Application questions

[jbates434]

My goal is to get into a sociology program (PhD) sometime in the next 2-3 years. My primary interests are sociology of religion and social anthropology, and I have extensive experience working cross-culturally. Since I'm a few years removed from college, I do not have enough solid references from undergrad. What should I do to get experience and find potential recommenders that would bolster my application? Again, I'm not in a hurry, so I have time to take classes or get involved in something before applying.

[sociopolitic]

May I ask what your goal after attaining a PhD is? I ask only because sociology of religion has for a while been the area with the fewest tenure-track job openings. (That's to say, the fewest jobs looking specifically for someone who studies religion; religion scholars are still able to apply to open specialization positions too.) I'm not familiar with anthropology's job market, but you may actually be better served by an anthropology PhD. Of course, I'm not saying that sociology wouldn't welcome you with open arms; it just might not be the optimal fit for you. 

[jbates434]

Thanks for the reply!

I'd ideally like to do research for a company like the Barna group or an NGO or teach at a university where there is some overlap with the department of religion. My main goal is to get training in sociological theory and methods. So, maybe I could get what I need with a masters and do a PhD in religion? If that's the case, where would be a good place to get a terminal masters? Is Europe a good option for that?

[dakotadakota]

i suggest you look at uchicago, princeton, notre dame, and penn state. should these schools be incompatible for any reason, baylor and purdue also have (or at least had) faculty with expertise in the sociology of religion