Applying for PhD in Sociology with no coursework in sociology--how to compensate

Graduate School
1

<p>I am strongly considering applying to a doctorate program in sociology. However, I did not take any sociology courses when I was an undergraduate. I have a masters in teaching where I took methods of research and a field research class. But that is it. </p>

<p>My other stats, I think, are okay:</p>

<p>Undergrad GPA (at highly selective liberal arts school): 3.67 (English)
Graduate GPA: 3.65
GRE: Q: 690, V: 710, AW: 5 (considering retaking the GREs)</p>

<p>My question is, do I even have a chance getting into a program where I can be fully funded (the only option for me)? I do believe I have a powerful narrative as to why I want to do sociology (taught low income students high school) but I am guessing that the weakest part of my application will be my lack of coursework. Does anyone have any advice to how I can compensate for this (if there is a way)? Options I am considering trying: do some work with a sociologist and see if I can get something published; try to publish or present some of the independent research I have done; or even taking some sociology classes (least favorable option).</p>

<p>I would love some help here.</p>

2

<p>You have no sociology courses on your undergraduate transcript? It might be difficult to enter a sociology PhD program if you don't have any upper-level sociology courses plus statistics and research methods. Listen to other people responses here. You may have to take some upper-level courses just to demonstrate you understand the material.</p>

3

<p>Your GREs won't be your problem (1400-5.0 is quite strong) so I wouldn't bother retaking them. I'd suggest taking a couple of UG-level soc classes at a local university this semester so yo have a background in it. I don't know about soc programs, but I have yet to see a psych program that will accept you with NO psych coursework. If your other stats are great and you have some PSYCH research, some programs will consider you with as few as 18 units (6 classes) but 0 classes or even 1 or 2 research soc classes seems pretty dubious to me.</p>