Sociology Department

Sociology Department> Degree Programs> Graduate Program> Dissertation Proposal

After successful completion of the comprehensive examination, a student proceeds to the dissertation proposal stage. A dissertation proposal must provide enough information to show that the student’s dissertation has major intellectual promise for the field of sociology, can feasibly be completed in a timely fashion, and is consistent with professional ethical norms. The proposal must introduce the research topic, review the relevant literature, and outline the methods that will be used for the dissertation. It must also contain a proposed chapter outline and timetable for completion. Where applicable, the proposal must include plans for obtaining human subjects approval for data collection from the Committee on Human Studies. The length of the proposal can vary, but it should be sufficient to provide the committee with sufficient information to make a decision with confidence. A student’s proposal must be evaluated and approved by consensus of the dissertation committee before she or he can move to the dissertation stage.

After approval from the committee, a student must complete the top portion of the graduate division Doctoral Student Progress Form II, obtain approval signatures from all members of their committee, and submit this to the graduate secretary. If applicable, a student must also obtain human subjects certification and submit this certification along with the form. Completion of these requirements makes the student eligible to register for Sociology 800 (Dissertation Research), which is allows students who must maintain full-time enrollment to do so while only enrolled for a single unit.