Best way to prepare for Sociology graduate program? Opinions please!

[speechfan222]

I applied to a few Sociology graduate programs and I'm curious what the best way to prepare for this program is. I don't have a Bachelors in Sociology and don't have a lot of experience within the field. I figured I could briefly review my Sociology 101 textbook to better prepare me for graduate courses, but then realized Sociology 101 is just an intro. I don't think it would be much of an advantage to read over an introductory course before graduate school. The information probably won't be too helpful since graduate school is much more advanced.

What do you think? Should I just be organized and prepared to start courses or would reading over my intro textbook be of much help? What else should I do? Please let me know!

[soc13]

I would not stress about this.... at all. Most programs have at least some students who didn't do their undergrad in sociology. That's why most have some sort of introductory theory class. If you have time and want to read your textbook, go for it. At least you will get the names, the basics of some theories, etc. 

Again, don't stress. 

[speechfan222]

8 minutes ago, soc13 said:

I would not stress about this.... at all. Most programs have at least some students who didn't do their undergrad in sociology. That's why most have some sort of introductory theory class. If you have time and want to read your textbook, go for it. At least you will get the names, the basics of some theories, etc. 

Again, don't stress. 

Thanks, that helps a little. I just didn't want a course, or two, to mention a theory or somebody relatively important, to Sociology and then be confused because I don't remember what/who it's referring to. That helps. Thanks.

Can you recommend anything else I do/don't do in preparation for graduate school?

[THS]

I would get a few theory books (intro-y kinds).  Amazon will have some options, but I always find that the more time I have with theory the better.  I did this before I started my MA program in Anthropology in 2014 and I plan on doing the same this summer before starting a PHD in Sociology.  You'll have to read the theorists actual work when you start the program, but this will give you the context that those who majored in the social sciences have when they start the program with you.  As the person above said, however, a lot of people will have backgrounds outside the field.  

[ruilinch]

I have a Bachelor and a Master, but none of them are in Sociology. According to one of my professors, it doesn't matter whether or not you have got a degree in Sociology, but you do have to make it clear why it is that you want to change major now. 

Plus, not having a Master in Sociology at least means that you have not received systematic education in this aspect so that you might start slow in your PhD program compared to other students. You should also make it clear that you know what it means to do research and that you know what it means to do Sociology. Otherwise, they might worry about whether you could fit in with the program and your graduation. 

[draco.malfoy]

On 11/22/2016 at 10:37 AM, speechfan222 said:

Thanks, that helps a little. I just didn't want a course, or two, to mention a theory or somebody relatively important, to Sociology and then be confused because I don't remember what/who it's referring to. That helps. Thanks.

Can you recommend anything else I do/don't do in preparation for graduate school?

I think we all have the same fear of being found out to be some sort of imposter as an academic. Fact is that there will always be a theorist we haven't read or who we don't remember. For prep, I think the better questions to ask before I respond to your question are (1) why did you apply to sociology programs? and (2) what fields within sociology are you interested in. As for the theorists, this is a great YouTube playlist from Yale with lectures covering the foundations of modern social theory, including the "founding fathers" Marx, Weber, and Durkheim: 

Also, I picked up this book at ASA two years ago and liked it a lot: Classical Social Theory and Modern Society: Marx, Durkheim, Weber by Edward Royce.

Neither of these include W.E.B Du Bois, though, so definitely read The Souls of Black Folk.