Graduate Program

Message from the Director of Graduate Studies, Robert Wuthnow

Graduate studies in the Department of Sociology at Princeton prepare students for the degree of doctor of philosophy. The program focuses on guiding students who have excelled as consumers of knowledge through the transition to becoming producers of scholarship. Students are encouraged to focus on independent research projects early on and to work closely with a range of faculty -- through coursework, research assistantships, independent study, and informal mentoring -- to develop research skills. Within general guidelines, we encourage students to develop individualized programs that meet their particular interests and needs. Admission is highly selective: We look for creative, accomplished people whose interests and aspirations can be well served by the Department's substantive strengths. Students come from a diverse range of personal and academic backgrounds. An undergraduate major in sociology is not required. Detailed information is available by contacting the department or by consulting the section for Prospective Students.