PhD in Org Behavior or Sociology???

[sthompso1701]

Hi All,

I would greatly appreciate tapping your experience and wisdom to help me think about how to choose between two related PhD’s. Specifically, I am looking at eventually applying to programs in either Organizational Behavior or Sociology. I know Org Behavior has a lot of advantages and, frankly, if I felt that I had a good chance to get admitted with funding to a decent program, I would do that. The reason I am considering Sociology is because my research seems to indicate that I’d have a better chance getting in. I have a couple of years before actually applying but how I prepare between now and then depends on which field I’m likely to go with. Here is the relevant info about me:

BA double major in Economics and Philosophy with a 4.0 GPA from a second-tier California State School. Won an academic award from the econ department. It is important to point out that this econ program may literally be the least quantitative in the country (they mainly subscribe to the “Austrian School” of econ which disdains math). I would therefore have to make several math courses (as far as I can tell) to get into an Org Behavior program. No research experience but have and will continue to independently read grad level material in both fields. I haven’t taken the GRE yet but will devote a lot of time to prep. I’m a bit older and have worked in corporate supply chain management for years.

I am thinking that I can prepare for the GRE and then either take a series of math courses in preparation for Org Behavior (and will have to use recommendations from my old econ professors – I graduated years ago btw) or start taking graduate Sociology courses and get some research experience and LOR’s from sociologists.

I am fascinated by both fields and understand the sacrifices involved (I can’t see myself doing anything else other than being an academic). The choice really does come down to which field I would have a better chance getting into.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

[sthompso1701]

Nothing?

[DarwinAG]

I know very little about each area. But it seems the main advantage of going the sociology route is it might be easier to get into? If that is only your criteria then go with that. Frankly though, I would go with organization behavior since it is more quant heavy. I am getting the distinct impression that quantative skills are incredibly important and will open many doors for you.

[lewin]

OB > sociology. Sociology might be easier to get into now, but it will be harder to get a job later, which is more important.