Hi all! I need some advice...

A little background: I just received my Masters in urban planning and policy this may. Prior to that during my undergrad I studied economics and sociology of religion.

I am interested in applying to PhD programs but I'm a little confused as to whether it should be in sociology or geography so perhaps you guys can help me.

Topics I am interested in focusing on are immigration, migration, and diaspora policies and specifically looking at how recent immigrants, migrants, refugees, and specifically Islamic immigrants fit into the spaces of Western society. Additionally I am very interested in how the role of the city plays into these variables as well.

I can make arguments for pursuing either discipline. On the one hand geography be better because it is more closely aligned with my masters degree in urban planning in that it focuses on how people interact with their environment whether that's built or natural. Additionally it would allow me to pursue aspects of sociology such as social demography that would be necessary to what I want to study. On the other hand sociology has been associated with immigration international studies for a longer time and also on a deeper level. It is also seems to be more well connected and integrated with the field of demography itself than geography is.

I never thought I would be having this problem but I am. If someone could address the differences between these two perspective programs in terms of research methodologies etc. as well as what you think would be a better fit for my research interests as I have stated above that would be amazing. Also I apologize if this is disconnected so if you have anymore questions please feel free to ask thank you

I am not an expert on these disciplines but I will try to help you anyway. Apologies if this is not good advice.

From what I understand, you have an issue that can be looked both with quantitative and qualitative methods. I am not sure, but maybe one is more concerned with the 'what' and the other with the 'why'? I think it really depends on your main hypothesis, and the way you want to go about finding your answers. Do you see yourself looking at databases, or perhaps doing ethnographical research? If you prefer one or the other, where do you think you are going to be more comfortable?

Hope this helps!

Edit: and of course, where do you think is there more chances of finding work? Consider that as well!