How do I apply to the Doctoral Program in Sociology?

Applications are due by December 1 to begin the program the following fall. Admissions made for the fall semester only.

Acceptance into the doctoral program in sociology is contingent upon completion of a master's degree in sociology or another social science (e.g., anthropology, economics, political science, etc.) before the start of the sociology program. Applicants with master's degrees in a field other than sociology must demonstrate that their degrees meet the typical sociology program's requirements for completion of the master's degree.

Follow these steps to complete the application process.

1. Graduate College Application

• Complete the Graduate College at ASU application at https://webapp4.asu.edu/dgsadmissions/Index.jsp
• Request your official GRE and official collegiate transcripts to be sent to the Graduate College.

Send official materials to Graduate Admission Services
https://admission.asu.edu/graduate/apply

ASU transcripts do not need to be sent

2. Other required supplemental materials

Submit all of the following materials online via the Graduate College Application at https://webapp4.asu.edu/dgsadmissions/Index.jsp

• Three letters of recommendation, including at least one from an instructor at the applicant's institution where graduate work was completed and at least one from an instructor at the applicant's institution where undergraduate or graduate work was completed. These letters should be from people who know the applicant as a student or in a professional capacity. Letters from family members or friends do not meet this criterion.
• Resume or curriculum vitae that summarizes your academic and employment experiences.
• One writing sample.
• Personal Statement. Must be three pages or less, double-spaced, and address the following:
• State your professional goals and reasons for desiring to enroll in this program.
• Describe your strengths that will help you succeed in the program and in reaching your professional goals.
• Describe, in detail, your research experience (include a description of your master's thesis if applicable). Describe the relevant responsibilities you have held.
• Indicate your personal research interests as specifically as possible.
• Include any additional information that you feel will help the committee evaluate your application.

Optional: Certified scores on the General Graduate Record Examination GRE (verbal, quantitative, analytical).

As part of the online graduate application you will submit the names and work email addresses for your three recommenders. Your recommenders will be sent instructions on how to electronically send their recommendations.

3. International Students – Required additional materials

International applicants must also meet all of the requirements and supply all of the information requested by the Graduate College at https://admission.asu.edu/international/graduate-apply.

How are admissions decisions made?

Admission to the Doctoral Program in Sociology is competitive. Applicants will be short-listed based on a review of all submitted materials, including official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work, verbal, quantitative, and analytical GRE scores, statement of goals relevant to the doctoral program, three letters of recommendation, resume or CV, and complete application for admission to the Graduate College. Those applicants who make the short-list will be invited for a face-to-face or online interview. Final admissions decisions will be made following the interview.

If you have any questions about the online application procedures or about the program, please contact graduatesanford@asu.edu

For questions about the Doctoral Program in Sociology contact Nilda Flores-Gonzalez at nfloresg@asu.edu