Explore the sociology of health, illness, biomedicine, and health care systems alongside distinguished faculty scholars at one of the highest-ranked medical sociology programs in the country.
The Sociology PhD program at UCSF offers an exceptionally deep curriculum focused on the sociology of health, illness, biomedicine, and health care systems. The program features extensive training in both general sociological theory and the sociology of health, illness, and medicine; it also provides rigorous methodological training in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including hands-on learning through the conduct of original research. Commitments to social justice and reducing health inequalities pervade the curriculum and the research of faculty and students.
Additionally, faculty have expertise in aging, science and technology studies, mental health, and health disparities. The program has commitments to social justice and reducing health inequalities that pervade the curriculum and the research of faculty and students. The theoretical bases of the program focus on classical, interactionist, and contemporary sociological perspectives, and the program has a dual orientation toward qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Application Requirements and Process
Applications are accepted from Sept. 15 through Dec. 15 of each year. We welcome applicants with a bachelor's or master's degree in sociology, the social sciences, in certain humanities such as history or philosophy, and in the health professions such as public health, nursing, psychology, or social work.
Recruitment and screening of applications for this program is handled directly by the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
For detailed information, including application requirements and FAQs, visit our Sociology Doctoral Program website.
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Campus and School Resources
The School of Nursing is committed to the holistic care and development of our students. Visit our school and campus resources page to learn about services to help new and continuing students thrive during their time at UCSF.