Sociology at Binghamton University is characterized by its distinctive emphasis on world-historical studies that transgress orthodox departmental boundaries. Our faculty and students come from all world regions, and we provide research supervision for all geographic regions.
We offer promising scholars the opportunity to pursue the critical study of political economy; culture, power, knowledge; and hierarchies of class, race and gender. Inquiry is guided by multiple theoretical approaches and research methodologies, and addresses the relational interplay of the local and the global, as well as of the past and the present. Substantive research interests currently include, but are not limited to: labor, work and world-scale capital accumulation; imperialism, colonialism and diasporic formations; state formation and hegemony; social movements; racial, ethnic and gendered forms of domination; processes and institutions of knowledge production and distribution; world-systems; and alternative paths of technological and economic change and their divergent social and environmental consequences.
Our multiple theoretical perspectives, research strategies and our faculty's expertise on world regions allow students to pursue independent scholarly development rather than standardized training in established specializations. Students are encouraged to develop their own intellectual pursuits and, in consultation with faculty, design their programs of study and select their own areas of scholarly competence. Individual programs of study generally include introductory and advanced seminars, colloquia and doctoral research seminars in the department; relevant course work in other departments, programs or schools; and considerable independent study. Students may also collaborate with faculty on projects of mutual interest. Additional advanced research opportunities may be available at the Fernand Braudel Center for the Study of Economies, Historical Systems, and Civilizations.
Our graduate program relies on close working relations between faculty and students and is, therefore, kept relatively small. Applicants are expected to have a superior academic record and an informed interest in pursuing advanced studies in the Department of Sociology at Binghamton University. The program is as demanding intellectually as it is flexible structurally, and adequate preparation is indispensable. Nonetheless, prior work in a department of sociology is not essential. Preparation, for instance, in history, geography, economics, anthropology, philosophy or political science may be just as appropriate. A working knowledge of modern languages can be especially useful and exposure to mathematics, logic or statistics may be helpful.
Admission is based on a variety of criteria, and we only admit students into our PhD program. Students must submit appropriate samples of their writing that they consider indicative of their scholarly promise. Students are also asked to submit a carefully framed statement that addresses specifically why they want to enter Binghamton’s doctoral program in sociology and that spells out the directions they anticipate developing in their work while here. In addition, letters of recommendation, transcripts and appropriate standardized test scores (GRE, TOEFL) are required. Experience suggests, however, that while test scores are helpful, the writing samples along with the statement and letters of recommendation are better indicators of success in our program.
The Graduate School requires all applicants to submit their scores in the three Graduate Record Examination tests (verbal, quantitative and analytical). No advanced test score is necessary.
How to applyAdmission information, including electronic forms, can be found at http://www2.binghamton.edu/grad-school/prospective-students/index.html. A personal interview is not required, although the department can help coordinate campus visits. Applicants should feel free to send questions by e-mail to the director of graduate studies or any member of the faculty specializing in research areas in which the applicant also has an interest. For further information, see the faculty listing. The Graduate School can be contacted directly at:
Graduate School
Binghamton University
PO Box 6000
Binghamton, NY 13902-6000
Phone: 607-777-2151
E-mail: gradad@binghamton.edu
Completed applications are due January 15 for consideration for departmental funding.
