Sociology at Rice University

Sociology is a branch of the social sciences that evolved in response to the revolutionary social changes of the 19th century, such as industrialization and urbanization, that ushered in the modern era. Sociology's founders explored how social relationships and interactions affect individuals and large-scale social institutions, including religion, government, and education.

Today, sociologists use qualitative techniques, including ethnography; participant observation; and case studies of a variety of social phenomena, processes, and problems as methods for exploring the meaning of social life and culture to those who live it, and in building inductive theory. Quantitative techniques engage in hypothesis testing of established theories and concepts, using techniques that include experimental designs, survey questionnaires, and network analysis. Sociology as a discipline includes “ways of knowing” that link it closely to methods of the natural sciences, and more interpretive and critical perspectives that are closer to scholarship in the humanities.

The Sociology department does not have a terminal MA program. Students seeking only a master’s degree are not admitted. However, the Master of Arts degree is earned as a student progresses toward the PhD.