@ Albright College

Are you thinking about graduate school in sociology or criminology?  Below are a few good sources of information:

• Sociology Professors
  The faculty in the department would be happy to talk to you about what graduate school is like, how to select a school that's best for you and how to apply.  Just email, telephone, or stop by to let us know you're interested.  We strongly encourage you to visit one of us if you are curious about graduate school.
  
  
• Career Services
  This office is located in the south wing of Selwyn Hall and has a great deal of information on graduate schools.  You may click here to go directly to their website.  They also have excellent information on the GRE.
  
  
• Guide to Graduate Programs in Sociology
  This annual publication by the American Sociological Association lists over 250 sociology graduate programs in the United States and other countries.  The Guide lists each schools' contact information, the names of faculty (along with their areas of expertise), special programs, the amount of financial assistance available, and the names and dissertation titles of recent Ph.D. graduates.  An older copy is available for use in the Sociology computer lab located in Teel 317.  An updated copy is available in Dr. Chuck Brown's office located in Teel 302. 
  
  
• Ph.D. Graduate School Rankings in Sociology
  A list of the top 106 Ph.D. graduate programs in sociology can be downloaded in Microsoft Excel by clicking here.  A print copy is also located on the AKD bulletin board next to Dr. Brown's office (located in Teel 302).  Keep in mind that the rankings are from 1992 and although they have not changed a great deal, some schools may have improved or decreased in rank.  Also, the rankings are based on U.S. News and World Report and are, therefore, somewhat subjective.  The rankings should only be used as a rough guideline for choosing a school.  Please click here to see a recent update of school rankings.
  
  
• Web Sites of Sociology Graduate Programs
  The most comprehensive website for sociology graduate programs is Sociolog.  It lists hundreds of sociology programs across the nation.  Keep in mind that not all of these departments have graduate programs.
  
  
• Taking the GRE
  Most sociology graduate programs require applicants to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).  The GRE is administered by the same company that does the SAT.  In fact, the GRE is very similar to the SAT.  It has four sections: verbal, quantitative, logic, and a written component.  You may Click Here to be taken to the official GRE Website.  You can also Download GRE POWERPREP.  GRE POWERPREP Software includes two computer-based GRE General Tests, sample analytical writing topics, scored sample essays and reader commentary, test-taking strategies, a math review, and test tutorials.  This software is sent to individuals who register for the computer-based GRE General Test or you may download it now.

Time-Line to Prepare for Graduate School

Note:  Because the department is restructuring the curriculum this is a schedule that is meant for new incoming students and current Freshmen.  Those of you who are currently sophomores or juniors will need to modify this schedule by completing statistics and theory by the end of your junior year and methods by the end of Fall of your senior year.  If you can, try to complete all three courses by the end of your junior year, especially if you are planning on completing an ACRE grant during the summer between your junior and senior year.  At this point the department plans to offer Theory, Statistics and Methods every semester beginning Fall 2004.

• Sometime during your Sophomore year

Join at least one professional organization such as: The American Sociological Association; The Eastern Sociological Association, or the American Society for Criminology (forms are located on the 3rd floor bulletin board between Dr. Sam's and Dr. Thomson's offices in Teel Hall).

Get to know at least two faculty members in the department by stopping by his/her office once or twice a semester (Note: these visits only need to be about 15 minutes long… just tell the professor that you’re interested in getting to know him or her a little more because you’re thinking that you may  want to use him/her as a reference  in the future).

• Fall of Sophomore Year
  
  Take Soc 240: Statistics
  
  
• Spring of Sophomore Year

        Take Soc 403: Research Methods

• Fall of Junior Year

Join Alpha Kappa Delta if eligible

Take Soc 390: Social Theory

Talk to a faculty member about doing an Independent Study for credit (in place of an internship) that can also qualify for an ACRE project and a Departmental Honors Thesis (NOTE: You don’t have to begin the study until later… you just need to talk to a faculty member about doing something in the future to figure out a topic and research project).

• Interim of Junior Year

Think about doing a ½ or a Full ACRE project with a faculty member and make between $500 and $1,000 for your effort.

• Spring of Junior Year

Finalize what you will be doing for your Independent Study/ACRE project/Departmental Honors Thesis

Begin studying to take the GRE

• Summer between Junior and Senior Year

Complete an Independent Study with a faculty member (Soc 481) which can also be an: ACRE project which can then be turned into a: Departmental HonorsThesis  (NOTE: Summer 1/2 ACRE Grants are $1,250; Full ACRE Grants are for $2,500).

Continue studying to take the GRE

• Fall of Senior Year

Sign up for Soc 481: Independent Study (even though the work has already been completed you sign up for the class Fall 
rather than Summer so that you don’t have to pay tuition during the summer).

Take the GRE between August and October.

Complete graduate school applications and have them turned in by January 1st (After the Fall semester is over).

• Spring of Senior Year