The state of graduate training in the social sciences and reasons for deficiencies are reviewed, and strategies for improving the situation are proposed. Recent studies of the organization of graduate training in the social sciences have indicated serious weaknesses in the recruitment, selection, and socialization of graduate students. These deficiencies are linked to the lack of attention given the training function by faculty whose careers depend on research productivity. One strategy to improve the quality of graduate training is to establish a system where graduate students would report on recruitment, training, and placement in their departments. Since there are no organized channels to identify graduate departments and professors who do an exceptional training job, it is difficult for students to select graduate departments rationally and for professors to be cognizant of their teaching performance. A second strategy is to establish joint training centers where universities could pool their training resources. The first year of graduate training would be directed by regional training centers, which would specialize in the recruitment, selection, and socialization of graduate students. Research programs would be established to study the effects of different patterns of training on student achievement and values. Under the present system there are only indirect benefits to professors and departments for devoting time and energy to the training of students in their first year of graduate study. A bibliography and literature review are included. (SW)