Graduate Studies in Sociology at the University of Kentucky
Welcome to the Department of Sociology at the University of Kentucky. You are now part of our academic enterprise and our future. We are a very diverse academic program. Sociology faculty have primary appointments in the Colleges of Agriculture, Arts and Sciences, Communications, Martin School of Public Policy, Medicine, and Public Health. It is our graduate program that brings us together in a common purpose. It is our responsibility to guide and evaluate your academic journey towards an advanced degree. It is your responsibility to rigorously apply yourself to the required tasks and to take the initiative in mapping your program.
This manual has been prepared to assist students in their orientation to the Department of Sociology, its faculty, and its operational procedures. This document is not intended to be the sole source of information. Rather, it should be viewed as complementary to the University of Kentucky Bulletin: The Graduate School.
Advanced degrees in sociology are certifications that the person possessing them can carry out the analytical, conceptual, and methodological operations expected of a professional sociologist. An advanced degree is not merely a stamp of professional competence, but also testifies to the expectations on the part of the faculty that the person receiving the degree will continue to grow and be productive in the field. As a result, both professor and student are "stamped" with each degree. Faculty members at the University of Kentucky make every effort to insure that those who receive advanced degrees in sociology are fully capable of meeting the standards of professional scholarship.
As a graduate student, you must assume responsibility for planning your program and you must take the initiative in securing advice from the faculty. Any carefully developed plan devised for a program will depend upon individual interests or goals.
General Requirements of the Graduate School
A primary responsibility of a graduate student at the University of Kentucky is becoming thoroughly familiar with current Department and Graduate School rules and regulations. Many of these may be found in this manual and the Bulletins of the University and the Graduate School. You should not rely upon your advisor, faculty, or other students to remind you of standard requirements such as registration, residency requirements, or specifications for the dissertation. It is your responsibility to keep your own record up-to-date and in compliance with University regulations. The Director of Graduate Studies and Department Administrative Associate will keep official records, but you need to make sure that this record is complete and correct.