Dr. Paul Lichterman

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Paul Lichterman. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Paul Lichterman specializes in culture, civic organizations, social movements, religion, morality, and racial identity construction. His research focuses on how people work collectively to address social problems in an unequal, culturally diverse society. Notable books include 'Search Political Community' (1996), which explored grassroots environmentalism, and 'Elusive Togetherness' (2005), which examined religiously sponsored community service groups in response to U.S. welfare policy. Lichterman's scholarly contributions encompass theories of political sociology and qualitative methodologies, emphasizing participant observation and the cultural dynamics within civic organizations. His work aims to bridge divides in American society through civic engagement and community action.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2008-12-05 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Teaching and researching sociology with a focus on culture and religion.

Associate Professor

2004-08-16 — 2008-12-05

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Conducted advanced research in sociology.

Associate Professor

2004-04-22 — 2006-05-30

University of Wisconsin, Madison • Madison, WI

Taught sociology and supervised graduate research.

Assistant Professor

1992-01-01 — 2004-04-21

University of Wisconsin, Madison • Madison, WI

Engaged in academic teaching and research.

Awards

#

Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship Recipient

#

Clifford Geertz Award

#

Honorable Mention, Article Award

#

Award for Excellence in Teaching

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.