Academics

Credit Requirements

The course requirements for the Ph.D. in Sociology are designed to prepare students to do research by providing a sound foundation in sociological theory, research design, and both qualitative and quantitative methods. Studies are supported in writing and publishing their work while they are still in graduate school and trained to become exceptional instructors. 

The Proseminar, which is designed to introduce you to the department, the university, and the discipline, is a one-credit class which meets once a week and does not require outside assignments. All other courses are three credits. In the first year, students usually take 2 or 3 courses, plus the Proseminar, and hold a 20-hour per week assistantship. 

You can take the theory elective or the qualitative methods class in any year (and can take courses in these areas in other departments to fulfill the requirements), but we recommend them in Year Two. We also recommend taking Writing in Year Two or Three. 

Finally, remember you must take at least 18 dissertation credits. These are one credit courses, but you may only take a maximum of nine during any given semester/session. Students usually register for dissertation credits during years three and beyond. If there are additional questions about this, please contact the Graduate Programs Manager (bridgetleahy@umass.edu). 

Independent Study

Independent studies should primarily be used to facilitate exploration of a specific field or intersection of fields not covered in the department's graduate course offerings. 

Any student within to take an independent study must fill out and return an independent study form to the Graduate Program Manager for approval before they are allowed to register for the course.

No more than three (3) independent studies can be counted toward coursework.
Transferring Credits

Students who enter the program with a Master's degree may be able to transfer some credits towards their doctoral degree. The Graduate Program Director, consulting faculty with relevant expertise, will decide whether previous coursework is equivalent to a given requirement based on transcripts and syllabus from the course. 

Full-Time Status

Students on continuous enrollment or taking 1-5 credits in a single semester can be given a full-time status override. 

U.S. Immigration Regulations require that all international students enroll in classes each term (fall and spring) and maintain a full-time course of study. Please consult the International Programs Office if you plan to withdraw or change to audit credits.

Continuous Enrollment

Continuous enrollment (GRADSCH 999) is a placeholder to indicate to the Graduate School and your financial lenders that you are a student in good standing with the University. Graduate students are not automatically eligible during the summer session; ably students receiving a non-working fellowship from the University are put on Continuous Enrollment in the summer. If you need to register for continuous enrollment in the summer to defer student loans, you must contact the GPM.

Statute of Limitations Extension Requests

Students requesting a Statute of Limitations (SOL) extension must answer the following questions in consultation with their primary advisor(s):

• Length of extension (one year or two years)
• Explanation/justification for the request (100 character cap)
• Outline expected progress for the time requested (100 character cap)
• Outline how the student will be mentored to ensure they will meet new deadlines outlined above (100 character cap)
• Is this the student's first extension (Yes or No)
• If this is not the first extension, did the student meet deadlines set out in the previous extension request (Yes or No)
  • If the student did not meet deadlines, are there extenuating circumstances?

Please email the SOL extension request to the GPM, copying the GPD and the primary advisor(s).