.png&w=1920&q=75)
PH-D in Social Science at Dayalbagh Educational Institute
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Social Science at Dayalbagh Educational Institute Agra?
This Ph.D. (Social Science) program at Dayalbagh Educational Institute focuses on rigorous research and critical inquiry into complex societal issues. Rooted in DEI''''s value-based education, it encourages interdisciplinary perspectives and ethical considerations, preparing scholars to contribute to academic discourse and real-world policy formulation in the diverse Indian context.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduates in social sciences (e.g., Sociology, Political Science, Economics, Psychology) seeking advanced research skills. It caters to aspiring academics, policy analysts, and professionals in research organizations or NGOs aiming to deepen their expertise and contribute scholarly work to societal development.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers in academia, think tanks, government policy units, and international development organizations in India. Ph.D. holders command higher respect and better remuneration, with pathways to senior research and leadership roles. This program fosters expertise vital for India''''s evolving socio-economic landscape.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Ethics- (Coursework Phase (approx. 1st year))
Thoroughly grasp advanced research methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative, and ethical guidelines. Actively participate in all coursework lectures and workshops related to research design, data collection, analysis, and academic integrity.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R, NVivo for data analysis, DEI Library resources, UGC Care Journal List
Career Connection
A strong methodological foundation is crucial for credible research, publications, and future employment in academia or research institutions.
Cultivate Strong Faculty Mentorship- (Coursework Phase & early research (approx. 1st-2nd year))
Establish a robust relationship with your research supervisor and other departmental faculty. Regularly seek their guidance on course topics, potential research areas, and academic challenges. Proactive engagement will provide invaluable insights and support.
Tools & Resources
Regular one-on-one meetings, Departmental seminars, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
Effective mentorship provides academic direction, opens networking opportunities, and helps navigate the complexities of Ph.D. research and career planning.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Learning- (Throughout the Ph.D. program, especially early years)
Beyond your core specialization, explore related disciplines in social sciences through seminars, reading groups, and optional courses. Dayalbagh''''s holistic environment encourages cross-faculty interaction to broaden research perspectives and foster innovative ideas.
Tools & Resources
DEI inter-departmental seminars, Online courses (e.g., NPTEL, Coursera), Reading groups
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary skills enhance research depth, increase adaptability, and make scholars more attractive to diverse research and policy roles in India.
Intermediate Stage
Formulate a Robust Research Proposal- (Post-coursework, pre-comprehensive exam (approx. 2nd year))
Dedicate significant effort to developing a well-structured, feasible, and impactful research proposal. Incorporate feedback from your supervisor and Departmental Research Committee to refine your research questions, objectives, and methodology.
Tools & Resources
Literature review databases (JSTOR, Scopus), Proposal writing workshops, Thesis templates
Career Connection
A strong proposal is the blueprint for successful thesis completion and demonstrates your capability to undertake independent, high-quality research.
Actively Participate in Academic Discourse- (Throughout research phase (approx. 2nd-4th year))
Attend and present your work at departmental seminars, workshops, and national conferences. Engage in discussions, solicit feedback, and learn from peers and senior researchers. This enhances critical thinking and presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
DEI Departmental seminars, National Social Science Conferences (e.g., ICSAA), Research Poster Presentations
Career Connection
Networking and presenting build your academic profile, leading to collaborations, publication opportunities, and visibility within the Indian academic community.
Develop Advanced Data Analysis Expertise- (Intermediate to advanced research phase (approx. 3rd-5th year))
Depending on your research, acquire advanced skills in either statistical software for quantitative data or qualitative data analysis software. Practice applying these tools to real datasets, ensuring robust and defensible findings.
Tools & Resources
Advanced courses in SPSS, R, Python (for data analysis), Atlas.ti, MAXQDA for qualitative analysis, Workshops by external agencies
Career Connection
Proficiency in data analysis is highly valued in both academic and non-academic research roles, enhancing employability and research impact.
Advanced Stage
Maintain Consistent Writing and Publication Record- (Final research & thesis writing phase (approx. 4th-6th year))
Regularly write and refine chapters of your thesis. Aim to publish research papers in UGC Care-listed or peer-reviewed journals based on your ongoing work. This establishes your scholarly contributions.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Citation management software (Zotero, Mendeley), Journal submission platforms
Career Connection
A strong publication record is paramount for securing academic positions, post-doctoral fellowships, and promotions in Indian universities.
Prepare for Thesis Defense (Viva Voce)- (Pre-submission and post-submission (approx. 5th-6th year))
Engage in mock viva sessions with your supervisor and committee members. Practice articulating your research objectives, methodology, findings, and contributions concisely and confidently. Be prepared to defend every aspect of your work.
Tools & Resources
Mock defense panels, Reviewing common viva questions, Presentation slides preparation
Career Connection
A successful viva voce is the final step to earning your Ph.D. and demonstrates your mastery of the subject to potential employers.
Strategize Post-Ph.D. Career Pathways- (Final year of Ph.D. (approx. 5th-6th year))
Begin exploring career options well before thesis submission, whether in academia, policy, or industry. Network with professionals, attend career fairs, and tailor your CV and research statement to target specific roles.
Tools & Resources
Career guidance cells, LinkedIn networking, University job portals, National Academic Job Boards
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition post-Ph.D. into relevant and impactful roles in India''''s diverse professional landscape.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master’s degree or equivalent professional degree with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade). A relaxation of 5% (to 50%) is allowed for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) categories.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (extendable up to 8 years for women and PwD candidates)
Credits: Minimum 8, Maximum 16 (for coursework) Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester phase
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHD-RM-401 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Philosophical Foundations of Research, Quantitative and Qualitative Research Designs, Advanced Data Collection Techniques, Statistical and Interpretive Data Analysis, Academic Writing and Research Ethics |
| PHD-SSAT-402 | Advanced Topics in Social Science | Core | 4 | Contemporary Theories in Social Science, Interdisciplinary Approaches to Social Issues, Critical Analysis of Social Phenomena, Policy Research and Evaluation, Advanced Scholarly Discourse |
| PHD-OPT-403 | Advanced/Specific Topic (Optional) | Elective | 4 | Emerging Areas in Social Theory, Specialized Research Techniques, Data Science for Social Research, Grant Writing and Project Management, Qualitative Software Applications |
| PHD-SDP-404 | Skill Development (Optional) | Elective | 4 | Advanced Academic Software Proficiency, Communication and Presentation Skills, Interpersonal Skills for Research Collaboration, Intellectual Property Rights and Plagiarism, Research Project Management |
