Specialization at the doctoral level in sociology is inevitable. Where you might find other variance is in the philosophical approach to preparing the curriculum. Here are the benchmarks followed by the faculty in the University of Washington Department of Sociology:
There are three emphases in the graduate training program in Sociology at the University of Washington:
Understanding and critically evaluating social theory and empirical research
Doing theoretically guided research that explores, assesses, and further develops explanatory theories
Developing communication skills (with emphasis on scholarly writing and teaching) that will be useful in transmitting sociological knowledge.
At Washington, the PhD program is very much oriented to research and, it seems, research within an academic environment. A look at their areas of specialization, however, hints at career opportunities off campus as well. The University of Washington’s areas of emphasis in their Doctoral Program in Sociology:
