How to Get a PhD in Social Sciences

A doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree is the highest degree in the social sciences. Known as the terminal degree in social science, a PhD takes years to earn and can be pursued through traditional or online grad schools. A doctorate degree qualifies recipients to teach at the university level or work in the upper echelons of corporations, private agencies, and government offices concerned with the social sciences. While social science encompasses a wide variety of fields with PhDs of their own, a PhD in the discipline offers students a well-rounded understanding of multiple subjects, allowing them to see how fields relate to one another and operate in society.

As with any doctorate degree, the PhD in social sciences requires dedication and years of learning. While PhD programs vary by school, many social sciences PhD programs have the following requirements:

• Core Curriculum: Students are required to take a core set of classes to lay the groundwork for specialized study and independent research later on.

• Specialization: After completing core courses, students take seminars or pursue independent study to dig deeper into a particular area of the social sciences.

• Comprehensive Exams: After completing required coursework, students must pass a series of written and oral exams to demonstrate mastery of the subject. Passing grades are required before students can embark on independent research.

• Original Research: Research is a large component of any PhD program. Students must perform original research that makes a significant contribution to the field of social science.

• Dissertation: A dissertation is a publishable, book-length work based on a student's original research. The dissertation is the final step of most PhD programs, and students must defend it in front of a panel of experts in order to earn their degree.

PhD programs require a lot from students, but they are also more accessible than ever through online grad schools. Online PhD programs in social science allow working individuals to pursue an advanced degree without moving or leaving their jobs. Whether you're looking to make a transition or reach the next level in your social science career, a PhD in social sciences can qualify you for the most competitive positions.

Studying Society: An Overview of the PhD in Social Sciences

In the broadest sense, social science encompasses everything having to do with human behavior and functioning in society. The fields of anthropology, sociology, psychology, economics, public policy, and social work all fall under the social science umbrella. While PhD programs in each of these subjects exist, a PhD in social sciences is an interdisciplinary degree that allows you to learn about multiple areas and study how the fields relate to one another. The degree was designed with the belief that some aspects of society are better understood through the study of multiple disciplines within social science.

If you're interested in a PhD in social sciences, you can expect to take courses in political science, sociology, history, anthropology, geography, and international relations. By studying these subjects and choosing a specialization, you can prepare yourself for a career in international business, urban planning, international relations, public policy, and countless other fields.

How to Choose a Doctorate Degree Program

Once you decide to pursue a PhD, researching programs is crucial before beginning the application process. Depending on your career goals and lifestyle, an online PhD program may be preferable to a campus PhD program, or vice versa. The following steps can help you discover the programs that are out there, decide between traditional and online PhD programs, and narrow down your final list of schools.

Step 1: Make a Comprehensive List

At the beginning of the search process, you want to cast your net wide and discover all of the programs that meet your most basic requirements. By considering the following program attributes, you can make a comprehensive list of programs that might work for you.

Accreditation

Accreditation agencies are private companies that evaluate schools based on a set of criteria to ensure quality. Accreditation is granted to schools that meet the agencies' requirements, so if a school is accredited, you can feel confident about the quality of its offerings. Employers also consider whether or not a school is accredited when viewing your academic history.

Educational Format: Campus or Online PhD Programs

Before beginning the application process, you'll want to decide between traditional, on-campus programs and online PhD programs. Some schools offer hybrid programs that combine online and in-person classes. Thinking about your schedule and your career goals can help guide your decision.

• Schedule: Do you plan to work full-time while pursuing your PhD, or will you leave your current job to become a full-time student?

• Full-time Job: If you plan to work full time while pursuing your degree, an online PhD in social sciences can work around your busy schedule with flexible classes. Many online grad schools cater especially to working adults.

• Full-time Student: On-campus PhD programs work especially well if you plan to attend school full-time. Many traditional PhD programs offer funding via teaching fellowships and grants that can help with tuition and living expenses.

• Career Goals: What you hope to do with your doctorate degree also affects the online versus on-campus decision.

• Academic: If you're looking to go into academia as a professor or researcher, on-campus programs offer advantages such as top-notch research facilities, teaching experience, and a community of scholars.

• Professional: If you're pursuing a PhD for professional advancement, an online PhD in social sciences may make the most sense. Because online PhD programs allow you to keep your current job, you can add to your resume while expanding your education.

• Location: A school's location is clearly an important factor in on-campus and hybrid programs since you will need to live within commuting distance. Ask yourself whether you're willing to relocate to attend the school of your dreams, or if you should limit your search to local and online grad schools.

Education Web sites are an excellent resource for locating schools that meet your criteria. You can also use the U.S. Department of Education to find accredited schools in your region. Write down the basic information for each school that meets these basic requirements--in step two you can narrow the list to schools that match your interests.

Step 2: Narrow Your Focus

The field of social science is vast, and not all schools focus on the specific areas you're interested in. While the PhD in social sciences is an interdisciplinary degree, you want to apply to schools that can benefit you the most in terms of your interests and career goals. Take some time to figure out which disciplines within social science best fit your interests and goals. The following are some of the main areas of study within social science:

• Anthropology: Anthropology is the study of human beings and their physical, cultural, and social evolution. Physical anthropologists study anatomy and may find themselves on an archaeological dig, while cultural anthropologists try to understand how cultures evolve and function.

• Economics: Economics studies how people produce and allocate goods and services. Economists are concerned with trade, spending, and economic efficiency in both individual businesses and large-scale global markets.

• Gender and Women's Studies: Gender and women's studies addresses the role of gender in history, politics, art, and society. Women's studies experts often teach at universities in several disciplines.

• Geography: Geography is the study of the earth and its inhabitants. Physical geography is closely related to physical sciences like climatology, oceanography, and geomorphology, while human geography focuses on the development and migration of cultures.

• History: Historians generally specialize in a given region and time period, becoming experts on the area's cultural, political, social, and economic happenings. Historians frequently become professors or policy advisors.

• Linguistics: Linguistics is the study of the evolution and use of language. Linguists often speak multiple languages and can work as translators or policy advisors.

• Political Science: Political science refers to the way countries interact with each other and includes the fields of international relations and public policy. Political scientists often work as political advisors for the government and private agencies.

• Psychology: Psychology is the study of human behavior, including cognitive, social, and emotional processes. Some psychologists focus on research, while others work for schools, hospitals, or in private practice counseling patients.

A PhD in social sciences may encompass many of these fields, but your area of specialization depends on your interests. Reference school Web sites, printed information packets, and admissions counselors to determine which areas of social science each school offers. After cross-checking your goals with the offerings of each school on your long list, you should be able to narrow the list down to a more manageable number of programs.

Step 3: Finalize Your List

With your list narrowed to programs that meet your basic criteria and align with your interests, you can compare programs against one another to determine your final list of schools. Using the following criteria, you can begin to evaluate how much a school has to offer:

• Faculty: Use the Internet, admissions counselors, or current students to research the faculty members you'll be learning from. What are their areas of expertise? What types of work have they published? How effective are they as teachers? Whatever program you attend, the quality of teaching can greatly impact your experience.

• Program History: While you shouldn't automatically rule out new PhD in social sciences programs, established programs generally have the know-how and funding to run effectively. Use school Web sites to find out how long each school and social science program on your list has existed.

• Graduation and Placement Rate: The fate of recent graduates can tell you a lot about a program's goals and success rate. Obtain graduation and placement rates from alumni offices and look for graduates entering your field of interest.

• Reputation: A school's reputation can add or subtract value from your degree. If you plan on entering academia, ask professors and researchers what programs they recommend. If business is your goal, find out which programs are most respected in your industry.

• Facilities: Use admissions officers and current students to learn about the facilities each PhD program offers. If research is your priority, make sure the schools you apply to have operating research centers.

• Funding: Funding not only makes your life as a PhD student easier, it says something about how the social science department is valued by its school. Contact the admissions or financial aid office to learn specifics about available funding.

Performing all of this research takes time, but it pays off when you have a lean list of PhD programs to apply to. Whether you plan to earn a traditional or online PhD in social sciences, thorough research up front can save you time and stress later on.

How to Apply for a PhD in Social Sciences

Once you have a final list of schools to apply to, the real work begins! You'll notice that each school may have slightly different application requirements, so make a detailed list of what each school requires and when the application is due. The following are fairly standard requirements for applications to PhD programs:

• Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you've attended--you must have a bachelor's degree to apply.
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores
• Letters of Recommendation from at least two former professors or employers.
• Personal Statement indicating why you would be a good fit for the program and what you hope to accomplish.
• Additional Materials including publications, extended work history, or other relevant information.

With so many required application materials, planning ahead is essential. You need to give yourself time to study for and take the GRE, write your personal statement, and request letters of recommendation. Be sure to give recommenders at least a month or two to write and send letters on your behalf.

Aiming for a Career in Social Science

Whether you want to become a professor, political scientist, historian, geographer, or other social science professional, a PhD in social sciences can qualify you for a leading role. The online PhD in social sciences allows you to earn a terminal degree without leaving your current job, bringing advanced learning within reach.

Sources

• Accreditation, U.S. Department of Education
• Social Science PhD Program, Syracuse University
• Social Sciences, University of California Berkeley
• Social Sciences, University of California Los Angeles
• Social Sciences Resource Center, Stanford University
• Social Scientists, Bureau of Labor Statistics