduate program. Still not decided, waiting on others to make an informed decision. Anyone else heading to Lexington?

Hello Folks, As we wait this thing out, I thought I should initiate a discussion of what we should expect during our first year as sociology graduate students. To those of us who come from a different background, I think this information will be invaluable. Most graduate programs emphasize the importance of the first year and even dedicate some time to the discussion of "how to survive the first year" during orientation. Of course, most of us are concerned at this point in time more about the getting in (or the getting in at our preferred programs), but I am sure we will all be interested in what everyone else has to say about the key to success in a graduate sociology program. Those who are already in graduate school (or past their first year) are most welcome to share their experiences.

Anyone apply to Rutgers, Albany or Stony Brook this year? Nothing on the results page. Has anyone heard anything at all from any of these three departments?

The NRC rankings put Delaware at 69th. I am wondering what the opportunities in academia look like for someone coming out of Delaware (i.e. similiarly ranked universities)? Tritonetelephone, what are your post-Delaware plans if you do go there?

Sparkle456, check your PM!

We all know that the quality of placement (and where one ends up as a tenured professor) is a function of several variables with different weights. For instance, we all know that the reputation or rank of the degree-granting institution plays a great role. I am wondering, however, how far "individual effort" can take somebody coming from a relatively lower ranked university. Can you guys cite anyone who obtained their PhD from a relatively lower ranked university and are currently a faculty at a reputable institution regardless of their initial placement? I look forward to the discussion!

I am wondering if anyone has applied to the University of Iowa (Sociology) and heard from the department already? Also, does anyone know about the department? Thanks.

I am just wondering if anyone has applied to the soc program at the University of Kentucky, or if anybody here knows about the soc department.

Just curious - - if we were to measure success by the quality of placement that one obtains after graduation, is one better off attending a department where s/he would be a "star" at or a department where s/he would be "just another talented student"?