Department of Sociology and Anthropology College of Social Sciences and Humanities Northeastern University

A Top-Ranking Graduate Program in Sociology and Anthropology

The Northeastern University (NEU) sociology and anthropology graduate program is ranked in the top 100 sociology graduate programs in the country according to "U.S. News and World Report." The department offers both a master's degree and a doctoral program.

Students gain a solid foundation in sociological theory before choosing a customized course of study. Students in the program work closely with faculty members on a variety of research projects on topics ranging from environmental justice to women's studies.

Admission into the graduate program at Northeastern University is highly selective and students come from a variety of academic backgrounds. However, a student who does not have a degree in sociology upon entering the program may be required to take a qualifying exam and complete additional coursework.

The Master of Arts in Sociology

Students in the Master of Arts in Sociology complete 30 semester hours taking core courses in theory, methods, and statistics, as well as 6 electives to help them customize their programs to meet their career goals.

A PhD Program With Five Diverse Areas of Study

All students enrolled in the Northeastern University sociology graduate program complete required courses in research methods as well as contemporary and classical sociological theory. After completing these courses, students choose customized programs of study within the program's 5 core areas of concentration: globalization, urban sociology, sociology of gender, inequality, and sociology of violence.

Exciting Research Opportunities

Students from all concentrations have ample opportunities to participate in research projects at several noted research facilities, including the Brudnick Center on Violence and Conflict; the Kitty and Michael Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy; and the Northeastern Environmental Justice Research Collaborative (NEJRC). Past and current research topics include hate crimes and prejudice on college campuses, housing and education, environmental justice, and women's studies.

Skill-Building Workshops and Conferences

The NEU sociology department conducts workshops designed to prepare students for future careers as university-level teachers or public-sector researchers and analysts. Workshop topics include grant writing, media relations, and teaching. In addition, the sociology department hosts several national and international conferences throughout the year. These conferences give students an opportunity to present papers and network with professionals and students who share their academic interests.

Alumni Success

After completing the PhD program at Northeastern University, students are qualified for careers as teachers and researchers. Graduates of the program now teach at universities across the country, including Sam Houston State University, University of North Texas, Bridgewater State College, and Transylvania University in Kentucky.

The doctoral program also prepares students for careers in the private sector or nonprofit work. Currently, NU alumni work as consultants and researchers with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Kiley and Company, and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

Faculty Members with a Wide Range of Expertise

The faculty members at Northeastern University's sociology PhD program represent a diverse range of interests, including urban development, immigration, race relations, gender and society, and social justice.

Notable faculty members include Professor Barry Bluestone, dean of the school of public policy and urban affairs. Professor Daniel Faber is a founding member of Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow and board member of the Massachusetts Environmental Justice Alliance. Professor Kathrin Zippel was named a co-winner of the Victoria Schuck Award of the American Political Science Association for her 2006 book "The Politics of Sexual Harassment: A Comparative Study of the United States, the European Union and Germany."

Graduation Requirements for Sociology Doctoral Students

Students in the sociology doctoral program will earn a master's degree on the way to earning a PhD. To earn a master's degree in sociology from Northeastern University, students must complete 4 required foundation courses, 6 electives, and maintain GPAs of 3.0 or higher. A final paper must be completed by the end of each student's second year of study.

Doctoral students complete about 2 years of graduate work after earning a master's degree. After PhD students complete their coursework and teaching requirements, they must pass 2 written exams, 2 oral exams, and complete final theses.

Admissions Requirements and Financial Assistance for Sociology Students

A student interested in the sociology doctoral program at Northeastern University is required to submit an application form, GRE scores, personal statement, official transcript(s), and 3 letters of recommendation.

There are several types of financial aid available for students in the PhD sociology program. Students can apply for financial assistance when they apply for admission to the program. Teaching and research assistantships are also available. Students in assistantships receive tuition assistance and a stipend.

Students who have completed their PhD coursework are eligible for teaching fellowships. Teaching fellows receive tuition and stipends in exchange for teaching 3 classes in a year.

More information is available regarding graduate applications and graduate studies at Northeastern University.

A Top-Rated University in Boston

Northeastern University is located in the heart of Boston, one of the oldest cities in the United States. The 73-acre campus is located within walking distance to historic landmarks, art museums, and Fenway Park. Students can also attend lectures and cultural events at nearby universities like Harvard, M.I.T., and Boston University. "U.S. News and World Report" has ranked Northeastern University among the top 100 national universities.

• Degrees Offered
• Major Degree Levels Offered
• Sociology Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  Master of Arts (MA)

• Degrees Awarded
• Master's Degrees 7
• Doctoral Degrees 2
• First Professional Degrees Not reported
• Other Advanced Degrees Not reported
• * Shows the number of degrees awarded for the last academic year that data was reported.

• Earning Your Degree
• Part-time study available? Yes
• Evening/weekend programs available? No
• Distance learning programs available? Not reported
• Terminal master's degree available? No

• Degree Requirements
• Master's Degrees Required
• Doctoral Degrees Required and teaching tutorial
• First Professional Degrees Not reported
• Other Advanced Degrees Not reported

• Acceptance Rate
• Applied116
• Accepted27
• Acceptance Rate23%
• Enrolled10
• Applying
• Application Fee - Domestic $50
• Application Fee - International $50
• Electronic applications accepted? No
• Applications processed on a rolling basis? Not Reported
• Application Deadlines
• Type Domestic International Priority Date
• Fall deadline February 1st Not Reported Not Reported
• Winter deadline Not Reported Not Reported Not Reported
• Spring deadline Not Reported Not Reported Not Reported
• Entrance Requirements
• Master's DegreesGRE General Test or MAT
• Doctoral's DegreesGRE General Test or MAT
• First-Professional's DegreesNot Reported
• Other Advanced DegreesNot Reported
• International DegreesTOEFL required

• Tuition & Fees
• In-state tuition *Not Reported
• Out-of-state tuition *Not Reported
• International student tuitionNot Reported
• * Tuition for full-time graduate student per academic year
• Fees
• Per-academic year feesNot Reported
• Per-term feesNot Reported
• One-time feeNot Reported
• * Fees for full-time graduate students
• Financial Support
• Financial award applicants must submitFAFSA
• Application deadlines for financial awardsFebruary 1
• Types of financial support availableResearch Assitantships, Teaching Assistantships, Tuition Waivers, Career or Field-Related Internships, Graduate Assistantships

• Existing Research
• Focus of faculty researchGlobalization and international studies, urban affairs, social justice
• Externally sponsored research expenditures last yearNot Reported