Sociology

The Department of Sociology seeks to understand all aspects of human social behavior. This includes the behavior of individuals as well as the complex social dynamics of small groups, large organizations, communities, institutions, and entire societies.

Driven by both a desire to understand the fundamental principles of social life and a conviction that these principles can guide the formulation of enlightened, effective social policy, the department provides students with a world-class foundation in empirical research. Sociology offers an exceptional intellectual background for students considering careers in business, social services, public policy, government service, international non-governmental organizations, foundations, or academia.

Academic Programs and Sociological Training

The Department of Sociology offers comprehensive educational pathways at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, organizing its curriculum into key areas of study to help students tailor their training to their academic and career goals:

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.): Rooted deeply in social theory and the scientific method, the major provides students with the methodological skills used to evaluate human behavior and social organizations. Students acquire the tools necessary to analyze and address contemporary social problems and inequalities across global, institutional, and interpersonal social relations. 

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): An advanced, research-intensive graduate program designed to train the next generation of leading sociological scholars and researchers.

• Joint J.D./Ph.D. and J.D./M.A. Programs: Offered in collaboration with the Stanford School of Law, allowing students to earn a law degree in combination with an M.A. or Ph.D. in Sociology. Learn more about joint degree options. opens in a new tab

• Coterminal M.A. Program: Open exclusively to currently enrolled Stanford University undergraduates who wish to pursue a master's degree concurrently with their bachelor's.

• Master of Arts (M.A.): Available to current Stanford graduate students already enrolled in other advanced degree programs. Note: The department does not offer a terminal M.A. program for external applicants.

Research Frontiers and Methodological Inquiry

Research in the department bridges sophisticated theoretical frameworks with rigorous empirical research methods to analyze the structures that shape human life:

• Social Inequality and Problems: Examining how inequalities are generated, maintained, and challenged across global, institutional, and interpersonal levels.

• Theory and the Scientific Method: Utilizing qualitative and quantitative methodologies to test sociological theories, evaluate human behavior, and map social organizations.

• Policy Formulation: Applying empirical insights to the design, evaluation, and improvement of social policies to address pressing community and societal challenges.