Programs for Social Networks and Internet Society

[Charlus]

Hey guys, I'm new here, but planning on applying to PhD programs in Sociology this year. I did my senior thesis on Massively Multiplayer online games and the cultures that they spawn, and I really enjoyed it, so I'd like to continue with that line of research. I've sort of framed my research as an inquiry into why people "migrate," and "colonize" these new digital worlds, that are both very similar, and in some, ways, very different than our own. I'm mostly interested in the networks that people form in this way. So, I'm wondering if you guys know of any programs doing work on internet culture/ social networks. I've got a few ideas, but anymore input would be great, thanks.

P.S. I know some programs require an interview. I'll be in Europe on a Fulbright, so that makes it a little hard for me to get back to the States. Are most admissions committees are o.k. with phone, or Skype interviews? Thanks in advance.

[faculty]

Toronto would be a place with both culture and social networks. Harvard, too. Irvine and Duke are strong for social networks. Notre Dame has a burgeoning strength in culture and some of those faculty are working in an interdisciplinary center on social networks.

Have you also thought about moving outside of sociology? Carnegie Mellon (with Kathleen Carley and others) seems like a natural fit, but they don't offer straight sociology. Instead it's a Social and Decision Sciences Ph.D. with a particular focus. Schools of information in universities with strong sociology departments and/or affiliated sociology faculty might also be a place to look (e.g., Michigan, Washington, Berkeley, although they are likely more applied than your interests seem to be).

[RefurbedScientist]

@faculty gave good suggestions for programs. Irvine and Duke are both strong in SNA. Irvine's anthropology department also has some Internet studies stuff, so maybe you can pull some committee members from there. Harvard has network scholars plus a center for the study of internet and society, which is not degree granting. I would also consider looking outside of sociology. You can check out some comm and anth programs. I know Northwestern's Comm school has some Internet scholars. The good thing about Comm is that you will find SNA in several departments. It might be harder to find SNA in Anth departments, but it's somewhat more common for anthropologists to look at online communities than sociologists.

All that being said, I don't think research into online communities is very common in sociology. That may be in a position to change in the near future, though.

As for your second question, interviews are fairly rare in sociology admissions. I know Harvard has done interviews in the past, but it's not the norm across the board. In any case, I wouldn't expect any programs holding it against you that you're abroad at the time. I'm sure you could do a skype or phone interview.

Edited August 6, 2012 by SocialGroovements

[ThisSlumgullionIsSoVapid]

Hey guys, I'm new here, but planning on applying to PhD programs in Sociology this year. I did my senior thesis on Massively Multiplayer online games and the cultures that they spawn, and I really enjoyed it, so I'd like to continue with that line of research. I've sort of framed my research as an inquiry into why people "migrate," and "colonize" these new digital worlds, that are both very similar, and in some, ways, very different than our own. I'm mostly interested in the networks that people form in this way. So, I'm wondering if you guys know of any programs doing work on internet culture/ social networks. I've got a few ideas, but anymore input would be great, thanks.

P.S. I know some programs require an interview. I'll be in Europe on a Fulbright, so that makes it a little hard for me to get back to the States. Are most admissions committees are o.k. with phone, or Skype interviews? Thanks in advance.

Were you at the PSU & friends reception at the ASA last year (2011)? I feel like I've met you... or at least I met someone with very very similar interests.