Graduate Programs
Pursue a graduate degree in Sociology or Criminology
Training in theory, research and teaching
The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at the 91Ô´´ offersÌýmaster of arts and doctor of philosophy degree programs in both sociology and criminology.ÌýSince 1986, the program has been preparing the next generation of sociologists and criminologists with systematic training in theory and research methodology as well as teaching. The advanced education degrees are intended for persons interested in careers in academia, public service, or private enterprise.Ìý
To offer a wide range of professional experiences, the sociology and criminology programs are structured around course work, seminars, research, and teaching opportunities.ÌýStudents build on strong theoretical and methodological foundations and tailor their programs to meet their individual needs.ÌýThey work with full-time distinguished faculty from the disciplines of sociology, philosophy, law, political science, criminology, history, and criminal justice.Ìý
Explore our graduate programs
![Graduate College Convocation and Doctoral Hooding Ceremony on May 26, 2022, for the Class of 2022. Jamie Lee Manzer [Sociology] B.A., Colby College Professor in charge of dissertation: Ann V. Bell Ph.D.Dissertation: " 'You’re Planning a Family, Not Just a Pregnancy': The Meanings, Experiences, and Uneven Burdens of Family Planning in Women’s Lives."](/academics/colleges/cas/units/departments/sociology-and-criminal-justice/graduate-programs/_jcr_content/par_udel/panelforpages_109519/par_1/columngenerator_copy_301406024/par_0/image_copy.coreimg.jpeg/1723139380823/grad-convocation-and-doctoral-hooding-ek-052622-258-1200px.jpeg "GRAD-Convocation_and_Doctoral_Hooding-EK-052622-258")
Graduate students who pursue the M.A. degree may choose to complete a thesis or a master's examination. Students take required courses in methods, data collection, and data analysis and elective courses in at least two concentration areas.
Ph.D. students take a broad array of courses and complete a doctoral dissertation as part of their comprehensive exam. Core requirements emphasize methods; data collection and analysis; theory; and teaching. They must take elective courses in at least two concentration areas.
Graduate students who pursue the M.A. degree in sociology choose options to complete a thesis or a master's examination. Core requirements emphasize research methods with a focus on theory and data collection and analysis. M.A. students must take elective courses in at least two concentration areas.
Ph.D. students take a broad array of courses and complete a doctoral dissertation as part of the comprehensive exam. Core requirements emphasize research methods; data collection and analysis; theory; and teaching. Ph.D. students must take elective courses in at least two concentration areas.
Program Concentrations
Criminology
Disasters and the environment
Gender
Law and society
Methods
Race
Sociology of health
Sociological theory
Graduate Education Goals
- Conduct original research and demonstrate skills in academic instruction and service.
- Master the theoretical knowledge and methodological skills required for their chosen degrees and fields of study.
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge in at least two specialized areas within sociology or criminology.
Work closely with faculty mentors
Graduate students are encouraged to establish professional identities in both research and teaching. They work closely with department faculty, join professional associations, attend and present work at professional conferences.Ìý
Research opportunitiesÌýare available with theÌýDisaster Research CenterÌýand theÌýCenter for Drug and Health Studies, internationally recognized centers for social science research. ÌýThey offer research training for graduate students, including stipends for research assistants and use of data sources. Three faculty members serve as editors of the Sociological Forum, the flagship journal of the Eastern Sociological Society.
Why choose the 91Ô´´?
The 91Ô´´ offersÌý11 graduate programs ranked among the top 50 best in the nation.ÌýCentrally locatedÌýbetween New York City and Washington, D.C., 91Ô´´ is driven by a rare combination of Land Grant, Sea Grant and Space Grant missions—with a legacy of innovation and service stretching back more than 275 years.
Applications are accepted each year for fall admission. Applicants should submit a complete applicationÌýbyÌýJanuary 3. Ìý
The following items must be uploaded to yourÌýonline application:Ìý
- On-line application
- Unofficial transcript containing GPA. Applicants should only mail official transcripts upon request from the Graduate College.Ìý
- Three letters of recommendation. Each recommender will receive upload instructions via email. The application system provides a link to technical support in case of problems.
- Statement of objectives. In a statement 3-5 pages in length, please tell us about yourself. Specifically cover these questions:
- Given our department’s focal areas, what areas of research are you most interested in and/or do you have new interests you’d like to learn more about from our current faculty?
- What kinds of research experiences or course work as an undergraduate or graduate student have shaped your interests, or how do ideas you have from your career/applied settings/other work experiences or positions inform your interests?
- Why do you want an M.A. or Ph.D. and what are your eventual career goals?
- Given our department’s focal areas, what areas of research are you most interested in and/or do you have new interests you’d like to learn more about from our current faculty?
- ​TOEFL (minimum 100) or IELTS (7.5) for international students. The ETS 91Ô´´ institution code is 5811.
- Writing sample is required.​
Notes
- Recommended GPA is at least 3.5 and above.Ìý
- Applicants must have earned a B.A. or M.A. degree before matriculation in fall.
- The application fee is $75.ÌýView information regarding fees and possible fee waivers​.
- All incoming students are subject to a criminal background check as perÌý.
The department's graduate program policy statement specifies degree requirements, policies, and procedures for sociology and criminology graduate students. The statements are reviewed and approved by theÌý.
Ìýto review the M.A. and Ph.D. degree requirements​.
Visit the Graduate College's Academic Support page for academic and graduation forms including:
- Application for advanced degree
- Course substitution
- Request for transfer of graduate credit
- Change of major/concentration
- Recommendation for candidacy
- Dissertation defense certification
- Thesis/dissertation manual
Sociology and criminology graduate students are fully funded within the program. Awards are competitive and merit-based.ÌýÌýFinancial aid is available to graduate students in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships, tuition scholarships, and University fellowships.Ìý
Assistantships and fellowships consist of full tuition plus a stipend for the September to May academic period. For more information, visit theÌý
First-year international students receive financial aid if they have a TOEFL score of at least 600 paper-based,Ìý250 computer-based, and 100 iBT-based.
The funding package is detailed in the admissions offer letter. Renewal of funding packages each year depends on satisfactory progress toward the degree. For more information, review the Graduate College's page on funding opportunities.
Travel: Students must apply to the department's graduate program committee to request travel support to attend national and international conferences. Graduate students may alsoÌýapply for travel awards from the Graduate College, which are funded by the Office of the Provost.
Visit the Graduate College's Emergency Support page for resources available to students experiencing financial hardships or mental health issues.
As a registered student organization, the Sociology and Criminal Justice Graduate Council addresses the needs of the M.A. and Ph.D.Ìýstudents in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at 91Ô´´. The purpose of this organization is to promote the academic and professional development of graduate students and to serve as the official voice for those students in representing their interests to the faculty, administration, and University community at large. For more information, emailÌýudscjgc@gmail.com.
Area Committees
Fall 2024 – Spring 25
The area committees are responsible for policies and procedures in their areas. Graduate students have voting representatives at faculty meetings.
| Criminology | Karen Parker, Chair Tammy Anderson Ronet Bachman Cresean Hughes |
Disasters and the Environment Ìý | Tricia Wachtendorf, Chair Sarah DeYoung Victor Perez |
Gender Ìý | Susan Miller, Chair Ann Bell Asia Friedman |
| Health | Ann Bell, Chair Mieke Eeckhaut Victor Perez |
Law and Society Ìý | Chrysanthi Leon, Chair Jennifer Earl Eric Rise |
| Methods | Ronet Bachman, Chair Ann Bell Mieke Eeckhaut |
Race Ìý | Yasser Payne, Chair Sarah Bruch Karen Parker |
Sociological Theory Ìý | Asia Friedman, Chair Aaron Fichtelberg Shawna Vican |
Non-admitted students can take graduate-level courses in sociology or criminologyÌýthrough 91Ô´´'s Division of Professional & Continuing Studies. Students who later formally enroll in one of 91Ô´´â€™s sociology or criminology graduate programs may transfer up to nine credits upon approval by the department's graduate policy committee.
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Please visit 91Ô´´'s Student Financial Services for tuition and related fees (subject to yearly change).
The 91Ô´´ holistically supports its graduate students, beginning with their health and wellbeing. Benefits include a subsidized health plan and physical and behavioral health services. 91Ô´´ fosters a culture of academic excellence, with committed faculty and staff and access to state-of-the-art research facilities and technology. 91Ô´´ prioritizes professional development with job training, internships and industry partnerships. Graduates further enhance their professional growth and visibility with opportunities to work on interdisciplinary research teams, present their work at conferences and publish in academic journals. Visit the links below to learn how 91Ô´´ is supporting society’s future leaders, scholars, and innovators.
