#  Course Progression 

 



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Below is the normal course progression for required coursework. To access links to descriptions for all courses, please go to our [Courses](/pages/courses) page. Please note: Courses may be offered in different years or semesters, depending on the availability of course instructors.

**First Year**

**Fall Semester:**  
**Sociology 2202. Intermediate Quantitative Research Methods** (or equivalent)  
**Sociology 2209. Qualitative Social Analysis: Seminar** (or equivalent)  
Two additional courses that meet degree requirements (electives, workshops)

**Spring Semester:**  
**Sociology 2203. Advanced Quantitative Research Methods**  
**Sociology 2204. Classical Social Theory**  
Two additional courses that meet degree requirements (electives, workshops)

**Other requirements:**  
General written exam in August, prior to beginning year 2  
Apply for pre-doctoral fellowships

**Second Year**

**Fall Semester:**   
**Sociology 22XX. Contemporary Theory and Research Design**  
Three additional courses that meet degree requirements (electives, workshops)

**Spring Semester:**  
Four additional courses that meet degree requirements (electives, workshops)

**Other requirements:**  
Begin working on Qualifying Paper  
Submit two-page overview of Qualifying Paper to Director of Graduate Studies by February 15th

**Third Year**

**Fall Semester:**  
**Sociology 3305. Teaching Practicum**  
**Sociology 3310. Qualifying Paper**

**Other requirements:**  
Submit full draft of Qualifying Paper to Qualifying Paper Faculty Advisor  
Obtain full committee approval of Qualifying Paper by March 31st  
Submit Application for Degree in March/April for May AM degree in Sociology (if desired)



 

##  Graduate Office 

660 William James Hall

**Office Hours (Fall 2025)**  
Monday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (on campus)  
Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (on campus)  
Wednesday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (remote)  
Thursday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (remote)  
Friday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (on campus)

**Email**  
<matteson@wjh.harvard.edu>

**Phone**  
617.495.3813

**Director**   
Jason Beckfield

**Program Coordinator**  
[Jessica Matteson](mailto:///matteson@wjh.harvard.edu)