phd in sociology admission

PhD: How to Apply

The Sociology Department recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

The Sociology Department welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars, and we are committed to providing a supportive environment for all students whom we admit. Review of applications is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays in order to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field .

Minimizing pre-admission communication with faculty: We appreciate that prospective graduate students are often instructed to reach out to faculty in advance of applying. However, our policy is to avoid any protracted discussions between faculty and candidates prior to admission since research shows that fair and transparent process can easily be clouded by back-channel communications.  We don’t mean to be off-putting! Instead, our goal is to ensure that everyone has equal opportunity and is considered fairly. For more information, you can review Stanford's Guide to Getting into Grad School.

Application Requirements

The 2024-25 Sociology Ph.D. applications are now closed.

Please be aware that you must submit your online application by the deadline.  Incomplete applications cannot be completed or submitted after the deadline. Recommendation letters and official test scores from ETS can be submitted by faculty and ETS after the application deadline date. 

PhD Admissions FAQs

Join dozens of  Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students  who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as  Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS).

KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford.Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment.If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about  KHS admission .

The fee to apply for graduate study at Stanford is $125 .  You may submit only one application per year (unless one of the applications is to one of the professional schools (Law, Medicine or Business). Acceptable form of payment is by credit/debit card (Visa or MasterCard only.) We do not accept electronic check payments or checks by mail. 

The fee is non-refundable and must be received by the application deadline. 

Many applicants qualify for application fee waivers. Stanford offers several application fee waiver options to ensure that the application process is available to everyone who wishes to apply. 

In the electronic application, you will be asked to upload scans of transcripts (see specific information below), a statement of purpose, a writing sample, and your CV or resume. When preparing your application materials to be uploaded into the electronic application, please note the following:

• File size must be 10MB or LESS
• Files cannot be password protected
• PDF files cannot have a digital signature
• Save each document separately

When scanning hard copy materials to upload into your electronic application please note the following:

• Resolution should be no more than 300dpi
• Scan in black and white only
• Removing images will help reduce file size

The statement of purpose (also known as a "personal statement") should describe your reasons for applying to the Doctoral Program in Sociology at Stanford.  This document is not to exceed two pages in length (single-spaced).  You should include details regarding your qualifications, academic and research interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid our admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for pursuing a Ph.D. in Sociology. You will be asked to upload your statement of purpose in the online application.

You must upload one scanned version of your transcript(s) in the online application. Please read the  Applying  section of this website for important information submitting transcripts.

If offered admission:  Please see this page for information on submitting final official transcripts .

Stanford accepts electronic letters of recommendation via Stanford online application system - we no longer accept paper letters.

Three letters of recommendation are required, and they must be submitted using the online service.

As part of the online application, you will be required to register the name and contact information, including e-mail address, of each of your recommenders. Recommenders will then receive an e-mail with directions on how to proceed. At least one letter should be a faculty member at the last school you attended as a full-time student (unless you have been out of school for more than five years.)

• Please inform letter writers of the application deadline.
• Letters of recommendation cannot be mailed, e-mailed, or faxed; they will be rejected.
• Substitutions for faculty recommendations may include work associates or others who can comment on your academic potential for graduate work.

GRE (Graduate Record Examination) General Test

* GRE Fee Reduction Waiver

Register early to maximize the chances of scheduling your preferred test date and time

We strongly advise you to take the GRE no later than September, so that your scores will be received by the application deadline.

Late test scores may disqualify you from admission.

We require the GRE General Test only - we do not require the subject test.

Scores must be from an examination taken within the last five years. No exceptions.

Scores must be reported directly to Stanford from the Educational Testing Service.

The Stanford institution code is 4704 .  Please do not specify  a department code.

For more information regarding the GRE, please contact ETS directly.

GRE scores from ETS are valid for five years.  For questions about the validity of GRE scores, please contact ETS. If ETS can send your GRE scores, we will accept them.

Arrangements to take the GRE General Test can be made online or by writing:

P.O. Box 600, Princeton, NJ 08541-6000, USA

Adequate command of spoken and written English is required for admission.

TOEFL scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English. Stanford does not accept IELTS scores.

TOEFL EXEMPTIONS:

You are  exempt  from submitting a TOEFL score if you meet one the following criteria:     A. You (will) have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a regionally- accredited college or university in the United States (territories and possessions excluded).     B. You (will) have an equivalent degree from an English-language university in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

You may request a  waiver  if you (will) have an equivalent degree from a recognized institution in a country other than Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom in which English was the language of instruction.

NOTE: Being a U.S. citizen does not automatically exempt an applicant from taking the TOEFL; if the applicant’s first language is not English, the applicant must meet the exception above or submit the TOEFL.

TOEFL scores must be submitted from a test taken within the last eighteen months.

We urge you to take the TOEFL by November to be eligible for admission for the following Autumn Quarter. Evidence of adequate proficiency must be submitted before enrollment is approved by Graduate Admissions.

The TOEFL is administered through: EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICES, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151

Information on registration, test centers, dates, and test formats .

The University Minimum TOEFL Score for Doctoral programs is 250 for Computer-based test, 600 for paper-based test, and 100 for Internet-based test. More information is available via the Stanford University Office of Graduate Admissions web site.

• Scores must be reported directly to Stanford from Educational Testing Service (ETS)

The Stanford score recipient number ( also called "Institution Code")  is  4704.  You do not need to specify a department code.

All scores are sent electronically to the Graduate Admissions Office, which will share your scores with your department.

Evidence of adequate English proficiency must be submitted before enrollment is approved by Graduate Admissions.

TOEFL scores are retained for 20 months by ETS. For questions about the validity of TOEFL scores, please contact ETS. If ETS can send your TOEFL scores, we will accept them.

The Department of Sociology requires a writing sample from all applicants to the Ph.D. Program. The Admissions Committee will be looking for original work giving evidence of both writing ability and the capacity for research, analysis, and original thought at the graduate level. Your writing sample could be an honors or master’s thesis, published paper, co-written paper, or comparable article.

• Papers originally written in a language other than English must be submitted in English Translation.
• Samples may be up to 50 pages long.  Other things equal, a short, effectively written sample is preferable to a longer sample. If you decide to submit a longer sample, please indicate which pages should be reviewed by the admissions committee. Your writing sample can be uploaded with your online application as a text file as an addendum to your personal statement or under 'additional information'. Writing samples can be single or double spaced.
• You must upload your writing sample in the online application per "supporting documents" instructions above.

We do not require a CV or resume for application, but you may upload your CV or resume per the "supporting documents" instructions above.

The  2024-25 Graduate Admissions Application  will open on September 15, 2023.

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College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department of Sociology

Ph.d. in sociology.

UConn’s Ph.D. in Sociology trains students to scientifically analyze culture, human interactions, and social relationships. Graduates pursue careers in academia, research, government, and industry, where they work on important topics that impact our society.

The Department of Sociology offers a Master of Arts (MA) and a Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Sociology. Most students enter with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and obtain the MA in Sociology in the first two years of the program, then proceed to the Ph.D.

Students who are admitted with the MA in Sociology from another institution will typically finish the Ph.D. program in a shorter time. Students entering with graduate degrees in disciplines other than Sociology must fulfill the requirements of both the MA and Ph.D.

Contact the Director of Graduate Studies

• Graduate Handbook
• Graduate Academic Regulations
• Registrar's Graduate Forms
• Registrar Steps to a Successful Graduation

Request Information

Apply to UConn

Degree Requirements

Below are the general requirements for the Sociology MA/Ph.D. degree, consistent with the Graduate School policies in the Graduate Catalog . For more detailed information please see the Graduate Handbook.

MA/Ph.D. Track

Students entering the Ph.D. program without a Master of Arts in Sociology (with completed thesis) must complete additional requirements to earn a Master's degree before completing the requirements for the Ph.D. in Sociology. It is expected that most students will complete the MA degree in two years.

In Sociology, students follow the Plan A (thesis) requirements for the Master's degree and continue into the Ph.D. program. Students only enroll in the Plan B (non-thesis) program if they will be discontinuing from the MA/Ph.D. program.

See the Registrar's Steps to a Successful Graduation with a Master's Degree  for full information regarding required timelines and paperwork.

Courses and Credits for the MA

The Master’s degree in Sociology requires a minimum of 39 credits in Sociology, including the following:

• SOCI 5001 & 5002 Proseminar (year long, 3 credits)
• SOCI 5201 The Logic of Social Research (3 credits)
• SOCI 5203 Quantitative Methods I (3 credits)
• SOCI 5231 Qualitative Methods I (3 credits)
• SOCI 5251 Core Theorists (3 credits)
• GRAD 5950 Master’s Thesis Research (9 credits)
• Plus 15 additional credits in Sociology

MA Plan of Study

The Master’s plan of study should be filed by the end of the fourth week of the student’s final semester before the degree is completed. Make sure to count only 39 Sociology credits toward the Master’s Degree. Additional credits can be carried forward to the Ph.D. program.

Credits for 6203 and 6231 should not be included on the MA Plan of Study and will carry forward to the Ph.D. program. Students that decide to take both SOCI 6203 & SOCI 6231 in the same semester of their second year will need to take an additional elective in the Spring of the second year.

To complete a Master’s thesis, students need to have their Master’s thesis research plan approved by their Advisory Committee. Students in consultation with their Advisory Committee may be asked to hold a Master’s thesis proposal defense, but a formal proposal defense is not required of a Master’s thesis. All students who complete a Master’s thesis must pass a formal Master’s thesis defense. Students are expected to complete the Master’s thesis ideally by the end of their fourth semester in the program.

Plan B (non-thesis)

Students who do not wish to continue in the program may elect to complete the Plan B option. In addition to completion of the coursework outlined above, students must also submit a portfolio of their scholarly work. The portfolio should consist of a minimum of 3 papers, each at least 15 pages in length, that together illustrate a command of sociological theory, research methods, and at least one substantive area. The scholarly work may originate from:

• Formal course requirements, such as research papers that demonstrate competency in one or more of the areas outlined above. Students are urged to pursue with their Advisory Committee the appropriateness of course related submissions
• Research or writing done in an independent study
• Non-course related accomplishments, such as grant proposals or conference presentations

In all cases, any written material that is co-authored is not eligible for submission as part of the student’s portfolio. The portfolio should be designed in consultation with the major advisor and will be evaluated by the student’s three-person advisory committee. Please note, students who choose this option cannot continue into the PhD portion of the program and thus the election of this option is only advised for students seeking a terminal Master’s degree.

Please note that Plan B students do not receive thesis credits. These students must take additional elective classes to attain the 39 total credits necessary for the Plan B Master's.

Ph.D. Track

Once the MA is completed, the Ph.D. typically requires an additional four years to complete. Students entering the Ph.D. program with a MA in Sociology, with a completed thesis, may be required to complete additional coursework to cover equivalent material as students who attained their degrees at UConn.

See the Registrar's Steps to a Successful Graduation with a Doctoral Degree for full information regarding required timelines and paperwork.

Courses and Credits for the Ph.D.

• SOCI 6203 Quantitative Methods II (3credits)
• SOCI 6231 Qualitative Methods II (3 credits)
• 12 credits of Sociology elective seminars
• 15 credits of GRAD 6950 Doctoral Dissertation Research

Major Advisor and Advisory Committee

All students in the graduate program must have a Major Advisor who is a tenured or tenure track member of the Sociology Department and the UConn Graduate Faculty. The Major Advisor should be selected by mutual consent between the student and the faculty member based on similarity of interests and/or availability of the faculty member. The Major Advisor serves as a mentor to the student, Chair of the Master’s Thesis Committee, General (Area) Exam Committee, and Dissertation Committee. The Director of Graduate Studies will facilitate the selection of an initial Major Advisor for students entering the program. Students may change the Major Advisors if it becomes apparent that another faculty member is more suitable. In such cases, appropriate forms must be filed with the Graduate School to make the change official. By the start of their second year in the program, all students should have an Advisory Committee of at least three members, the composition of which is described in the paragraph below. The Advisory Committee serves as the student’s Master’s Thesis Committee.

The members of the Advisory Committee are also chosen by mutual consent of the student and the faculty members. The Advisory Committee consists of two faculty members in addition to the Major Advisor. In cases where the student forms a three-person Advisory Committee, all three must be members of the Sociology Department or affiliated members of the Sociology Department. All members of the three-person Advisory Committee must be members of the UConn Graduate Faculty. In cases where the student forms an Advisory Committee of more than three faculty members, these faculty must meet the same requirements, except that a fourth and fifth member may also be: a) a faculty member from another UConn department who is a member of the Graduate Faculty, b) a faculty member from another university who receives approval from the Graduate School.

Most students constitute an Advisory Committee of only three members during the M.A. portion of the program and increase the Advisory Committee to four or five persons during the PhD portion of the program . The decision about the size of the Advisory Committee is at the discretion of the student in consultation with the Advisor and other members of the Advisory Committee. Students may change members of their Advisory Committees if other faculty are more suitable and are willing to serve. When a change is made to the Advisory Committee, appropriate paperwork should be filed.

Ph.D. Plan of Study

The Ph.D. plan of study should be submitted when no more than 18 credits of coursework toward the degree have been completed. Forms should be filed with the Registrar’s Office. The Plan of Study should reflect all content coursework and research credits (GRAD 6950). Please note that students who completed more than 39 credits before filing for their MA degree should include the excess credits on the Ph.D. Plan of Study.

Ph.D. General Exam

The General Exam must be taken after all Sociology coursework for the Ph.D. is completed (including removal of all incompletes), unless there is unanimous consent by the General Exam Committee that it can occur earlier. The General Exam is designed to demonstrate mastery over at least one area, of sociological expertise, but two areas is more typical. The Exam should be considered a “bridge” between coursework and the dissertation. It is designed to go beyond previous coursework that a student has taken, and to be broader than a dissertation-specific topic. The breadth of the General Exam should dovetail with that of an ASA section or the intersection of two ASA sections .

The reading list for the General Exam will be tailored to the student’s interests within the area and will be determined by a process of negotiation between the student and the members of the General Exam Committee. Those faculty members with greater expertise in the area will typically have greater influence in shaping the reading list, but all committee members must approve the list before the exam can be scheduled.

The General Exam shall have both a written and oral component. It is important to simultaneously schedule both the written and the oral components. Students will have two weeks to complete the written portion. The written portion is take-home, with open book and open notes. Students will typically respond to at least three questions designed to emphasize a broad understanding of theory, methods, and substantive areas. Faculty have leeway as to how they ask questions and what choices students have in answering questions. Student responses must be 40 pages or less (not counting references).

The oral portion of the General Exam must be completed within one week of turning in the written portion. During the oral portion, committee members may probe answers that seem insufficient, ask about questions the student did not choose to answer, or raise anything else within the parameters of the reading list. There can be no feedback from committee members to the student between the written and oral portions, except for questions of clarification.

The written and oral portions shall be assigned a single grade of either “Pass” or “Fail.” A grade of “Pass” requires a positive vote of at least four members of the General Exam Committee. There is no grade of “Partial Pass” and there is no provision for retaking just a portion of the General Exam.

If the student fails the General Exam, they may schedule a second opportunity to take it within six months of failing the first exam. The student may constitute a new General Exam Committee for the second exam, but ordinarily this is not advisable. If the student fails the exam a second time, or does not complete it within six months, this is grounds for dismissal from the graduate program.

Dissertation Proposal

According to Graduate School rules, the Dissertation Committee must consist of five faculty members. If the student’s Advisory Committee has less than five members, then the student must ask additional faculty members to be present at the dissertation defense as members of the Dissertation Committee. A fourth and fifth member may also be:

• a faculty member in Sociology who is a member of the Graduate Faculty
• a faculty member from another UConn department who is a member of the Graduate Faculty
• a faculty member from another university who receives approval by the Graduate School. These additional members do not have voting status on passing the dissertation, but they must sign the paperwork required to indicate they were present at the defense.

The decision to approve the dissertation is made by those members of the Dissertation Committee who are also members of the student’s Advisory Committee. Approval of the dissertation is thus determined by a majority of faculty on the Advisory Committee voting to approve the dissertation. A majority is defined as 2-1 in the case of a three-person Advisory Committee, 3-1 in the case of a four-person Advisory Committee, and 3-2 in the case of a five-person Advisory Committee.

Final Semester

Student's should complete these steps to prep for graduation in their final semester:

• Apply to Graduate in the Student Administration System by the  fourth week of the semester . This application can be withdrawn at any time by the student if needed.
• Check name and addresses
• Prepare for oral defense (two weeks prior)
• Submit final paperwork (deadline published on Academic Calendar )
• Submit dissertation
• Check email to confirm progress of steps to graduation

See the Registrar's Steps to a Successful Graduation for the Doctoral Degree for full details regarding degree conferral.

Applications are due by January 5.

Prospective students may apply to the program online via the Graduate School’s website.

Full Admissions Requirements

For more information about the Ph.D. in Sociology, please contact:

Jeremy Pais

Application and Admissions

Doctor of philosophy (phd) degree.

The PhD degree is the most advanced degree offered in sociology graduate programs. Students earning the PhD typically go on to careers in teaching and research in academic settings and research and related professional positions in government agencies and private and non-profit organizations.

How to Apply

All applicants will apply online at the Texas A&M University Graduate Centralized Application Service ( Texas A&M University GraduateCAS ). The name on your application must match your name as it appears in your passport. Below is a checklist of all the materials you will need to complete your application. For students starting in Fall 2024, the application deadline for full consideration for funding is December 15th, 2023.

Application Checklist

• Application Fee
• Online Application
• Cover Letter
• Writing Sample
• Personal Statement
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Transcripts
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Official GRE Scores (no longer required)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (international students only)

1. Application Fee

The fee for application is $89 ($114 for international students). The application fee is asked on the application site once you are ready to submit your completed application. Payments can only be made in the application portal via a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards.

2. Online Application

We require a completed application at the  Texas A&M University GraduateCAS  portal. The name on your application must match your name as it appears in your passport or other official government documentation. Read more on the Texas A&M University Application Quick Start Guide .

3. Cover Letter

The cover letter should describe your reasons for applying to the Doctoral Program in Sociology at Texas A&M University. This document is not to exceed two pages in length (single-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, 1-inch margins). You should include details regarding your qualifications, academic and research interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid our admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for pursuing a Ph.D. in Sociology. If you have particular experiences or skills relevant to the study of Sociology, please be sure to include these in your cover letter.

4. Writing Sample

The Department of Sociology requires a writing sample from all applicants to the Ph.D. Program. The Admissions Committee will be looking for original work giving evidence of both writing ability and the capacity for research, analysis, and original thought at the graduate level.

Your writing sample could be an Honors or Master’s Thesis, published paper, co-written paper, or comparable article.

Papers must be submitted in English.

Samples may be up to 25 pages long. Other things equal, a short, effectively written sample is preferable to a longer sample. If you decide to submit a longer sample, please indicate which pages should be reviewed by the admissions committee. While not recommended, if you need to provide two samples (for example, one indicating your ability to apply theory and other demonstrating your quantitative ability) you are able to do so.

5. Personal Statement

Please submit a two-page write-up (single-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, 1-inch margins) to describe aspects of your backgrounds that were important for your decision to pursue a graduate program in sociology. Please include discussion of any economic or social barriers you may have faced that are relevant to your application and academic goals (for example being a first-generation student). You should explain how your background could contribute to Texas A&M University and/or the profession of sociology.

6. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Graduate applicants are required to submit either a Resume or Curriculum Vitae to their departments.

7. Transcripts

You need to provide transcripts for all of the colleges and universities attended. You are allowed to upload unofficial transcripts with your application, however, if accepted, original official transcripts must be provided directly from the institutions. Texas A&M will accept transcripts sent electronically through SPEEDE or eSCRIP-SAFE. Transcripts from any other vendor will not be accepted. Many universities can use the electronic format. Electronic transcripts can be processed much faster than paper transcripts. If the institution cannot use this format and you have attended an American or Canadian college or university, one official transcript is required. Please ask each registrar to enclose one copy of your transcript in a sealed, signed envelope. Please mail this envelope, with the seal unbroken and the registrar’s signature intact, to the Office of Admissions at the address below. If the registrar will not release your transcripts to you in a sealed envelope, transcripts may be sent by the registrar directly to: Graduate Admissions Processing Office of Admissions, Texas A&M University, P.O. Box 40001, College Station, TX 77842-4001.

8. Three Letters of Recommendation

Graduate applicants should provide three letters of recommendations from individuals who are familiar with your academic achievement and potential. If you have been out of school for a number of years and are unable to contact former professors, you may submit non-academic references (e.g., employers). In the application portal you are able to enter contact information for three recommenders who are then automatically sent a request for the recommendation. We strongly suggest that you contact your recommenders before entering their information. Also, be aware that you give ample time for your recommenders to submit their recommendation by the application deadline.

9. Official GRE Scores (no longer required)

The General GRE and GRE Subject scores are no longer required (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing). However, if you are submitting for other admission requirements GRE must be taken within 5 years of the date the application was received. The scores may be reported directly from ETS. The Institution Code for Texas A&M University is 6003 (there is no departmental code needed).

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) website

If you intend to submit your GRE, we strongly advise you to take the GRE no later than  September , so that your scores will be received by the application deadline.

10. Test of English as a Foreign Language (international students only)

Adequate command of spoken and written English is required for admission. Official scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English. For information on accepted testing modalities and scores visit: https://admissions.tamu.edu/apply/international/international-graduate .

There is no separate application to request funding from the department – i.e., all applicants are considered for the limited departmental funding. Read more about funding options available for graduate students here .

Contact Information

For additional information about the graduate program, please send email inquiry to  [email protected]  or to the  Director of Graduate Recruitment .

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Ph.D. in Sociology

Develop a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the study of society with the doctoral program in sociology. You will also study the theory, methods and research in your specialized area(s).

You will select one of six specialized areas of study:

• Crime, Law and Deviance
• Organizational, Political and Economic Sociology
• Race, Class and Gender
• Social Psychology

Through the doctoral program, you will become proficient at:

• Delivering conference presentations at professional meetings
• Publishing articles in professional journals
• Preparing grant proposals for research funding

You will develop these skills by conducting independent research in your selected area. You will work closely with one or more faculty members to produce co-authored and single-authored research publications.

Ph.D. in Sociology Program Requirements

Students who graduate with a doctoral degree in sociology have a wide spectrum of career fields from which to choose, including careers as professors, lecturers and researchers in the public and private spheres.

Earning a Doctoral Degree

The final basis for granting the degree will be your grasp of the subject matter in your specialized area and a demonstrated ability to do independent research with an impact on society. You also must have acquired the ability to express thoughts clearly and forcefully in both oral and written form.

The degree is not granted solely for the completion of coursework, residence and technical requirements, although these must be met.

Steps to Fulfill a Doctoral Program

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Graduate Program

Prospective students.

Thank you for your interest in the graduate program in Sociology at UC San Diego! We are a full-time PhD program. We only accept students during the fall of each academic year. We do not admit "Masters-only" students or offer a terminal MA degree.  Admission to the graduate program in sociology is open to students with excellent undergraduate records in any field. Some previous work in sociology or the social and behavioral sciences is advisable but not required. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is a prerequisite for admission to the graduate program.

For any additional questions you may have about the program, please refer to the information below and in the "Admissions Process" section. Should you have additional questions, please e-mail your specific inquiries to the Graduate Program Coordinator at  [email protected] . 

**The  GRE  will not be required for the Fall 2024 Admissions cycle.**  

PhD in Sociology Program Overview

Course Requirements

• Sixteen (16) courses and two (2) proseminars
• Total 66 units

Field Exam Requirement

• Two (2) Field Exams

Dissertation Prospectus and Hearing

Dissertation

PhD Time Limits

• Students must be advanced to candidacy by the end of four (4) years.
• Normative time is six (6) years.
• Total university financial support cannot exceed seven (7) years.
• Total registered time at UC San Diego cannot exceed eight (8) years.

Admissions Process

About the Admissions Process

The admissions committee reviews the applications and makes recommendations for either admission or denial to the graduate dean. Admission decisions are based on the quality of the applicant's academic degrees and record, the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation from professors or others familiar with the applicant's academic work, performance in aptitude and achievement tests as appropriate, relevant work experience, preparation in the proposed field of study, the fit between the applicant's goals and the program, and the fit between the applicant's research interests and those of the program's faculty.

Academic Requirements

US Applicants.  Applicants for graduate admission must present official evidence of receipt of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education or the equivalent, with training comparable in standard and content to that provided by the University of California. This must be provided by the beginning of the first academic year of study at UC San Diego. A minimum scholastic average of B (or its equivalent, if the letter grade system is not used) is required for coursework completed in the final two years of undergraduate study and any post-baccalaureate study.

International Applicants.  An international student whose postsecondary education is completed outside the United States must hold the equivalent to a US baccalaureate degree, with above average scholarship, granted by a non-US university or university-level institution.

Required Application Materials

The online application system will begin accepting applications September 6, 2023.

• Official UC San Diego Graduate Application for Admission ; you will need a permanent email address to create an account for your application.
• Examination Requirements
• Scores are generally submitted 4-6 weeks after the test is administered, so please be mindful of the deadline. Examinations and information regarding this exam can be found at  Educational Testing Service , or at the  GRE website . Applicants should request that official scores be sent directly to the department of sociology at the above university address, or institution code  4836 , department code  2102 .
• Three letters of recommendation .
• Transcripts from all college/university work. Scanned copies of academic transcripts for each postsecondary institution attended, including certification of degrees, submitted electronically in pdf format. Certified hard-copy original transcripts will be requested/required upon acceptance of graduate admission.
• Your sample should be academic or scholarly in nature, such as a course term paper, published research, journal article submission, thesis chapter, presented paper, or report. It should be no more than 30 pages in length and uploaded in pdf format.
• Be certain to address your interest in the field, future goals, research interests, etc. in this statement.
• US Citizens and Permanent Resident Applicants: $135.00
• International Applicants: $155.00
• An  Application Fee Waiver  is available for applicants that meet certain eligibility guidelines.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the English language is required for all international applicants whose native language is not English and who have not studied full-time for one uninterrupted academic year at a university-level institution in which English is the language of instruction  and  in a country in which English is a dominant language.  Official written verification of test scores is required.
• The following test(s) are accepted: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), PTE (Pearson Test of English)

It is important that all application documents are received by the application deadline. Please schedule your GRE exam early so that scores may be received by the deadline. We recommend at least 5-6 weeks in advance of the deadline. Additionally, requests for transcripts and letters of recommendation should be made in a timely manner to ensure arrival to the Sociology Department prior to the deadline for admissions consideration.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by January 3, 2024.

Materials or documents that cannot be submitted online should be mailed to:

Incomplete files will not be considered. Applicants are responsible for overseeing that all materials (application, GRE scores, TOEFL scores, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and writing sample) are received by the deadline.

For questions about this program or admissions requirements, contact [email protected] , please allow one to three business days for a response.

Due to the winter holiday closure of the office (December 23 to January 1), we will not be able to respond to inquiries regarding the arrival of supporting documents until we reopen on January 2.

Funding for Graduate Students

We do our best to offer competitive funding or support to students we admit, with the most competitive funding -- in the form of fellowships, awards, or employment -- going to applicants who are best matched to our program. Unfortunately, we are unable to match a support package to every single admission offered. We strongly encourage applicants to consider additional resources and supplemental forms of financial aid.

Typically our funding packages include at least 1-year of fellowship and from 2-4 years of guaranteed academic student employment (ASE) in the form of graduate student researchers (GSRs), teaching assistants (TAs) or readers for a course. Each of these types of employment covers tuition and fees plus has a monthly salary. UC San Diego's  Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) offers the most current salary rates for all ASE appointments. Please note: salary rates listed here are at 100%; g raduate student appointments may be for a maximum of 50% time (20 hours per week) during the academic year.  

The Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition (NRST) remission is guaranteed for the first academic year for domestic students and for the first three (3) academic years for international students. Domestic students are expected to establish residency after their first year in the program. International students may be eligible to be exempt from non-resident tuition if you have advanced to candidacy by the end of your third year in the program. For more information, please click here .  

For students who do not receive funding packages or who are no longer guaranteed employment, there are certainly still bountiful employment opportunities.  GSR, TA and readerships are available in our department as well as other academic departments and are advertised to all students via email. Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA)  also posts job openings for graduate students.

Additionally, there are also spaces like the Center for Comparative Immigration Studies (CCIS), the Center for Research on Educational Equity, Assessment and Teaching Excellence (CREATE), and each of UC-San Diego's seven college writing programs that employ our doctoral students.  Finally, a few of our advanced doctoral candidates have what is called Associate-In  teaching positions. This is when the student is the primary instructor for a course.

So, as you can see, there are plenty of ways to gain work experience while funding your education at UC-San Diego.  Our students are also encouraged to seek and apply for competitive grants and fellowships. These funds are often how our students afford research related costs such as travel, transcription fees, conference presentation materials, and field research.  

To encourage everyone to be involved in developments related to the discipline, the Department of Sociology pays the fee for all entering students to become new members of the American Sociological Association (ASA). Furthermore, Sociology and the Dean of Social Sciences make available special travel funds to support regular participation in national meetings. Current doctoral students also receive a personal research allowance of $2000 to be used towards research or conference travel. The first $1000 will be made available upon successful completion of first year of studies, with the second $1000 available upon advancing to candidacy.

English Proficiency Exams (International Applicants Only)

A test of English language proficiency is required for international applicants whose native language is not English and who have not studied full-time for one uninterrupted academic year at a university-level institution in which English is the language of instruction and in a country where English is a dominant language.

The following test(s) are accepted by this department:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) IELTS (International English Language Testing System) PTE (Pearson Test of English)

English Language Proficiency Requirement for International Teaching Assistants (TA):

International students whose native language is not English will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency before they may serve as teaching assistants. International graduate students who are nonnative speakers of English must be certified as having requisite language skills before they can serve as teaching assistants (TAs; UC San Diego Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) policy in compliance with Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 41). Evidence of English Language Proficiency: Certification as Teaching Assistant Recommended Scores Students may be certified either on the basis of their score on one of the following:

• have a TOEFL iBT Speaking subscore of 28-30
• have an IELTS Speaking subscore of 8.5
• have a PTE Speaking sub-score of 83,
• be an international graduate student who serves as a language assistant in courses conducted in their native language.

Those students with TOEFL speaking scores of 23 – 27, IELTS speaking scores of 7-8, or PTE speaking scores of 65-82 are required to take the English Language Certification Exam. Students who do not pass the English Language Certification Exam are given the opportunity to improve their language skills.

For more information, please click here .

Admissions FAQs

Where can I get information about the graduate program in sociology? The most current information about our doctoral program is located online in the Admissions Process section of the website. For information about University of California-San Diego graduate policies, pelase see the  Grad Program Handbook (Course Catalog) . For all other questions about this program or admissions requirements, contact   [email protected]

Where can I get an application? The Grad Admissions Application is available online at https://connect.grad.ucsd.edu/apply/ . The application for Fall 2024 admissions consideration will be available early September 2023. 

Is there a minimum GRE score? The  GRE  will not be required for the Fall 2024 Admissions cycle.

Is there a minimum TOEFL/IELTS score? 

The university accepts TOEFL score of 80 for the internet based test and 550 for the paper-based test as the minimum scores required for admissions consideration. The minimum IELTS required score for admission consideration is a 7.0. 

How many students typically apply to the program?  Last year we had approximately 150 applicants to our program; historically our pool of applicants is very strong. 

What makes an applicant competitive?  In general the strongest applicants can point to a history of academic achievement, relevant experience in the field, well-articulated intellectual interests and an agenda for future research, positive and detailed letters of recommendation, and competitive standardized test scores. An appropriate match between the applicant and the strengths of our department is also an important factor in our selection.

How many students are typically admitted to the program?  Our cohort size typically is 9-12 students.

What is the average number of international students your department admits each year? There is no predetermined average or number of international students that are accepted. From year to year, we may admit and make offers to the most competitive domestic and international students whose research interests fit the program and the department. Some years we make multiple offers; other years we do not make any offers. 

What is the Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition (NRST)? If admitted, the Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition (NRST) remission is guaranteed for the first academic year for domestic students and for the first three (3) academic years for international students. Domestic students are expected to establish residency after their first year in the program. International students may be eligible to be exempt from non-resident tuition if you have advanced to candidacy by the end of your third year in the program. For more information, please click here .  

Is it possible to be enrolled in the program part-time? Part-time status is not an option. This program is not a part-time program, but after advancing to candidacy (usually by end of 4th year) students are enrolled and are working independently on research. 

Are students allow to take leaves of absences?  Students may take up to 3 quarters of leave over the length of earning their degree. There are exceptions to the three quarters limit for maternity/parenting leave.

How long does it typically take to graduate with a PhD in Sociology? The normative time of completion for Sociology graduates is 6 years. The university sets a time limit of 7 years for graduate funding support and 8 years of registration eligibility. 

If I already earned an MA in Sociology, would it be possible to transfer my previous graduate coursework to UCSD, or would I need to start from the beginning? Graduate students who have received either a master's degree or its equivalent from other universities are not eligible to receive a second master's degree from UC-San Diego. They may petition to waive courses that appear to repeat work they have already successfully completed. Petitions requesting course exemption are to be submitted after the student has begun the program. Additional seminars will be required in place of a course being granted exemption.

With an MA you may petition for exceptions and waive out of taking certain courses and requirements if it appears there is duplication, but you will still be required to complete the same number of total courses (units) required in the program. Therefore, having an MA does not necessarily shorten the program. We suggest that you meet with the graduate adviser early on to assist in charting your course schedule.

Is it more difficult to enter the program being a previous student of the university? Would you highly discourage this course of action? Previous affiliation with the university is benign; if you are a competitive candidate for admission, your chances are the same as anyone else who is competitive.

What would you say are the most important factors the university considers in an applicant? Every admissions committee is different from department to department in terms of what they would like to see from an applicant. For the most part, they are looking for someone who is academically prepared to contribute to the greater body of research in academia. This requires being focused and interested in a particular area, driven to succeed in this area, able to sustain a level of intellectual rigor over a long period of time. This can be demonstrated by successful scores, highly articulated statements and writing samples, and overwhelming support by peers and teachers regarding their academic and intellectual capacities.

Are there plenty of fellowships available to graduate students and how soon would you recommend applying for them? University-based Fellowships are at a minimum, with the greatest awards going to the most competitive scholars. A list of university fellowships can be found on the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) website. There are a number of extramural fellowships available for graduate study, both predissertation and dissertation.

Would you mind clarifying the conditions for the Personal Statement? 2,500 word limit. Don't be concerned with the font or spacing because the online application will autoformat it. We recommend that you produce your statement and then cut-and-paste into the online application. After you have entered it, revisit it to make minor edits because the autoformat is not a perfect tool.

Do you need the faculty/recommender to send the letters directly to your department or can I get them sealed and send them along with other supplemental materials? Either way is fine.  Materials or documents that cannot be submitted online should be mailed to:

University of California-San Diego Department of Sociology, Graduate Admissions 9500 Gilman Drive, MC# 0533 La Jolla, CA 92093-0533

When will I know a decision about my admissions status? Applicants are generally notified by mid-February of an admissions decision. Your admissions decision will be communicated via the email address associated with your GradApply account. 

If I am admitted, can I defer for a year? We do not currently offer an option to defer admittance. Students requesting to have admission deferred may notify Graduate Admissions of their decision, however they are not guaranteed acceptance or financial assistance for the following year. Deferred files will be evaluated along with new applications for that year.

For more information, please visit Graduate Admissions FAQs .

Your Journey Starts Here

Boston University undergraduates studying sociology go on to interesting careers or further training across all disciplines. Graduates of the MA and PhD programs pursue careers in academia, obtaining professorships at schools including Johns Hopkins University and College of William & Mary. Our graduates also pursue careers in non-academic positions, including recent placements at the Department of Justice and City of Boston. Take the first step toward your future and apply today!

Undergraduate Admissions

Studying sociology gives students a deeper understanding of the world around them, teaching them to look at everything from a new perspective. Through this program, students receive valuable research, writing, analytic, and professional skills that prepare them for careers across many fields. In all of our classes, students will meet accessible and internationally renowned faculty, welcoming peers, and supportive staff.

How to Apply

The department is not involved in the undergraduate admissions process. Students interested in applying to Boston University should seek assistance from the BU Admissions Office .

Graduate Admissions

Graduate study in Sociology at Boston University includes both a Master’s and a PhD program.  Building on core knowledge in social theory and in research methods, students specialize in diverse subfields within Sociology. Students pursue original research that contributes to the field, laying a foundation for academic and non-academic careers.

The interests of our students reach from the city of Boston and New England to Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa.  Recent dissertations and current work have explored such topics as gentrification of two Boston neighborhoods and the role that middle-class families with children play in this process; diversity and privilege through the eye of young people growing up in an elite suburban community in Massachusetts; cultivation of refined tastes in US elite food consumption; earthquake risk-driven urban transformations in Istanbul, Turkey and their effect on precarious service workers; transnational aid programs reliance on local labor in Jordan; role of transgender community in Thailand in ushering transnational medical tourism to this country; public health programs to combat non-communicative disease burden in Sierra Leone; war-related volunteer work in contemporary Ukraine; and suppression of religious pluralism in post-Soviet Central Asia.

The program emphasizes core knowledge and theory as well as rigor and innovation in research. The research and teaching interests of the faculty facilitate diverse research agendas for students.

Students interested in applying for admission to any graduate degree program in the Sociology Department should begin by consulting the guidelines available from the Boston University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

The graduate program only admits students in the fall. The current application deadline is January 19th, 2024 .  All applications must be submitted directly  to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences .

Applications must include:

• Graduate School Application Form;
• Transcripts from each college or university attended;
• A Personal Statement, clarifying your interests, experience and educational objectives ;
• Writing Sample; and
• Three Letters of Recommendation from people who know your academic work.

**Please Note: Submission of official GRE General Test scores is not mandatory and does not factor into an applicant’s admission decision. However, if applicants take the GRE General Test, applicants can submit the scores if they so choose.

The Department of Sociology is committed to building a robust multicultural environment for teaching and learning  and strongly encourages women and people from underrepresented groups to apply.  Applications from international students are welcome.  Proof of English proficiency is required of all applicants by submitting official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For more information about language proficiency requirements and frequently asked questions, please visit the Graduate School’s website .

Please direct all graduate admissions inquiries to [email protected] .

Sociology PhD Admissions FAQ

Eligibility

• Yes, any well-qualified person with a four-year bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university or with equivalent international education may apply. If you hold a 3-year Bachelor’s degree, you may be required to complete a 1-year’s Master’s degree program or post-graduate diploma in a relevant subject, according to the Graduate School page . However, you may still apply if your 3-year Bachelor’s degree was earned in First Division from an institution accredited by India’s National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with a grade of “A” or better. https://www.bu.edu/cas/admissions/phd-mfa/apply/frequently-asked-questions/
• Yes, you can apply even if your bachelor’s or Master’s were not in Sociology. But since we prioritize admission to students with solid preparation for graduate work in Sociology, make sure you explain not only why you want to obtain a PhD in Sociology but also demonstrate your ability to think and write in sociologically relevant ways in your personal statement and writing sample (see below).
• Every admitted student, irrespective of nationality, is given a minimum of 5 years of full funding for 8 months (two semesters) plus an additional $5000 summer fellowship. The current rate and additional details about funding see this: https://www.bu.edu/cas/admissions/phd-mfa/fellowship-aid/aid-for-phd-students/
• https://www.bu.edu/cas/admissions/phd-mfa/apply/fee-waiver/

Transfer of credits

• You would be able to transfer up to 32 credits (equivalent of 8 elective courses), which is half of your expected coursework, pending evaluation and approval by the Director of Graduate Studies. But all of the required classes (classical and contemporary theory, qualitative and quantitative methods, and proseminar) have to be taken in-house.

Application process

• We are a mid-size department with faculty working in many subfields of Sociology but not all. You should start your search for a suitable PhD program by  looking at departments’ faculty pages to learn about faculty research and interests. If you find at least two or three members of the faculty whose research excites you and from whom you would want to learn, you are probably a good fit. Here are our faculty pages . We also encourage you to look at our current PhD students’ profiles and those of our recent alumni .
• You are not required to but you may contact the faculty in whose work you are interested and to assess a possible mentoring relationship.
• Your personal statement is probably the most important piece of your application .  We read it carefully. It should clearly signal your motivation to pursue a PhD in Sociology, your research agenda, your capacity to frame a research question and to situate that question in the relevant literatures, and demonstrate how that research agenda can be carried out at BU. That being said, it should be concise, aim for no more than 2 pages single-spaced or a maximum of 1000-1200 words. We recommend that you have colleagues and mentors read and help you edit it.
• We do not have specific guidelines but expect that a writing sample is no longer  than an article-length paper (20-25 pages double-spaced, not including tables and references). Please do not submit your whole Master’s or undergraduate honor’s thesis, but rather edit it for length, or provide an excerpt.
• No, not according to the Graduate School FAQ .  This may change, so please check back with the Graduate School. This decision is not up to the department.
• Check here: https://www.bu.edu/cas/admissions/phd-mfa/international-students/
• Yes, again see the details here: https://www.bu.edu/cas/admissions/phd-mfa/international-students/
• Again, please check here: https://www.bu.edu/cas/admissions/phd-mfa/international-students/
• For all international transcript-related questions please check here: https://www.bu.edu/cas/admissions/phd-mfa/apply/frequently-asked-questions/transcripts-letters-of-recommendation-and-personal-statement/
• Please see the answer here: https://www.bu.edu/cas/admissions/phd-mfa/apply/frequently-asked-questions/
• The GRE is optional, we do not require it and we do not factor GRE scores in making our admission decisions.
• Each year we review about 200 applications.
• We offer admission to approximately 10 students with an expectation of a cohort of 5 or 6.

If you have other questions, first check with the Graduate School FAQ page and only if you do not find an answer there, email Sociology Department Director of Graduate Studies Prof. Alya Guseva [email protected]

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PhD Admissions

The application portal for fall 2024 is open with an application deadline of january 15, 2024. if you have questions about our graduate program, please contact the director of graduate studies, dr. joshua bloom ( [email protected] ). we are happy to talk with you., application information .

Applicants to the graduate program in sociology at the University of Pittsburgh apply online. Your complete application for Fall term 2024 must be received by January 15.

In an effort to reduce financial barriers to attending graduate school, the Kenneth P. Dietrich Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers application fee waivers. Please note that fee waivers are approved on a case-by-case basis and not all fee waiver requests will be granted.  All requests received will be reviewed and responded to within 48 hours during normal business hours: Monday - Friday 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. EST.  To be considered for a fee waiver, Please complete the following fee waiver survey for review:  https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cD38CmmjcOT3Tvw .

Application Requirements

The complete application materials include the following:

• An application form
• A non-refundable application fee of $75.
• Describe your relevant research and real-world experience.
• What kind of career do you have in mind, and how will being a disciplined sociologist help you meet your goals?
• Describe a research project you imagine developing in graduate school.
• Describe any relevant previous training and proficiencies in the discipline.
• What led you to apply to the PhD program in Sociology at the University of Pittsburgh?
• A sample of written work (e.g., a senior thesis, term paper, or publication) that provides evidence of creative and critical thinking, quality of writing, and potential for engaging in independent research.
• Three letters of recommendation intended to provide independent evaluation of each applicant's potential. Letters should come from former professors or others who can evaluate your intellectual and academic qualifications for graduate study. Reference writers will submit these forms and letters independently from the application using a link embedded in an e-mail they receive from the online application process.
• Unofficial copy of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended. If non-US citizens, please submit transcripts in the native language accompanied by notarized English translations. The University requires at least a 3.0. GPA. Note: official transcripts will need to be sent if admitted into the program. 

If you are having issues with any part of your on-line application for the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences please reach out to the GradCas Applicant Help center:  https://help.liaisonedu.com/GradCAS_Applicant_Help_Center .  If you cannot find the answer to your question you can also contact them by phone 857-304-2086 or via email:  [email protected] .  For the quickest response it is best to contact them via chat on the Applicant Help center page.

English Proficiency Requirements

All non-U.S. citizens applying to the graduate program, except for those who have received degrees from a U.S. institution or from other English-speaking countries , must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) , International English Language Testing System (IELTS) , or Duolingo English Test as part of their application to demonstrate a sufficient command of English to meet the requirements of their field. The minimum scores are 90 for TOEFL (with at least a score of 22 in all of the four sections of speaking, listening, reading, and writing), 7.0 for IELTS (with at least 6.5 in each of its four sections), and 120 for Duolingo.

The TOEFL is offered several times each year at sites in the United States and abroad. If not available locally, the annual schedules and other information about the TOEFL can be obtained online or by mail from: Educational Testing Service (ETS) TOEFL, Box 6151 Princeton, NJ 08541-6151 USA (609) 771-7100 NOTE: TOEFL application booklets generally are available at U.S. colleges and universities and at U.S. consulates and U.S. Information Service offices abroad. Foreign students should check with these sources before writing to Princeton.

TOEFL Institution Code: 2927

IELTS official scores should be mailed to: Graduate Administrator University of Pittsburgh 2400 Wesley W. Posvar Hall 230 South Bouquet Street Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Questions about the application process may be addressed to our Graduate Administrator Paris Yamamoto at  [email protected] .

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Loyola University Chicago

Department of sociology, doctoral (phd) program.

The PhD program in Sociology is designed to produce independent scholars able to research, teach or serve in a variety of settings. We offer comprehensive training in the knowledge and skills which constitute professional competence in the field. The curriculum is designed to equip students with a broad foundation in general sociology and in more specialized knowledge related to students' career interests in teaching, research, governmental work, or public service.

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http://www.as.miami.edu/sociology/

The Graduate Program in Sociology at the University of Miami is intended to equip students with the theoretical, methodological, and analytical tools required for research and teaching. The Graduate Program in Sociology is designed for students seeking the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Sociology. The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree is earned during the first portion of the program. At the doctoral level, graduate students choose primary and secondary concentrations. The primary substantive area must come from one of the three following departmental specializations:

• Race & Ethnic Relations, and Immigration
• Medical Sociology.

Although the strengths of the Department lie within these major programmatic fields, students may develop secondary concentrations that meet unique research interests and career objectives. Assistantships and fellowships are awarded each academic year to cover tuition and living expenses.

For more details, consult the Guide to Graduate Study in Sociology available through the  Sociology Department .

Admission Requirements

All incoming graduate students are admitted to the Ph.D. program and must be committed to pursuing the Ph.D. degree. The Graduate Program in Sociology at the University of Miami does not accept students who aspire to earn a terminal M.A. degree.

All applicants to the Ph.D. program are evaluated across several indicators of academic potential, including grade point averages (GPA), letters of recommendation, and statements of purpose.  Applicants without graduate experience are expected to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.20 in undergraduate coursework.  Applicants with graduate experience are expected to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.50 in graduate coursework.  All applicants should provide three (3) letters of recommendation from persons who are familiar with their academic work and scholarly potential.  At least two of these letters should come from professors currently or previously employed in a college or university.  All applicants should provide a brief (no more than three pages), yet compelling, statement of purpose.  This statement should clearly describe the applicant’s academic background, research interests, and professional goals. It should also clearly indicate how the student’s research interests are consistent with the research strengths of the department.  Non-native English speakers should be prepared to demonstrate English language proficiency, as indicated by minimum scores of 80 (internet based), 213 (computer based), or 550 (paper based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination. Alternatively, applicants may submit ISLETS results; the minimum score should be 6.5.  An international evaluation also needs to be conducted on official transcripts by an accredited company (i.e. World Evaluation Services).

Curriculum Requirements

Course requirements for students WITH a M.A. in Sociology from UM: 1

It is anticipated that some of these credits hours will have been taken before completing the MA by students with continuous funding.

The course taken for the Ph.D. must be different from the course taken for the M.A. degree.

12 hours are needed to graduate.  These hours should be a combination of SOC 830/SOC 840, but no more than 6 in SOC 830. SOC 830 is used during pre-candidacy – e.g., writing a publishable paper – while SOC 840 is used when writing a dissertation (post-candidacy).

The completion of all other requirements stated in sections of the Bulletin devoted to requirements for the Doctoral Degrees and General Information.

Course requirements for students  WITHOUT  a M.A. in Sociology from UM but with a master's degree in Sociology or related field: 1

The number of hours will vary depending on whether/how many required courses are waived by assessment.  

SOC 601, SOC 609, SOC 610 and/or SOC 613, may be waived through assessment.

Substantive Area Coursework Requirements

All Ph.D. students are required to select primary and secondary substantive areas. The primary area requires the successful completion of both nine (9) credits of relevant coursework and of a comprehensive examination. The secondary area requires the successful completion of two courses (6 credits) without a comprehensive exam. Although students are encouraged to select both primary and secondary areas from the fields of Criminology; Medical Sociology; and Race, Ethnic Relations and Immigration, they have the option of selecting the secondary area from outside of these three standing areas. If an option other than Criminology; Medical Sociology; or Race, Ethnic Relations and Immigration is chosen, a detailed and persuasive proposal must be submitted to and accepted by the Graduate Committee before the student begins any coursework in this area.  Check with the Graduate Director about the content and structure of this proposal. No more than three (3) credit hours of independent study (SOC 690) or out-of-department coursework will count toward the completion of a substantive area without prior approval from the Graduate Committee. In addition, no single course may count toward two substantive areas.

Primary Area Course Requirements

Other doctoral courses offered in Criminology may be appropriate to substitute for SOC 684 depending on the student's interests. Consult with Graduate Director and the Chair of the Criminology Area.

Secondary Area Course Requirements

Sample plan of study, ph.d. with an ma from university of miami:, students without an ma in sociology from university of miami but with a master's degree in sociology or related field: .

The Graduate Program in Sociology at the University of Miami is designed to equip students with the theoretical, methodological, and analytical tools required for teaching and conducting research in academic and non-academic (e.g., government and private industry) settings. This goal is accomplished through a combination of classroom learning, comprehensive exams, independent research (particularly the thesis and dissertation), and teaching undergraduate students.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will develop a knowledge of, and the ability to use, classic and contemporary sociological theory.
• Students will develop knowledge of, and the ability to use, quantitative and qualitative research methods and analyses.
• Students will develop knowledge of two sub-fields in the discipline of sociology and demonstrate the ability to work in these areas.
• Students will develop knowledge fundamental to teaching sociology.

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The PhD in Sociology is designed to prepare students for a range of career options, post-graduate educational opportunities, and a life of engaged, democratic citizenship. Through a rigorous curriculum, students experience methodological, theoretical, and substantive training aimed at enhancing critical thinking, social awareness, and a globally-oriented conception of inequality and justice.

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Graduate Student Pathway

A Strategy to Transcend Gender Inequities

Interdisciplinary Research Bolsters Nation’s Resliience

Embedded in interdisciplinary networks and committed to experiential knowledge, the Sociology department is well-positioned to help solve the world’s most pressing problems—from health disparities, to the impacts of climate change, to the inclusion, recognition, and dignity of persons marginalized by race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexuality, to growing wealth disparities and labor exploitation, to the full inclusion of refugees and migrants.

Through a rigorous curriculum, our students experience methodological, theoretical, and substantive training aimed at enhancing critical thinking, social awareness, and a globally-oriented conception of inequality and justice.

We encourage students to forge close working relationships with our faculty, who contribute to a range of interdisciplinary research projects, programs, and centers across the College of Social Sciences and Humanities and throughout Northeastern University, including the Institute for Health Equity and Social Justice Research, the Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute, the Center for International Affairs and World Cultures, the Brudnick Center on Violence and Conflict, the Summer Institute on Engaging Geography in the Humanities, and the Program on Human Rights in the Global Economy, the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program, among others.

Learn more about the PhD program in Sociology from the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.

• Annual departmental workshops on academic writing, teaching, grant writing, media relations, and other “professional development” matters
• Funded research opportunities through faculty and affiliated centers
• Small cohort sizes afford students the opportunity to forge close working relationships with the faculty.
• Committed to reflecting inward on ourselves as educators, students, and members of the community by continuing to build an anti-racist department.
• Bachelor’s and Master’s program entry
• Offer a strong curricular foundation in sociology and the social sciences.
• Inculcate in students a depth of knowledge in the basic tools of the discipline.
• Train our students to be outstanding teachers and researchers.
• Provide a professional socialization that adequately prepares students for a career in the discipline.

Northeastern’s signature experiential learning model combines academics with professional practice to help students acquire relevant, real-world skills they can apply to their desired industry. Each program offers its own unique experiential learning opportunities, but they might include:

• EXPERIENTIAL RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES: Our doctoral students gain real-world experience working with research centers and conducting field work. Experiential fellowships that place students into nonprofits, state agencies, and industry settings may be available in some doctoral programs. Through summer scholars programs, doctoral students can work with agencies doing work closely related to their dissertation research.
• In-Class Case Studies — Professors integrate case studies and exercises into the classroom to bring a real-world perspective and relevance to what they’re teaching.
• Research — Students collaborate with faculty in our more than 30 federally funded research centers, tackling some of the most pressing challenges in health, security, and sustainability.

Our graduates pursue careers within academia and beyond.

• Mount Ida College
• Crittenton Women’s Union
• Virgina Tech University
• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
• Columbia University – Teacher’s College
• Johnson & Wales University
• Curry College
• Swank Properties
• St. Lous University
• University of Massachusetts, Boston
• University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
• University of Washington, Tacoma
• Trinity College
• University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute’s Economic and Public Policy Research
• Nazarene College
• Witchita State University

Application Materials

Application.

• Application fee – US $100
• Personal statement
• Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
• English proficiency for international applicants
• Three letters of recommendation
• Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) – Optional
• Writing sample
• Applicants seeking enrollment prior to the Fall 2023 term should apply through this  link .

Admissions deadline for Fall term: December 1

• Program Website

Request Information for PhD in Sociology

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• Arts & Sciences
• Graduate Studies in A&S

PhD Application Process

The department accepts applications for the PhD program; we do not offer a terminal Master’s Degree. All students admitted to our program will be offered six years of full funding. Admissions decisions are made once per year, with students beginning their course of study during the Fall semester. Applications to the graduate program are evaluated holistically; we look for a variety of signs of high achievement and research potential, as well as fit with our research areas.

Application Requirements

To apply for the PhD in Sociology, you will need the following application materials: 

1.    A completed application form and submitted $45 application fee.  Fee waivers are available through the Office of Graduate Studies in Arts & Sciences. Requests for fee waivers should be sent to [email protected] 2.    A personal statement of approximately 2-3 pages explaining your motivation for pursuing graduate study in Sociology, your future career goals, as well as your preparation for graduate work. Please also comment on the sub-areas within Sociology you hope to explore in depth in your graduate study and the faculty with whom you would hope to collaborate.  3.    A writing sample of no more than 30 pages. 4.    Unofficial transcript(s) from all prior degree-awarding programs (BA and up). 5.    Three letters of recommendation. 6.    A Curriculum Vitae  (CV) or resume. 7.    GRE scores. Please note that the GRE is recommended, but not required for application to the Sociology graduate program. If you choose to include these scores, please use the WU code 6929 for reporting and application.  8.    TOEFL scores. Applicants who have received a bachelor’s degree from an institution where all instruction is not given in English must submit TOEFL or IELTA scores. We require a minimum TOEFL composite score of 100 and/or a minimum of 7 on the IELTS Academic. More information on Washington University's English Profiency Certification requirements and protocol can be found here .

For additional details regarding applications, please refer to the Office of Graduate Studies Admissions page .

For frequently asked questions from prospective Sociology graduate students, please see our Prospective Sociology Graduate Student FAQ page . 

Additional questions may be sent to the Graduate Program Administrator and Academic Coordinator at [email protected] .

Applications must be submitted online through the Office of Graduate Studies in Arts & Sciences. Ready to apply? Get started below. 

Ph.D Programme

Since its inception in 1959, the Ph.D. Programme at the Department of Sociology has produced more than hundred doctorates. Apart from being one of the leading programmes in the country, it is among the best of its kind in this region and continues to attract many students from Asia, Africa, and other parts of the globe.

The Ph.D. Programme is administered by the Departmental Research Committee (D.R.C.), a statutory committee mandated by University ordinances that also govern its membership, and under the overview of the Board of Research Studies in the Social Sciences (B.R.S.S.).

Course Work Requirements

Continued registration in the Ph. D. will be subject to satisfactory progress being made in the course of the year. A candidate is required, according to the University regulations, to submit his/her thesis ordinarily within a specified period from the date of registration. (Please refer to the University Ordinances for more details.)

No candidate shall undertake any employment during the period of his/her study without the permission of the D.R.C. and the Board of Research Studies.

Without the previous permission of the D.R.C. and the Board, no candidate shall join any other course of study or appear at any other examination conducted by any university or public body.

Not later than one year after admission, a candidate may modify the scheme of his/her subject with the approval of the D.R.C. and the Board.

If a research student wants to change the topic of research after a period of one year from the date of registration, the student will be required to re-register for the Ph.D. course.

Residence & Attendance

Every candidate shall reside in Delhi. However, in the interest of her/his research, she/he may be permitted by the D.R.C. and Board of Research Studies, on the recommendation of the supervisor, to be absent from Delhi, ordinarily for not more than two semesters.

The minimum residence period for Ph.D. students is two years.

Attendance at the Sociological Research Colloquium and in seminars/workshops conducted by the Department is compulsory for Ph.D. students.

Thesis Submission & Examination

The Ph.D. thesis shall comply with the following conditions: it must be a piece of research work characterized either by the discovery of new facts or by a fresh interpretation of facts or theories. In either case it should indicate the candidate’s capacity for critical examination and judgment. It shall be satisfactory so far as its literary presentation is concerned. The candidate shall indicate how far the thesis embodies the results of her/his own research or observations and in what respect her/his investigations appear to her/him to advance the study of her/his discipline.

The candidate may incorporate in her/his thesis the contents of any work which she/he may have published on the subject, and shall inform the examiner if she/he has done so, but she/he shall not submit as the thesis, any work for which a degree has been previously conferred by this or any other University.

A Ph.D. candidate shall not be permitted to submit her/his thesis for the Ph.D. degree unless the supervisor is satisfied that the thesis is worthy of consideration for the degree.

The candidate shall supply four printed or typed copies of his/her thesis as well as a soft copy.

Please refer to the amended version of the Ordinance VI here which pertains to the Submission and Award of Thesis .

The Thesis Submission Forms can be accessed here . 

Please click here to access details about the Online PhD Submission Process.

University Guidelines for Ph.D. Research Scholars

Please refer to the following documents for University Guidelines (From Registration to Award of Degree)

Guidelines for Research Scholars Registered between July 11, 2009 and July 04, 2016

Guidelines for Research Scholars Registered on or after July 05, 2016

Admission Information

Details about PhD Admissions 2023-24 will be made available here. Please visit University of Delhi Admission Portal for Details.

Guidelines for Research Proposal

PhD proposals must be  no more  than 2500 words and contain the following

• Research Objective
• Literature Review
• Methodology – primary sources, fieldwork plans, field site, timetable

You may find helpful material on the following links (although they deal with PhDs, the basic principles involved in preparing proposals are the same)

Writing a Good Ph.D. Research Proposal

An example of a successful Ph.D. Proposal

Ph.D. Thesis Completed in the Department

Please click here to view a list of Ph.D. Thesis completed in the Department.

Ph.D. Notices

Friday research colloquium: 3:00 pm 12 april 2024. subrata kundu: ‘society in the age of artificial intelligence’, friday research colloquium: 3:00 pm 5 april 2024. maitrayee deka: ‘bazaars as an economic category’, notice regarding non-net fellowship extension, ph.d. pre-submission seminar: haruna watabe “emerging tourism industry in nagaland: exploring between ‘exotic’ culture and tourism” on thursday, 13 march, 2023, 4:00 pm, m.n.srinivas seminar room., ph.d. coursework timetable and course registration form.

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PhD Degree Requirements

Phd overview.

PhD students receive training in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, sociological theory, and major substantive fields within sociology such as gender, sexuality, environment, race and ethnicity, culture, social networks, labor, immigration, and political economy. The department places a strong emphasis on research, and many students will find opportunities to participate in projects conducted by faculty members.

MA or MS and PhD in Sociology

Students are required to complete 55 credit hours of graduate-level work for the master’s degree, and an additional 20 credits, plus 18 dissertation credits, for the PhD. Students who have earned a master’s degree from another program must still complete the master’s paper requirement from the department as one of the steps toward earning the PhD. 

Students having completed graduate-level work in sociology prior to admission to the department may transfer credits to fulfill department requirements if a formal request is submitted to and approved by the Curriculum Committee. Most graduate courses are five (5) credit hours. All required courses must be taken on a graded basis. Students who are Graduate Employees (almost all students their first few years) usually take two or three (2-3)courses per term. The minimum number of credits required for students to enroll in is nine (9) if they have a contract, and three (3) if they do not.

Required Courses

Sociology 607 (Introduction to Graduate Sociology) All incoming students must take this seminar for three (3) credits. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the department and the university community and should be taken their first term.

• Sociology 512 and 513 (Sociological Research Methods): These courses cover quantitative methods, including hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, multiple regression, regression methods with dichotomous and limited dependent variables, and an overview of other advanced quantitative methods. 
• Sociology 612 (Research Design): This course provides hands-on coverage of research design issues, including problem/question formulation, literature review, hypothesis construction, sampling decisions, choice of method for data collection, and strategies for data analysis. The final assignment is a comprehensive proposal for research suitable for the master’s paper requirement. To assist their progress toward the proposal, students work through exercises resulting in draft components of the proposal. Enrollment is normally restricted to sociology graduate students. 
• Two (2) advanced methods courses (Sociology 613), one (1) of which can be taken post-master’s. Advanced methods classes taken must include two (2) separate methods, as determined by the judgment of the student’s advisor.
• One (1) advanced theory course (Sociology 615): These courses focus on specialized traditions of social theory or the works of a major theorist. A second advanced theory course can be substituted for one of the substantive graduate seminars (see G below), as long as the content differs substantially from the first 615 course, as determined by the student’s advisor. The second course may be taken post-master’s. 
• Sociology 617 and Sociology 618 (Sociological Theory I and II): These courses cover major 19th, 20th, and 21st century social theorists, especially Marx, Weber, and Durkheim, and major themes in contemporary sociological theory.

Substantive Seminars

Students must take four (4) substantive graduate seminars or three (3) substantive seminars and a second advanced theory course. In either case, at least two (2)substantive seminars must be taken pre-master’s. 

The substantive seminars are: 

• Sociology 616 (Environment and Resources)
• Sociology 644 (Race and Ethnicity)
• Sociology 646 (Work and Organizations)
• Sociology 656 (Issues in the Sociology of Gender)
• Sociology 664 (Political and Economic Sociology)

Any of the above seminars may be taken more than once, so long as the class content differs substantially each time. Both syllabi must be submitted to the Curriculum Committee to confirm the difference.

Master’s Paper and Electives

To meet the master’s requirement, students take two (2) classes (10 credits) of electives in sociology at the 500- or 600-level. Only one (1) independent study course (SOC 601 - Research or SOC 605 - Reading), taken for a grade, can  be used to meet elective requirements.

Students register for five (5) credits of SOC 608 - Master’s Paper in the term they complete their master’s paper.

Master’s Paper

• All students must complete a master’s paper. Students should be able to complete the course requirements for a master’s degree and the master’s paper requirement in their first six (6) terms of enrollment. Students can be granted an extension to a seventh term without consequence if they make a formal request in writing before the end of their sixth term providing a brief explanation of the reason the extension is required, and so long as this request is approved by both committee members and the director of graduate studies. Students who have not completed the requirements within the first six (6) terms will not be in good standing and will not be assured of a GE position until they complete the requirements (they may receive one if a position is available). Students who do not complete the requirements by the end of nine (9) quarters of enrollment will need to appeal for an extension. This extension will only be granted if both committee members, the director of graduate studies, and the department head agree that it is warranted. 
• The paper is to report original empirical research with an appropriate theoretical context. The paper should be of a style, length, and content appropriate for submission to a peer-reviewed journal in the social sciences. The standard of assessment is whether the paper is worthy of submission to the selected journal. 
• The student may base the paper on research conducted for an academic degree at another institution or in another program at the University of Oregon. With the approval of the committee, the student may also submit for this requirement an article already published or accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed social science journal. A student who has completed an empirically based master’s thesis that is sociological in content in another program may revise it so that it fits with the department’s expectations and format and submit it for the master’s paper requirement. 
• For the master’s paper, the student will need to select a committee of two faculty members, one of whom is the chair. The thesis committee does not require an outside member or an oral defense. The Master’s Paper requirement is met when both committee members approve the paper.

Comprehensive Examination 

The Comprehensive Examination (c-exam) will determine the degree to which a student has gained a mastery over the substantive knowledge, theory and methodology of one area of sociological inquiry distinct from the area to which the master’s paper contributes as determined by the c-exam committee. 

• The area of the examination is selected by the student in consultation with a special committee consisting of at least three (3) faculty members, two (2) of whom must be sociology faculty; the chair of the committee must also be a sociology faculty member. The committee will be responsible for preparing and evaluating the examination. The examination is a three-day (3-day) written examination of the student’s mastery of a reading list approved by the committee. Although the student may suggest a list of questions for the examination, the committee decides on the questions. The committee poses the questions to the student at the start of the exam, and the student has three (3) days to submit their answers.
• In defining the areas of examination, the committee has the responsibility of guarding against both narrow specialization and unrealistically broad aspirations on the part of the student. The current list of sections within the American Sociological Association should serve as models for balancing breadth and depth.
• Students who fail to pass an examination on the first attempt will be permitted to take the examination a second time. Students failing an examination twice will be terminated from the program. 
• To remain in good standing, a requirement for assurance of departmental funding, students must complete the c-exam by the end of their ninth term of enrollment (excluding summers) in the department based on the regular academic calendar.
• Students should negotiate in advance with the c-exam committee for when they can commit to completing the evaluation. The committee should be given at least three (3) weeks to complete its evaluation.
• Students are advanced to candidacy after completing coursework and passing the c-exam. Students will be promoted to GE 3 the term after advancement.  

Doctoral Dissertation 

Once the c-exam and coursework are complete, students are advanced to candidacy and begin work on their dissertation proposal.

• The doctoral dissertation committee will be composed of at least three (3) sociology faculty members and an additional outside member of the UO graduate faculty not affiliated with the Department of Sociology who serves as a representative of the Dean of the Graduate School. This committee should be proposed to the Dean of the Graduate School by the fall of the student’s fifth year of enrollment and no later than six (6) months before the date of completion of the Ph.D. degree.
• The dissertation committee will be formed at the student’s initiative after passing the Comprehensive Examination (c-exam). All PhD candidates must prepare a dissertation proposal and formally defend it before their committee no later than the fall of their fifth year of enrollment, or they will not be in good academic standing, potentially making them ineligible for departmental funding. Students are encouraged to defend before the end of their fourth year in the program.
• The student should refer to the Style Manual for Theses and Dissertations published by the graduate school. This manual includes regulations for the dissertation and a checklist of timing for completion of certain administrative procedures.
• Students are required to enroll in at least three (3) credits of SOC 603 both the term before they defend AND the term they defend.

Apply to Our Graduate Program

Ready to apply? Start your application on Slate, the centralized application portal for graduate admissions at the University of Oregon.

Graduate Program Director

Kari Marie Norgaard Email: [email protected] Phone number: 541-346-8615 Office hours: By appointment

Graduate Coordinators

Sharon Kaplan Email: [email protected]

Rachel Claric Email: [email protected]