Emory University

What you'll study

The programme covers a range of central sociological topics with emphasis on methods and theory. Typical areas of study include:

• Social Theory — classical and contemporary frameworks that shape sociological explanation and critique.
• Research Methods — training in quantitative methods (statistical analysis, survey design, causal inference) and qualitative methods (ethnography, interviews, content analysis), plus mixed-methods approaches.
• Social Inequality — stratification, race and ethnicity, class, gender, and intersections of disadvantage.
• Cultural Sociology — meanings, identities, institutions, and how culture shapes social life.
• Global and Comparative Sociology — transnational processes, migration, development, and comparative social institutions.
• Applied and Policy Sociology — program evaluation, public sociology, and community-engaged research.

Elective offerings and seminar topics change as faculty update coursework, and many students take courses across related departments such as public health, political science and anthropology.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Strong candidates demonstrate evidence of academic preparation in sociology or related social sciences, including coursework in statistics or research methods where possible. Typical application materials include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation (usually two or three), a statement of purpose outlining research interests and career aims, and a CV.

Prior research or relevant professional experience (for example, work in research assistants, community organisations, policy settings, or data analysis roles) strengthens an application. Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates use their training in a wide range of settings. Common career paths include:

• Research and data analysis — roles in academic research teams, think tanks, survey organisations, and market research firms.
• Public policy and government — policy analysis, programme evaluation and research roles at local, state, or federal agencies.
• Non-profit and advocacy organisations — monitoring and evaluation, community research, outreach and programme management.
• Healthcare and public health — social determinants research, evaluation of interventions, and roles that bridge social science and health practice.
• Higher education and further study — preparation for PhD programmes in sociology or related fields, and teaching or administrative roles in colleges and universities.

The programme's emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative skills equips graduates to translate social theory into actionable research across sectors.

Why study at Emory University

Emory's sociology faculty are active researchers in areas such as inequality, health, race and ethnicity, culture, and urban studies, offering students access to mentorship and a diverse set of research projects. Located in Atlanta, Emory provides proximity to major public health institutions, nonprofits, and government agencies, facilitating internships and collaborative research. The university supports interdisciplinary work through centres and institutes across public health, law, business and the humanities, enabling sociology students to pursue applied projects and policy-relevant research. Small seminar sizes and opportunities for one-to-one supervision help students develop strong methodological competence and a clear research agenda.