A group of doctoral students are talking in the courtyard of B6,30-32.

Center for Doctoral Studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Center for Doctoral Studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences (CDSS) administers doctoral programs in close collaboration with the School of Social Sciences at the University of Mannheim. Research and teaching takes an empirical-analytical approach, which is informed by theory and relies on quantitative methods.

    Isabel Thielmann. She is wearing a sleeveless blouse and is leaning against a white wall.

    The CDSS was a great experience that I wouldn't want to miss. It provided me with an excellent environment for my PhD and prepared me in the most optimal way for a job in academia. I particularly profited from the fruitful exchange with other PhD students, the interdisciplinary orientation, and the diverse course program. The CDSS encourages you to think outside the box and to getting yourself inspired by all the different perspectives that it integrates. This is not only a great asset for one's dissertation but also highly valuable for what comes after.

    Dr. Isabel Thielmann, alumna of our psychology program and currently working at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law in Freiburg / Credit: Isabel Thielmann

    Programs

    A student is pointing and reading a political science book on their lap.
    Political Science
    A person is wearing a clothing to measure mind waves and is looking at a computer screen with a face on it.
    Psychology
    A group of students are talking in the entrance hall of B6, 30-32.
    Sociology

    CDSS doctoral students have published in top academic journals, for instance:

    • European Journal of Political Research
    • Political Analysis
    • Educational Psychology
    • European Sociological Review

    Our students have obtained academic positions at leading national and international universities such as:

    • Technical University of Munich
    • London School of Economics
    • University of Oxford
    • Autonomous University of Madrid
    • Harvard Kennedy School

    Curious?

    Check out our alumni placements or publication web pages.