Our year-long curriculum builds analytical and critical skills in sociology while supporting students through fieldwork and discovery, whether in New York's urban environment, in historical archives, in industrial settings, or other fields. Our courses build a solid foundation in sociological theory and methods, while one-on-one advising supports students as they access data sources, select field sites, and make their way through their own research process. Our faculty works closely with students to apply concepts, develop topical expertise, and build individual projects based on research in a variety of communities and settings. Our methods courses encourage diverse and innovative approaches to research at every step of the process, from the elaboration of projects to the final thesis draft.
For students headed toward academic careers, the year at Columbia offers an opportunity to join in the scholarly conversation by participating in our department and carrying out an independent research project. For those aiming beyond sociology, to careers in the non-profit sector or with international organizations, our program encourages students to develop and present sociological work relevant to the public good. The skills taught in our program support careers in the corporate world, in education, and in public policy, among others.
Our alumni continue on to a variety of careers, with over 20% of graduates enrolling in PhD programs in the social sciences within two years of graduation. Former students are currently in PhD programs at Columbia, Yale, Princeton, Penn, NYU, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Northwestern, Brown, Georgetown, and elsewhere. Other alumni apply their skills in the private and public sector, whether in research, corporate positions, finance, human resources, or non-profits and international organizations. A full list of placements is available upon request.
