Name

Luka Carfagna

School

Boston College

Degree Program

PhD student in Sociology with a specialization in Social Justice

Previous Degrees

Master of Arts in Social Sciences from University of Chicago, 2008; Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Economics from University of Vermont, 2007

Research Interests

Connected consumption; Education; Social inequality

Advisor

Juliet Schor

Hobbies

Mountain biking, guitar

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school or program?

I selected Boston College for my PhD in sociology because I was drawn to the faculty and the social justice focus of the sociology department. The faculty is completely devoted to teaching and nurturing students who are interested in solving problems related to social justice. The professors create an environment where the students are all passionate about sociology and I was attracted to that.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

To prepare for my PhD program in sociology, I read works related to my field. To help support myself through the program, I created a community that I call the Resilience Circle. A Resilience Circle is a small group of people that comes together to learn, provide mutual aid and take social action.

For example, we learn about the economic recession and environmental degradation, and together we think about why the economy is in turmoil. With this new understanding, we use this small group to give back to the community through trading services or sharing equipment. One person might buy a snow blower and share it with the neighbors on his street rather than each family buying their own. Or, instead of buying new clothing, a member of the group might mend people’s clothing.

It has been very rewarding to see people from different backgrounds with different education levels come together to tackle big issues. Founding this alliance of people has been remarkable and educational.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

Yes, I was required to submit GRE scores with my application to Boston College.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

I think the personal statement is the most important component of an application because it can be the ticket into graduate school. In my personal statement, I included information about my research interests. I also explained which faculty members I wanted to work with in the sociology department.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in sociology?

The best tip that I can offer to a student who is considering applying to graduate school in sociology is to talk to the students in the programs. Faculty are a great source of information, but the best way to get a sense of what a potential program is really like is to speak with actual students.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

Typically, students in my PhD program in sociology complete 3 years of formal coursework before moving on to the dissertation phase. However, I am only required to attend formal classes for 2 years because I entered the sociology program with a masters degree.

During the coursework portion of the program, I am required to enroll in 3 classes each term. I also spend 12 hours each week as a teaching assistant. In addition to classes and teaching, I regularly take on additional research assignments, although I adjust my research obligations to accommodate my more demanding classes.

What is the focus of your dissertation research?

I am still in the very beginning stages of my dissertation and have not decided on a topic, but I plan to use my existing research to narrow down my focus. My advisor recently received a MacArthur Foundation grant to conduct research involving what is called connected consumption. Connected consumption refers to websites where people come together to make consumption choices. Some examples are Groupon, RelayRides, Swap.com and eBay. I am currently focused on connected consumption websites with an educational focus. For instance, on Skillshare.com, anyone can agree to teach a class for the online learning community.

Can you describe the process of researching for and writing your dissertation?

Before I start conducting any in-depth research for my dissertation, I will need to narrow down a topic and then draft a dissertation proposal. Next fall, I will have to defend my proposal, and then I can begin writing my dissertation.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

My advisor fosters my education at Boston College. In addition to taking classes with her, I meet with her regularly for guidance. She looks over my work and decides what direction my research should take. I also bounce ideas off of her. She is honest about whether my ideas are good and practical, because if I choose a methodology or theoretical direction, it must be legitimate and validated. She is there to oversee my work and to make sure that I am on the right track for long-term success.

How does a doctoral program differ from graduate study at the masters level?

My doctoral program is different from my masters study because of the requirements and also my intentions. In my masters program, I mainly attended classes and wrote a thesis, but in my PhD program, I attend classes, write a thesis, take exams and write a dissertation. There is a lot more work involved in my doctoral program.

In addition, my attitude is different in my PhD program than it was in my masters degree program. During my masters study, I viewed every class as something that would help me to write my thesis and graduate. However, in my PhD program, I have a different mentality. Now, I am concerned with determining what kind of scholar I want to be and what my reputation will be based on. With every class I take and every paper I write, I am focused on professionalizing and carving a niche out in the field of sociology.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your PhD program cost?

I am not sure how much my PhD program in sociology costs because my tuition is fully funded by my fellowship.

How are you funding your education?

In addition to my fellowship from the department, which covers the cost of tuition and student health insurance, I earn money as a research assistant. My research assistantship provides a small living stipend, but it is not enough money to live on. To support myself, I use my research skills to consult.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a PhD in sociology?

Earning a PhD in sociology involves long days. For every hour I spend in class, I spend an additional 3 hours on schoolwork outside of class. Most days, I work for 10 hours. I typically spend around 5 or 6 hours each day on research and homework, and 2 or 3 hours in classes.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

Graduate school bleeds into my personal life. It is often difficult to turn off and disconnect from my work because I feel like I am always thinking about my studies. In order to compensate, I try to balance my work with things I enjoy, like mountain biking and playing guitar.

I also try and communicate with the faculty members about what I am able to do. Sometimes, no matter what I do, I can’t complete an assignment, and I am honest with my professors when that happens.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In the future, I want to work in academia, but I don’t see myself in a traditional academic role. I do not want to end up in an antiquated academic department teaching courses that don’t interest me. I would rather work in program development in some capacity. I hope to work with students and community members to create an atmosphere of learning and solving social justice problems.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a PhD in sociology?

If you are considering pursuing a PhD in sociology, I would advise you to expect hard work, but also remember that if it is your passion then it will be worth it. As with any job, there will be frustrations and you will feel burnt out at some point. Just do your best to understand your limits and ask for help when you need it. If this field fulfills you, then look past the frustrations and stick with it, because not everyone gets the opportunity to find fulfillment in their job.

I also suggest that anyone in a doctoral program for sociology keep a research journal. Recording my research ideas and methods in a journal has been 1 of the most helpful things I have done. Sometimes I need to look back at my research path because, when I am frustrated, it helps me remember what interested me in sociology in the first place.