社会学博士课程的主要目的是通过关注研究和教学来加深对人类社会重要特征和过程的理解。该计划为研究，教育，政府和私人企业的职业准备了知识渊博的学者和专业人才。该系的核心学习课程强调理论和方法，而选修学分，另一个系的同等课程，两个集中领域的全面考试以及论文项目则在专业领域积累了丰富的知识。
The principal aim of the doctoral program in sociology is to develop an advanced understanding of the significant features and processes of human society through a focus on both research and teaching. The program prepares informed scholars and competent professionals for careers in research, education, government, and private enterprise. The department's core program of study stresses both theory and methods while elective credits, cognate courses in another department, comprehensive examinations in two areas of concentrations, and the dissertation project develop substantial knowledge in areas of specialization.