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¸£Àû±ÆÕ¾ Catalog 2024-2025

Sociology

This is an archived copy of the 2024-2025 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit .

For students who wish to become critical analysts of social problems, NC State’s graduate program in sociology offers excellent training for academic, research and applied careers.

The 72-credit hour doctoral program is an intellectually stimulating and academically rigorous, yet supportive, environment.

Doctoral students have the opportunity to:

  • Pursue a wide range of research topics and interests.
  • Receive top-notch methodological training.
  • Gain valuable teaching skills and experience.
  • Collaborate on scholarly and applied research with our outstanding faculty and fellow graduate students.

Admitted Ph.D. students also benefit from a competitive award package that includes a 9-month stipend, health insurance, tuition remission, office space, and a travel funding allotment. Program alumni go on to succeed in academic and applied careers.

More Information

Application Requirements

A completed application includes transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a writing sample. The Admissions Committee is unable to consider incomplete applications. GRE scores are not required but you may submit them if you would like.

  • Transcripts: You will need to upload unofficial transcripts of all your academic course work since high school, including each higher education institution you have attended. You only need to send official transcripts to the Graduate School if you are admitted.
  • Letters of Recommendation: We require three letters of recommendation. The online process includes a form for your references to use. This form only has a small space for comments. Please ask your references to add a letter in which they provide more detail. Specifics about their experience with you are particularly informative. If you are not currently in school, please take care in selecting people to write these letters, as we need to know how you are likely to perform in an academic setting.
  • Personal Statement: This is usually a relatively brief statement of about two pages. We are especially interested to know how graduate training in sociology fits into your professional and intellectual goals and plans. Please indicate in your statement which of our program specializations you are most interested in and why. If you have a preference for working with specific professors, that would be helpful to include as well. 
  • Writing Sample: We pay very careful attention to the example of your writing that you submit. We look for organization, use of evidence, logic of argument, and quality of analysis. Typical submissions include course papers and senior thesis chapters. We strongly prefer writing samples of approximately 15-25 pages in length. If you would like us to read part of a large work, you could attach an explanation of how the part relates to the whole. 
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE): The GRE is optional for admission. Students do not have to submit GRE scores, and your application will not be penalized if you do not submit GRE scores. If you would like to submit GRE scores, the university’s code is 5496.

Applicant Information

  • Delivery Method: On-Campus
  • Entrance Exam: GRE (Optional)
  • Interview Required: None

Application Deadlines

  • Fall: January 1

Faculty

Full Professors

  • Sarah K. Bowen
  • Martha L. Crowley
  • Stacy DeCoster
  • Andrea Leverentz
  • Anna Manzoni
  • Steven J. McDonald
  • Thomas Eugene Shriver
  • Melvin E. Thomas

Associate Professors

  • Michaela Anne DeSoucey
  • Kimberly Lynn Ebert
  • April Dawn Fernandes

Assistant Professors

  • Andrew Paul Davis
  • Laura DeMarco
  • Marbella Hill
  • Jessica Pfaffendorf
  • Lesley Schneider
  • Mia Brantley Wright

Practice/Research/Teaching Professors

  • Megan Glancy
  • Deann Judge
  • Virginia Riel
  • Margaret Stiffler
  • Jim Yocom

Emeritus Faculty

  • Virginia M Aldige
  • Maxine Atikinson
  • Ronald F. Czaja
  • William B. Clifford II
  • L. Richard Dellafave
  • Ted Greenstein
  • Stephen C. Lilley
  • Patricia Lou McCall
  • Robert Lonnie Moxley
  • Toby Parcel
  • Michael Schwalbe
  • William R. Smith
  • Maxine S. Thompson
  • Randy J. Thomson
  • Charles Ray Tittle
  • Eric M. Woodrum
  • Margaret A Zahn
  • James J. Zuiches

Courses

³§°¿°äÌý591ÌýÌýSpecial Topics In SociologyÌýÌý(1-6 credit hours)ÌýÌý

An examination of current problems organized on a lecture-discussion basis. Course content varies as changing conditions require new approaches to emerging problems.

Typically offered in Spring only

³§°¿°äÌý601ÌýÌýSeminarÌýÌý(1-3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Appraisal of current literature; presentation of research papers by students; progress reports on departmental research; review of developing research methods and plans; reports from scientific meetings and conferences; other professional matters. Credits Arranged

Typically offered in Fall only

³§°¿°äÌý610ÌýÌýSpecial Topics In SociologyÌýÌý(1-6 credit hours)ÌýÌý

An examination of current problems organized on a lecture-discussion basis. Course content varies as changing conditions require new approaches to emerging problems.

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

³§°¿°äÌý642ÌýÌýPracticum In SociologyÌýÌý(1-6 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Opportunity for student under supervision of graduate advisory committee chair and organization/agency supervisor to develop and demonstrate competency in the area of graduate specialization through application of sociological knowledge to practicalproblems facing the organization/agency.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing in the Master of Sociology program and nine hrs. of SOC at the 500-600 level

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

³§°¿°äÌý685ÌýÌýMaster's Supervised TeachingÌýÌý(1-3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Teaching experience under the mentorship of faculty who assist the student in planning for the teaching assignment, observe and provide feedback to the student during the teaching assignment and evaluate the student upon completion of the assignment.

Prerequisite: Master's student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

³§°¿°äÌý690ÌýÌýMaster's ExaminationÌýÌý(1-9 credit hours)ÌýÌý

For students in non thesis master's programs who have completed all other requirements of the degree except preparing for and taking the final master's exam. Credits Arranged

Prerequisite: Master's student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

³§°¿°äÌý693ÌýÌýMaster's Supervised ResearchÌýÌý(1-9 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Instruction in research and research under the mentorship of a member of the Graduate Faculty.

Prerequisite: Master's student

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

³§°¿°äÌý695ÌýÌýMaster's Thesis ResearchÌýÌý(1-9 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Thesis Research

Prerequisite: Master's student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

³§°¿°äÌý696ÌýÌýSummer Thesis ResearchÌýÌý(1 credit hours)ÌýÌý

For graduate students whose programs of work specify no formal course work during a summer session and who will be devoting full time to thesis research.

Prerequisite: Master's student

Typically offered in Summer only

³§°¿°äÌý699ÌýÌýMaster's Thesis PreparationÌýÌý(1-9 credit hours)ÌýÌý

For students who have completed all credit hour requirements and full-time enrollment for the master's degree and are writing and defending their thesis. Credits arranged

Prerequisite: Master's student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

³§°¿°äÌý701ÌýÌýClassical Sociological TheoryÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

The interdependence of theory and research in sociology; major theoretical classics in the discipline and how they provide foundations for subsequent developments and for analysis in substantive areas.

Requisite: Admission to SOC Graduate Program

Typically offered in Fall only

³§°¿°äÌý702ÌýÌýContemporary Sociological TheoryÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Works by major figures representing leading schools of sociological theory in the post-World War II period studied as primary sources. Underlying assumptions made explicit, the structure of the theory, including propositions, examined critically anddiscussion of relationships with other theoretical perspectives.

Prerequisite: ³§°¿°äÌý701

³§°¿°äÌý705ÌýÌýHistorical Materialism Approaches to Social TheoryÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

This sociological theory course will cover the development of Marxist social thought from the 19th century to the present. We will explore themes, arguments, and debates during this era, concentrating on theoretical developments and syntheses in the historical materialist traditions, and explore their relevance and application for sociological research. Issues and topics will be broadly organized around theories of class, gender, race, power, ideology, culture, capitalist development, science, social crises, social change, and social justice.

Typically offered in Spring only

³§°¿°äÌý707ÌýÌýQuantitative Sociological AnalysisÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Introduction to application of common quantitative methodologies in sociology including multiple regression and path analysis. Emphasis on selecting appropriate analytical techniques, model estimation and sociological interpretation of findings.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing

Typically offered in Spring only

³§°¿°äÌý708ÌýÌýAdvanced Sociological AnalysisÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Examination of advanced analysis techniques adaptable to needs of sociological research. Special attention given to causal analysis, analysis of change and aggregate versus individual level data analyses. Consideration of sociological examples. Attention to emerging issues and techniques.

Prerequisite: ³§°¿°äÌý711, ³§°ÕÌý507 or ST 711

Typically offered in Fall only

³§°¿°äÌý710ÌýÌýTeaching SociologyÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

The objective of this course is for students to further their skills in teaching sociology. Students will plan an undergraduate course, construct a teaching philosophy, evaluate a variety of teaching techniques, and demonstrate an understanding of teaching as a sociological phenomenon.

Prerequisite: Admission to sociology graduate program

Typically offered in Spring only

This course is offered alternate even years

³§°¿°äÌý711ÌýÌýResearch Methods In Sociology IÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Issues in philosophy of science, causation, relationship of theory and research. Qualitative, experimental and survey design methodologies.

Requisite: Admission to SOC Graduate Program

Typically offered in Spring only

³§°¿°äÌý712ÌýÌýAdvanced Survey Research MethodsÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Advanced survey methodology including research design, sampling, questionnaire development and surveys using the World Wide Web. Designing and executing substantive and methodological studies using surveys to perationalize behavioral and social constructs and to test hypotheses.

Typically offered in Spring only

This course is offered alternate odd years

³§°¿°äÌý713ÌýÌýApplied ResearchÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Studies research process with emphasis upon its application to action problems. Stress upon development of research design to meet action research needs.

Requisite: Admission to SOC Graduate Program

Typically offered in Fall only

³§°¿°äÌý715ÌýÌýQualitative Sociological Methods and AnalysisÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Survey of qualitative sociological research methods. Practice in research design and evaluation, multiple forms of data gathering and data analysis. Theoretical and epistemological issues as related to qualitative sociology, with special attentionto ritical and feminist epistemological debates.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing

Typically offered in Spring only

This course is offered alternate odd years

³§°¿°äÌý718ÌýÌýSocial Network AnalysisÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Social network analysis (SNA) refers to the study of connections among and between social units: people, events, organizations, communities, and other groups. Students will learn a wide range of techniques associated with network data collection, theory, and (mostly) analysis.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

This course is offered alternate years

³§°¿°äÌý719ÌýÌýComputational Text AnalysisÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Introduction to social scientific methods for accessing, processing, classifying, and analyzing large amounts of text data. Emphasis on the collection and examination of digital trace data obtained via social media and the internet.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing

Typically offered in Fall only

This course is offered alternate years

³§°¿°äÌý721ÌýÌýDeviant BehaviorÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Topics include: the inevitability of deviance and its social utility; cross-cultural variations in appearance and behavioral cues for labeling the deviant; descriptive and explanatory approaches to kinds and amounts of deviance in contemporary American society; social change, anomie and social disorganization theories; the process of stigmatization; formal and informal societal responses to deviance and the deviant; social action implications.

Prerequisite: Six hrs. SOC or ANT or Graduate standing or PBS status

³§°¿°äÌý722ÌýÌýSocial ControlÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Examination of need, functions, utilization and effects of both informal and formal social control mechanisms. Emphasis and critical evaluation of theoretical perspectives on social control and the empirical support for these positions.

Prerequisite: Six hrs. SOC above 200 level or Graduate standing or PBS status

³§°¿°äÌý723ÌýÌýResearch On Crime and DevianceÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Major topics including an examination of conceptual problems and research issues and methods in study of crime and deviance; an assessment of current research on crime causation and deviance processes; an examination of research on social control processes and agencies; and an assessment of social action and evaluative research. A variety of substantive topics dealt with in the context of above topical areas including: delinquency, drug usage, mental illness, obesity, stuttering, suicide, prostitution, homicide and rape.

Prerequisite: ³§°¿°äÌý721

³§°¿°äÌý725ÌýÌýGender and CrimeÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

This seminar will provide an overview of the literatures on gender, crime and violence. The course framework and readings emphasize the social structures of gender, social constructions of gender, symbolic meaning systems, and intersections of race, class and gender. We will examine theoretical approaches and empirical research that informs our understanding of the gendered commission of offending.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

³§°¿°äÌý727ÌýÌýComparative SocietiesÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Sociological analysis of societies around the world with particular reference to North and South America. Special emphasis given to cultural and physical setting, population composition, levels of living, relationship of the people to the land, structure and function of major institutions and forces making for change.

Prerequisite: Six hrs. SOC

³§°¿°äÌý731ÌýÌýSurvey of Family SociologyÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Examination of structural and demographic continuities and changes for American families in general and within major subgroups (e.g., race, ethnicity, social class). Consideration of historical and cross-cultural comparisons. Assessment of the impact of families upon their members and the dynamics of marital and family relationships.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing

Typically offered in Fall only

³§°¿°äÌý732ÌýÌýContemporary Family Theory and ResearchÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Emphasis on contemporary research, theory and methodological techniques used by sociologists studying families. Critical examination of where field is now and where it appears to be heading. Primarily for graduate students designing or doing research about families.

Prerequisite: ³§°¿°äÌý731

³§°¿°äÌý736ÌýÌýSocial StratificationÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

The theoretical background, methodological approaches and analysis of the consequences of systems of stratification. Emphasis on static and dynamic qualities of stratification systems on relations within and between societies. Attention to the integrative and divisive quality of stratification as expressed in life styles, world views, etc.

Requisite: Admission to SOC Graduate Program

Typically offered in Fall only

³§°¿°äÌý737/°Â³Ò³§Ìý737ÌýÌýSociology Of GenderÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Theories about the development and maintenance of gender. Historical development of gender stratification. How individuals "do gender" in their daily lives. Contemporary research and substantive readings about gender in public and intimate relationships.

Prerequisite: Graduate student, ³§°¿°äÌý736 or 731

Typically offered in Fall only

This course is offered alternate even years

³§°¿°äÌý738ÌýÌýRace and Ethnic InequalityÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Theoretical and methodological approaches and critical debates on race. Impact of racial discrimination on inequality. Effects of inequality on community institutions. Formation of attitudes and identities.

Requisite: Admission to SOC Graduate Program

Typically offered in Spring only

This course is offered alternate odd years

³§°¿°äÌý739/°Â³Ò³§Ìý739ÌýÌýSocial Psychology Of InequalityÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

The effects of race, class and gender inequality on the formation of group consciousness, self-evaluations, emotions, values, attitudes and beliefs. Attention to interpersonal processes through to reproduction of inequality in everyday life.

Requisite: Admission to SOC Graduate Program

Typically offered in Spring only

³§°¿°äÌý746ÌýÌýSociological Social PsychologyÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Central issues in sociological social psychology, including formation of the self, effects of social structure on individual development, emergence of ritualized interaction and tension between individual agency and societal constraint. Emphasis on symbolic interactionist and dramaturgical perspectives.

Prerequisite: SOC 401t

³§°¿°äÌý752ÌýÌýWork and IndustryÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Control of economy and workplace. Special attention to economic restructuring, the labor process and recent workplace innovations. Theories include managerialism, bank hegemony and deskilling. Historical studies complement analyses of contemporary settings and issues.

Prerequisite: ³§°¿°äÌý400 or SOC 508 or ³§°¿°äÌý701

³§°¿°äÌý753ÌýÌýInequality in Work and the EconomyÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Sociological study of structural inequality in labor markets and workplaces with implications for class, race, gender, and spatial disparities in employment-related outcomes. Special attention is paid to job quality, spatial disparities in employment opportunity, and processes contributing to race and gender disparities in job attainment and rewards.

Prerequisite: ³§°¿°äÌý701

Typically offered in Spring only

³§°¿°äÌý754ÌýÌýEconomic SociologyÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Embeddedness of economic action by individuals, firms, and states within a social context. Topics include globalization, restructuring, the informal economy, social capital, spatial organization, labor markets and role of the state.

Prerequisite: ³§°¿°äÌý701

Typically offered in Spring only

This course is offered alternate even years

³§°¿°äÌý755ÌýÌýGlobal Institutions and MarketsÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

This course introduces students to sociological and related perspectives on the dynamics of global production and consumption processes, focusing in particular on how they shape and are shaped by their organizational, political, cultural, and natural environments.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing

Typically offered in Spring only

³§°¿°äÌý761ÌýÌýContemporary Debates in Food & EnvironmentÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

This course will be organized around contemporary debates related to the intersections between food and race, class, and gender inequalities. We will focus largely on recent books on these topics, with attention to both their substantive findings as well as the methods and theory employed.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing

Typically offered in Spring only

³§°¿°äÌý762ÌýÌýSociology of Food SystemsÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

This course examines the social relations surrounding the production, distribution, and consumption of food. Sociologists of food display considerable diversity in their theoretical approaches, research methods, and empirical foci. This course will traverse social science research and theorizing to offer an analytic taste on what we eat, how we produce and procure it, who benefits, what we think about it, and how it fits with contemporary social life and institutions.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing

Typically offered in Fall only

³§°¿°äÌý763ÌýÌýEnvironmental SociologyÌýÌý(3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

This is a survey course in environmental sociology. We begin with a discussion of the emergence and development of environmental sociology, followed by an overview of theoretical perspectives in the field. We then conduct a survey of topics that have typically been addressed in the area. These topics include: environmental concern and values, environmental health, environmental inequality, environmental movements, technological disasters, and global environmental issues. Throughout the course we survey theoretical concerns as they relate to various topics within the field.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing

Typically offered in Fall only

³§°¿°äÌý791ÌýÌýSpecial Topics In SociologyÌýÌý(1-6 credit hours)ÌýÌý

An examination of current problems organized on a lecture-discussion basis. Course content varies as changing conditions require new approaches to emerging problems.

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

³§°¿°äÌý810ÌýÌýSpecial Topics In SociologyÌýÌý(1-6 credit hours)ÌýÌý

An examination of current problems organized on a lecture-discussion basis. Course content varies as changing conditions require new approaches to emerging problems.

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

³§°¿°äÌý885ÌýÌýDoctoral Supervised TeachingÌýÌý(1-3 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Teaching experience under the mentorship of faculty who assist the student in planning for the teaching assignment, observe and provide feedback to the student during the teaching assignment, and evaluate the student upon completion of the assignment.

Prerequisite: Doctoral student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

³§°¿°äÌý890ÌýÌýDoctoral Preliminary ExamÌýÌý(1-9 credit hours)ÌýÌý

For students who are preparing for and taking written and/or oral preliminary exams.

Prerequisite: Doctoral student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

³§°¿°äÌý893ÌýÌýDoctoral Supervised ResearchÌýÌý(1-9 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Instruction in research and research under the mentorship of a member of the Graduate Faculty.

Prerequisite: Doctoral student

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

³§°¿°äÌý895ÌýÌýDoctoral Dissertation ResearchÌýÌý(1-9 credit hours)ÌýÌý

Dissertation Research

Prerequisite: Doctoral student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

³§°¿°äÌý896ÌýÌýSummer Dissertation ResearchÌýÌý(1 credit hours)ÌýÌý

For graduate students whose programs of work specify no formal course work during a summer session and who will be devoting full time to thesis research.

Prerequisite: Doctoral student

Typically offered in Summer only

³§°¿°äÌý899ÌýÌýDoctoral Dissertation PreparationÌýÌý(1-9 credit hours)ÌýÌý

For students who have completed all credit hour requirements, full-time enrollment, preliminary examination, and residency requirements for the doctoral degree, and are writing and defending their dissertations.

Prerequisite: Doctoral student

Typically offered in Fall and Spring