The PhD program in Sociology combines an emphasis on competence in social theory and research methods with opportunities for the development of each student's own interest. Doctoral candidates are expected to achieve a solid proficiency in fundamentals that will enable them to teach basic and advanced sociology courses and to engage in both quantitative and qualitative research. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the wide diversity of specialties within the faculty of the department and the university as a whole, and to call upon the unique social and cultural resources available within New York City and its surrounding area. The department emphasizes rigorous training in sociological theory and in research methods. It includes a sequence of required and elective courses on theory and theory construction, designed to acquaint every student with skills necessary for developing social explanations. Required and elective courses in methods and statistics familiarize students with the basic techniques for collecting and analyzing data on social processes. The methods sequence ensures that every student acquires the competence to formulate and test research questions.