Sociological theory and applied research

The doctorate in Sociology. Theory, Research, Applications It is characterized by:

• The enhancement of circularity between theory and empirical research. In this way, the empirical analysis of social phenomena always proceeds in conjunction with theoretical reflection and the definition of concepts and interpretative frameworks for interpreting social reality;
• The plurality of theoretical and methodological approaches, and disciplinary specializations that the course allows to cultivate. This is made possible by the close link with the Department of Sociology and the important groups and research centers of national and international importance that are part of it.
• The plurality of research areas in which to develop doctoral projects, exploring innovative and frontier themes in very diversified fields, as demonstrated by the research projects carried out in recent years by the students.
• The centrality of the applicative dimension of sociological knowledge. This aspect is supported on the one hand by the commitment of the college's professors to third mission activities (such as the training and specialization of professions, cultural promotion, contribution to public debate); on the other hand, by collaboration with non-academic bodies and companies that have been (co-)financing research activities and doctoral scholarships for years.
• Collaboration with some international universities for teaching and visiting periods.
• The provision of a solid initial education, which develops mainly during the first year. The accompaniment of the doctoral path not only by the reference supervisor, but by the entire teaching staff, with the opportunity for peer-to-peer comparisons and personalization of theoretical and methodological training. 
• The orientation to place the social sciences at the service of the common good and the dignity of the person, in a dimension of responsibility and care as well as respect for the autonomy proper to every form of knowledge, in the wake of the tradition of Università Cattolica.

The doctorate in Sociology. Theory, Research, Applications trains researchers capable of empirically analyzing and theoretically interpreting contemporary social, economic, organizational and cultural phenomena; researchers capable of applying their knowledge and skills with creativity and critical sense both in the academic field and within public, private and Third Sector organizations.  

Career opportunities for the PhD in Sociology. Theory, research, applications include both the academic and extra-academic contexts.

The monitoring of the employment outcomes of those who have completed the course has revealed, in recent years, a clear prevalence of people who have continued their professional career in the academic field, through research grants or other research and teaching contracts (up to more structured positions for those who have obtained the title at a greater distance of time). However, there is no shortage of professional results within public and private structures or in the form of freelancers, mainly but not exclusively in the field of social research.