Dr. Elaine Kaplan

Professor

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Biography

Elaine Bell Kaplan is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Southern California. She received her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley in December 1988, and also holds an M.A. in Sociology from the same institution, obtained in 1980, and a B.A. in Sociology from Baruch College, CUNY in 1977. Professor Kaplan's research focuses on the structural conditions that restrict opportunities for racial and ethnic groups, women, children, and youth. Her primary concern is understanding the narratives these groups share about their experiences and the impact these experiences have on their lives. She employs qualitative methodologies, including ethnography and in-depth interviews, to explore these topics. Kaplan has created a visual sociology course that integrates the analysis and production of visual representations within the disciplined study of social relations, enabling students to enhance their sociological imagination. She enjoys mentoring undergraduates and graduate students in sociology, assisting them in developing their research projects.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2021-06-11 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Full-time faculty member in the Sociology department.

Associate Professor

1999-01-01 — 2021-06-11

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Advanced rank faculty member in Sociology department.

Assistant Professor

1992-01-01 — 1999-01-01

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Entry-level faculty member in Sociology department.

Assistant Professor

1991-01-01 — 1992-01-01

San Jose State University • San Jose, CA

Entry-level faculty member in Sociology department.

Assistant Professor

1989-01-01 — 1991-01-01

Temple University • Philadelphia, PA

Entry-level faculty member in Sociology department.

Awards

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Distinguished Contribution to Scholarship Book Award

2000-01-01
#

President

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.