The research interests of faculty in the Department of Sociology allow for study at the Ph.D. level in a variety of substantive areas. Dissertations evolving from the PhD program reflect the diversity of training obtained in the Department of Sociology, as well as the diversity of students attracted to our department. Over the past few years, dissertation topics have included: social control and delinquency, transformation of the tattoo subculture, corporate relocation, family caregivers, political alienation and behaviour in Western Canada, chronic illness and social support, and representations of the environment.
In addition to the development of substantive specializations, the doctoral program in sociology emphasizes the core areas of sociological theory, and qualitative and quantitative methodology, through a range of course offerings specifically designed for PhD students.