Overview

This Sociology PhD program from Portland State University, supports you from your first term through graduation and on into competitive careers in the field. Students work closely with faculty to learn research skills in their coursework as well as through thesis and dissertation research projects (Ph.D. program only).

In your courses, you will learn to integrate theory with a variety of quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches. You will study the dynamics of human behavior and social interaction in areas such as medical sociology, environmental sociology, education, criminology, and sociology of gender.

The research-active faculty teach classes on a wide range of topics with specific emphasis on issues related to social inequalities. You can work closely with faculty on community-based research projects that identify ways to improve the lives and economic well-being of your neighbors. Our partners include community organizations, schools, state and city agencies, and hospitals, and medical research centers.

Career opportunities:

The graduates have gone on to teach at colleges and universities or work in applied research.

Graduates with Sociology MS degrees find positions in applied research or other positions requiring M.S.-level qualifications. Students graduating with a Ph.D. from our program find positions as faculty members at colleges and universities or take research focused jobs in the public or private sectors.

The graduates are helping create meaningful change as researchers in the private and public sectors, including Research Into Action, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Veterans Affairs, OHSU, the State of Oregon, and Multnomah County's Division of Community Justice. Graduates of our Ph.D. program hold faculty positions at Western Oregon University, Lewis and Clark, Western New Mexico University, Pacific University, and Escuela de Salud Pública de la Universidad del Valle.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Qualitative Data Analysis

Quantitative Methods

Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology

Quantitative Methods

Gender Inequality

Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Methods

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-30 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-01-05 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

Book an IELTS test now!

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

Start preparing for IELTS with Free Practice Tests.

Credits

54 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Portland, United States

Disciplines

Sociology View 145 other PhDs in Sociology in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

2.75

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Book an IELTS test now!

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

Start preparing for IELTS with Free Practice Tests.

Other requirements

General requirements

To be considered for regular admission, applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or the equivalent (on the U.S. 4.0 scale) from the degree granting institution(s). Applicants who have earned 9 or more letter-graded graduate credits must have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 or the equivalent; this graduate GPA supersedes the undergraduate GPA.
Copies of official degree certificate/diploma
Certified translation of transcripts
Financial documentation demonstrating adequate financial support for at least the first year of study

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Portland State University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

7614 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 705 USD per credit during 60 months.
National

7614 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 705 USD per credit during 60 months.
In-State

5162 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 478 USD per credit during 60 months.

Living costs for Portland

1271 - 2262 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Sociology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About