Sociology is the study of society, human social behavior, and the interactions among individuals and groups, offering a unique perspective on the human experience. There is already a wide variety of career options available for those studying the subject, but pursuing a fellowship in sociology could make the options even more remarkable. Finding the right career in sociology can seem daunting at first, especially if you’re just starting out. Fortunately, plenty of sociology fellowships worldwide are available to students and researchers that provide you with financial support, opportunities to further your research, and professional development experiences.
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Adam Smith Fellowship
The Adam Smith Fellowship offers a one-year, part-time opportunity for doctoral students across disciplines and universities interested in political economy. Open to PhD candidates in economics, philosophy, political science, and sociology, the fellowship involves three weekend sessions during the academic year and one week in summer at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. Participants engage in workshops and seminars focusing on the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of political economy. The fellowship, with a total award of up to $10,000, includes a quarterly stipend and covers travel and lodging expenses for colloquia hosted by the Mercatus Center.
American Druze Foundation (ADF) Postdoctoral Fellowship in Druze and Arab Studies
The ADF Fellowship aims to advance specialized social scientific research, focusing primarily on the Druze communities and broader collective political and cultural identities in the Arab world. This postdoctoral fellowship supports academic research in history, political science, sociology, economics, anthropology, and archaeology. Spanning one academic year (August through May), the fellowship provides an annual stipend of $70,000 along with $5,000 in research funds. Eligibility requires applicants to be recent PhD graduates from accredited universities or granting institutions.
American Educational Research Association (AERA) Dissertation Grant
The AERA grants program aims to advance STEM education policy knowledge with the use of major databases. It emphasizes statistical analysis of data collected by organizations such as the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NSF, and other federal agencies. Advanced doctoral students in education, sociology, economics, psychology, demography, statistics, and psychometrics can apply for grants of up to $27,500. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or international students enrolled in a U.S. doctoral program.
American Sociological Association Minority Fellowship
The ASA Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) is designed for underrepresented minority students enrolled in a program that grants a PhD in sociology and advanced in their program by the time of application. ASA provides a stipend of $20,000 for each annual award and works with departments to try to arrange for the payment of tuition for the academic year. Fellows must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, or be eligible under DACA. MFP Fellows are selected on the basis of their commitment to research, the focus of their research experience, academic achievement, scholarship, writing ability, research potential, financial need, and racial/ethnic minority background.
ASA Community Action Research Initiative Grants
The American Sociological Association invites applications for the Community Action Research Initiative (CARI) grants. These grants support projects that apply social science knowledge and methods to tackle community-based issues. Eligible applicants include sociologists collaborating with community organizations or action initiatives. The initiative welcomes applications from sociologists in diverse settings, including academia, research institutes, private/non-profit organizations, and government agencies. Graduate students are also eligible. Grants cover direct costs, with funding available for up to $3,000.
ASA Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (ASA DDRIG)
The ASA Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (ASA DDRIG) program backs theoretically grounded empirical inquiries to enhance comprehension of core social processes. Up to 25 awards, each not exceeding $16,000, are granted annually. Eligibility extends to any doctoral student at a U.S.-accredited institution working on a scientifically rigorous sociology-based project contributing to the field. Proposals must be submitted by a research scholar with support from a research sponsor. Grant funds cover research-related costs, including living expenses and dependent care.
Carla B. Howery Teaching Enhancement Fund Grants
The Carla B. Howery Teaching Enhancement Fund offers modest grants to back projects propelling the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) in sociology. These grants can assist individuals, programs, departments, or state/regional association committees. ASA might issue multiple grants, each capped at $2,500. Key award criteria include advancing sociology teaching and learning, initiating a lasting impact, and fostering systemic influence. The intentionally flexible criteria cater to innovative proposals.
Center for Engaged Scholarship Dissertation Fellowships
These doctoral fellowships are designed for high-quality Ph.D. students in the social sciences whose research aims to foster a more equitable, democratic, and environmentally sustainable U.S. society. Each recipient will be awarded $25,000 over a nine-month duration. Eligible candidates are those enrolled in a U.S. Ph.D. program in anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, social psychology, and sociology, extending to foreign nationals and undocumented individuals.
Constantine and George Macricostas Fellowship at the Gennadius Library
The Constantine and George Macricostas Fellowship at the Gennadius Library sponsors research in Orthodox Christian Studies, emphasizing the history, religious traditions, and broader influences of Orthodoxy. Eligible applicants include Ph.D. students and those who have earned their Ph.D. within the last 5 years. Research projects should focus on the historical, political, and sociological dimensions of Eastern Orthodox religion from Late Antiquity to the present. Fields of study may include religious studies, anthropology, history, philosophy, politics, law, and sociology. This fellowship is open to candidates of all nationalities. It offers a stipend of $11,500, a waiver of school fees, and housing in Athens.
CASBS Residential Fellowship Program
The Center provides a residential fellowship program supporting scholars in various disciplines, contributing to advancing research in the social sciences. Fellows span core social and behavioral sciences, including anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, and sociology. Additionally, scholars from the humanities, education, linguistics, communications, and the biological, natural, health, and computer sciences are welcomed. In the 2023-24 cycle, fellowships from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the National University of Singapore, and Stanford-Taiwan Social Science will be offered through CASBS.
Democracy Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation is seeking applications from postdoctoral scholars who are on the verge of completing or have recently completed a Ph.D. for its Postdoctoral Democracy Fellowship. This fellowship is designed to support scholars whose research creatively explores various aspects of democratic governance, pushing the boundaries of academic disciplines such as political theory, philosophy, political science, sociology, law, or history. Successful fellows will receive an annual stipend of $65,000 for a duration of two years.
Democracy Visiting Fellowships
The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation welcomes applications from faculty, doctoral, and postdoctoral students for its Democracy Visiting Fellowship Program, providing an opportunity to advance research on substantive democratic governance issues. Scholars employing various approaches from political theory, philosophy, political science, sociology, law, or history are encouraged to apply. The fellowship spans one academic year, from August 1 to July 31, with fellows participating in a weekly community seminar series and actively engaging in the Ash Center and Harvard Kennedy School’s activities. The fellowship includes institutional support, access to physical and online libraries, electronic resources, and shared fellow study spaces.
Fulbright-Schuman Postdoctoral Award at the European University Institute (Florence, Italy)
This program aims to foster study and research opportunities for Americans and Europeans, particularly concerning the transatlantic relationship. The award duration ranges from 3 to 9 months, with a monthly allowance of 3000 EUR. Additionally, a travel and relocation allowance of €2,000 is estimated for the grantee. The recipient of the Fulbright-Schuman Postdoctoral Award is expected to pursue independent research in affiliation with one of the EUI Departments (Economics, History and Civilization, Law, Political and Social Sciences) or the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies. The latter focuses on interdisciplinary, comparative, and policy research on the European integration process.
Hodges Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships
The Hodges Foundation for Philosophical Orientation supports groundbreaking dissertations within the broader realm of philosophical scholarship. It also funds exceptional projects across academic fields if they yield philosophically significant insights into philosophy orientation research. Fellowships offer a $30,000 stipend and 12 months of dedicated dissertation writing. Candidates should be in the writing phase of their dissertation at the commencement of the fellowship. Fellows can be affiliated with academic institutions worldwide, but the dissertations must be written in English and align with the orientation philosophy.
Information Society Law Center Fellowship Position
The “Information Society Law Center” (ISLC) is a cross-disciplinary Research Center dedicated to exploring “Digital Transformation Law,” encompassing legal, technological, political, and social dimensions of the Information Society. The Center unites diverse expertise and scholars across various disciplines, including legal informatics, philosophy of law, sociology of law, ecclesiastical law, criminal law, criminal procedure, philosophy of politics, general legal theory, bioethics, data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and smart contracts. They seek candidates with significant professional and/or academic experience in Information Technology Law. Applications are welcome from both Milan residents and non-residents.
Jacobs Foundation Research Fellowship Program
The Jacobs Foundation Research Fellowship Program is a highly competitive global initiative for early and mid-career researchers with a Ph.D. awarded within the last 10 years. The program supports scholars dedicated to enhancing the learning and development of children and youth globally. Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, education sciences, psychology, economics, sociology, behavioral science, computer science, pedagogy, linguistics, neurosciences, and the science of learning. Scholars aiming to integrate multiple levels of analysis and pursue interdisciplinary research are particularly encouraged. The program emphasizes projects contributing to the scalability of effective education policies and practices.
Max Weber Fellowships
The Max Weber Fellowships cater to early-career postdoctoral researchers aspiring to pursue an academic path, focus on independent research, and refine their academic skills within a diverse educational setting. These fellowships span 1 -2 years and welcome candidates with a doctorate in the social sciences, including economics, law, political science, sociology, history, and related fields. Applicants must have earned a doctoral degree within the last 5 years. Each year, 55-60 fellowships are granted, providing a basic monthly stipend of €2,070.
MDRC Gueron Scholar Doctoral Fellowship
The summer fellowship targets doctoral candidates engaged in self-directed research on economic and social challenges impacting low-income Americans. Eligibility extends to postgraduate students in economics, psychology, sociology, child development, child welfare, family relations, criminal justice, education, public policy, or related fields. The program aims to expose graduate students to social policy research, broaden their employment horizons beyond academia and the public sector, and provide guidance and support from MDRC’s staff for dissertation completion. Fellows can benefit from a stipend of up to $5,000.
Measurement and Regulatory Science (MaRS) Fellowship Program
MaRS offers emerging researchers a distinctive opportunity to undergo specialized training and engage in patient-centered research, cultivating expertise in clinical outcomes assessments. This immersive two-year program equips fellows for prospective roles in industry or regulatory agencies. Faculty experts in patient-reported outcomes methodology, regulatory science, and stakeholder engagement provide personalized one-on-one training. The program encompasses mentor-guided industry work experiences and a customized curriculum. Ideal candidates possess a doctoral degree in public health, psychometrics, education measurement, biostatistics, medical sociology/anthropology, nursing, or medicine. The program requires residency in Durham, N.C., for the initial year.
Mercatus Center Dissertation Fellowship
The Dissertation Fellowship Program presents a distinctive opportunity—a one-year, renewable, and competitive fellowship for George Mason University PhD candidates in advanced candidacy. This program is designed for those delving into dissertations focused on unraveling the dynamics of social change and devising strategies for fostering a more liberated society. We invite submissions from various disciplines encompassing Political Science, Public Policy, Cultural Studies, History, Sociology, and all allied fields within the humanities and social sciences. Fellowship awards are flexible, potentially encompassing research support, stipends, and tuition assistance.
National Churchill Library and Center Graduate Research Fellowships
Embark on a distinctive academic journey with the National Churchill Library and Center Research Graduate Fellowship Program. This unique initiative offers $7,500 awards specifically crafted for short-term research projects that delve into themes resonant with Winston Churchill’s global leadership paradigm. We eagerly invite applications from diverse academic disciplines, fostering inclusivity across realms such as History, International Relations, Economics, World Affairs, and Public Policy. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to traverse the globe, exploring special collections and archives that enrich their research. Eligibility extends to graduate students currently enrolled in master’s or doctoral programs. Join us on a scholarly expedition inspired by Churchill’s legacy.
NEH Fellowships for Advanced Social Science Research on Japan
The Fellowship Program for Advanced Social Science Research in Japan is a collaborative initiative by the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC) and the National Endowment for the Humanities. This program is your gateway to delving into extensive research on modern Japanese society, political economy, and the intricate dynamics of U.S.-Japan relations. Tailored for dedicated scholars, these fellowships offer sustained full-time engagement spanning 6-12 months, providing the opportunity for profound exploration. Successful applicants are granted a stipend of up to $5,000 per month, with a maximum stipend of $60,000 for twelve months. Immerse yourself in a unique research experience at the intersection of social science and Japanese studies.
NEH Scholar In Residence
The Center for Jewish History (CJH) offers a fellowship to scholars through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The award supports original research at the Center in the Humanities, including but not limited to Jewish studies, Russian and East European studies, American studies, and Germanic studies, as well as musicology, linguistics, anthropology, sociology, and history. Applications are welcome from college and university faculty in any field who have completed a PhD more than six years prior to the start of the fellowship. Full fellowships carry a stipend of up to $60,000 for a period of one year.
Oskar Morgenstern Fellowship
The Oskar Morgenstern Fellowship is a prestigious one-year opportunity, highly competitive for graduate students proficient in quantitative methods. This fellowship is open to PhD program attendees from diverse universities specializing in fields such as economics, political science, and sociology. Throughout the academic year, Oskar Morgenstern Fellows actively engage in colloquia, focusing on the three schools of political economy, participating in two weekends and a half-week sessions. The up to $7,000 award includes a stipend, travel expenses, and lodging for attendance at colloquia hosted by the esteemed Mercatus Center.
Program on U.S.-Japan Relations Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Program on U.S.-Japan Relations at Harvard provides a platform for converging scholars and accomplished professionals from diverse sectors such as government, business, finance, journalism, and NGOs. This initiative extends postdoctoral fellowships tailored for social scientists across various disciplines, encompassing anthropology, economics, education, history, law, political science, public health, public policy, and sociology. The program is open to projects with a thematic focus on Japan or Japan’s international role, approached through comparative, historical, or global perspectives. Proficiency in Japanese is not required for application. Fellowships span the academic year, offering a stipend of $67,000 disbursed over 12 months.
RAND Graduate Student Summer Associate Program
RAND’s Summer Associate Program is a gateway for exceptional graduate students to engage with RAND, a renowned institution researching diverse national security challenges and domestic and international social policy issues. Tailored for full-time students with a minimum of 2 years of completed graduate work toward a doctorate (e.g., PhD, EDD, DRPH, SciD, etc.) or professional degree (e.g., law or medical degree, professional engineer certificate), the program offers a 12-week immersive experience at RAND with bi-weekly compensation. It is a prerequisite for students to reside in the U.S. for the duration of their summer assignment at RAND.
Religion, Spirituality, and Democratic Renewal Fellowship
The Religion, Spirituality, and Democratic Renewal (RSDR) Fellowship is geared towards integrating insights on religion and spirituality into academic dialogues centered on revitalizing democracy. This fellowship encourages research proposals at the intersection of religion, spirituality, and democracy in the United States. Providing research support for 12 months, it caters to doctoral students who have reached candidacy and postdoctoral researchers within 5 years of earning their PhD. Doctoral candidates can receive research-related funding of up to $15,000, while postdoctoral researchers may receive up to $18,000.
The Elinor Ostrom Fellowship
The Elinor Ostrom Fellowship, offered by the Mercatus Center, is a competitive one-year fellowship for PhD students from any discipline and university, encompassing economics, philosophy, political science, and sociology. This fellowship immerses students in the realms of markets, culture, morality, and sociality within the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of political economy. It equips fellows with the necessary tools to apply this framework in academic research exploring these themes. Fellows participate in three weekends during the academic year; the total award can be up to $7,000.
The Harry C. Sigman Graduate Fellowship
The Harry C. Sigman Graduate Fellowship, spanning one year, is designed for exceptional UCLA graduate students with a keen scholarly interest in Israel Studies. This fellowship entails serving as a research assistant, primarily conducting research for the Center director and contributing to the Nazarian Center’s bi-annual publication. The award can be up to $8,000. Preference is granted to first or second-year Ph.D. students across diverse disciplines, such as history, political science, economics, sociology, anthropology, literature, and visual and performing arts.
Western Michigan University Graduate Education and the Professoriate Fellowship
The Western Michigan University Graduate Education and the Professoriate (WMU-GEP) Fellowships are open to U.S. citizens of African-American, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, or Native American (with tribal affiliation) heritage. These competitive fellowships are awarded to individuals who have gained regular admission to a doctoral degree program in either STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) or SBE (sociology, political science, psychology, or economics) disciplines.
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