Is economics a good preparation for a PhD in . . .

**Socio** · 03-12-2008, 02:17 AM

My background is in economics and I have recently also been interested in sociology (particularly sociology of work) and would like to pursue a PhD in Organizational Behavior. I am in a bit of a dilemma as to what would be the best preparation for that end goal (a master's in sociology or any other areas?) All suggestions and thoughts will be appreciated.

Socio

**AspiringEconomist** · 03-12-2008, 04:22 AM

I know some people who successfully applied for a PhD in sociology. There seems to be less of an emphasis on one standard preparation path in that discipline; rather, a broad familiarity with and interest in the social sciences is needed. You might consider working in research, publishing, even teaching in disadvantaged schools (or union organizing in the case of sociology of work).

Never heard of PhDs in Organizational Behavior though... Sounds like something business schools might offer.

**Socio** · 03-12-2008, 04:46 AM

Yes, AspiringEconomist, the PhD in Organizational Behavior is offered by business schools. However, it is essentially a field in a mangement and borrows concepts from the social sciences (economics, sociology, psychology, etc...). Since my background is in economics, sociology, i thought, might provide me with the most value added.

**AspiringEconomist** · 03-12-2008, 04:48 AM

I'd worry that masters in sociology might be quite fluffy. That's just my biased perspective though.

**canecon** · 03-12-2008, 05:37 AM

hmm Wonder why other social scientists hate economists

Originally Posted by AspiringEconomist

I'd worry that masters in sociology might be quite fluffy. That's just my biased perspective though.

I'm not a Sociologist, but I take offense to that nonetheless.

**buckykatt** · 03-12-2008, 12:46 PM

I doubt that a master's in sociology sends as good a signal as a master's in economics, other things (like department rank) equal, simply because economics is more competitive. But I would guess that a master's in psychology or organizational management might be a better match.

**semischolastic** · 03-12-2008, 01:33 PM

I think an econ MA would be a strong signal for preparation for a PhD in Org Behavior, depending on the classes you took, obviously. You may want to email the authors of the blogs Org Theory and Organizations and Markets. Each of these blogs probably have a post on preparing for PhD programs in Org Behavior, but I'm too lazy to look.

**Bayern** · 03-12-2008, 02:06 PM

Socio, if your university happen to have a Business department or someone who did PhD in any field in business, then you should contact that person; they might be able to help you with advices or atleast point you to the right source of advice. Also, you should consider job opportunities for organizational behavior Phds, because I thought there isn't too many good jobs in that field, maybe i am wrong.

**Socio** · 03-12-2008, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by Bayern

Also, you should consider job opportunities for organizational behavior Phds, because I thought there isn't too many good jobs in that field, maybe i am wrong.

Bayern, thanks for pointing that out. Although I have been most focused on exploring the field itself, I do think that the job market for org. behavior is good. Note that we are talking about a PhD in Mangement here with specialization in OB. Ceteris paribus, I don't think anyone with a PhD in a business related field suffers in the job market. Would anyone disagree?