Degree Programs

Joint PhD in Social Policy and Sociology

This is a joint degree

Joint degree programs are created by special agreement between programs, allowing students to fulfill a modified set of requirements. Please note that students in joint degree programs earn only one degree.

This is not a dual degree. Students in dual degree programs fulfill the complete requirements for each degree, earning degrees for both programs.

Introduction

The Heller School, in conjunction with Brandeis's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, offers a joint PhD program with the Department of Sociology. This degree allows for in-depth study in one of the disciplinary foundations of the Heller PhD. There is a three-year residency for the joint degree.

Program Description

Students must first be enrolled in either department prior to applying to the joint program and are encouraged to apply during their first year of study at Brandeis. The application deadline is April 1 for the following September. Admission to the complementary department is not guaranteed. Students are responsible for obtaining a letter of recommendation from their program director.

Students will undertake both the Heller Comprehensive Paper process as well as the Sociology Qualifying Portfolio and Defense Committee process. One dissertation with a five-person committee will suffice for both departments.

To inquire about this program, please contact the Heller Admissions Office by phone at 781-736-3820 or by email at HellerAdmissions@Brandeis.edu.