Admissions Requirements

In addition to the minimum University requirements (an acceptable bachelor's degree, and a "B" average in all upper division and graduate level work), the Sociology Department requires (1) three letters of recommendation, preferably from professors of sociology  or related social science fields who are familiar with the applicant's written work and research experiences; (2) transcripts from all colleges where the applicant has studied (the Department's evaluation considers not only the record in sociology, but all undergraduate work and graduate work, where relevant;  (3) a statement of purpose, not to exceed three typewritten double‑spaced pages outlining reasons for pursuing graduate work, interests within sociology, and any pertinent intellectual and career experiences and interests. The Admissions Committee considers a strong applicant to have well-conceived research interests, past research accomplishment, and intellectual biography.  (4) Copies of one or two term papers or research reports written by the applicant; (5) an official statement of scores on the Graduate Record Examination; and (6) for applicants whose native tongue is not English, an official statement of scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Testing System examination (IELTS).

Although undergraduate or masters-level study in sociology or related disciplines is desirable, it is not mandatory for admission to the Department. Applicants need not be uniformly high on all indicators of potential. The Admissions Committee, which generally consists of faculty members and two advisory graduate student members, looks at a number of indicators of abilities and skills. For example, in assessing the level of verbal skills, the Committee considers several items, including samples of written work and grades in courses that ordinarily require extensive verbal skills, as well as verbal Graduate Record Examination scores.

In addition to relatively formal criteria (such as analytic and verbal proficiency), the Department pays particular attention to applicants who seem likely to contribute intellectual, social, or cultural diversity to its student body. Women and minorities, in particular, are encouraged to apply.