statement of purpose for phd in sociology

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.

Instructions

Eligibility requirements.

Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements set by the Graduate School and OGA, namely:

• 3.0 GPA or higher on all upper-division and graduate coursework.
• GRE. This requirement is waived for Fall 2024. However, students may want to submit a score with their application. If submitting GRE scores: Take ONLY the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE. The GRE writing portion is NOT considered. The GRE subject test in Sociology is NOT required.
• International applicants - Take the TOEFL/IELTS. An overall score of 550 (paper test), 213 (computer-based test), or 79 (internet-based test) on the TOEFL OR an overall band of 6.5 on the IELTS is considered the minimum acceptable for admission to UT Austin and the Sociology program. There are no individual section minimums for Sociology.

These eligibility requirements cannot be waived. More information can be found at gradschool.utexas.edu/how-to-apply , which also gives information about exceptions, fee waivers, etc.

Application - Please read all of the following information carefully

The Department only accepts applications for the fall semester. We do NOT defer admission.

Applications are completely online through OGA at gradschool.utexas.edu/admissions and must be completed and submitted by DECEMBER 1. All paper applications and materials (including recommendation letters) sent to OGA or the Sociology Department will be unread and disposed of. Mailed, faxed, emailed, or hand-delivered applications and materials will not be considered. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit and pay for their application early (at least 3 business days) so as to allow time to upload their supplementary materials, and to allow their recommenders time to submit their letters, all by DECEMBER 1 (see below about the supplementary materials and letters). Late and/or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Within 1–2 business day(s) after submitting and paying for an application, applicants will receive an email message from OGA acknowledging that the application has been received. The applicant's UT EID and temporary password will be included in this correspondence, as well as a link to the Online Admissions Status Check page. From that site applicants will be given the opportunity to upload a PDF copy of their OFFICIAL transcript, as well as Writing Sample, Statement of Purpose, and CV - see below for more information. (If applicants are offered admission, they will be asked to mail an official paper transcript for the institutions attended prior to enrolling.)

Application materials consist of:

• Application form.   gradschool.utexas.edu/admissions . On the form, applicants MUST choose 1 of the 10 areas of specialization listed. (Note this can change after they are in the program.)
• Application fee (nonrefundable). $65 for US applicants, $90 for international applicants. Waiver information can be found here .
• OFFICIAL transcripts for each senior college attended. To be submitted online on the Online Admissions Status Check page, after submitting and paying for the application. Note: each transcript can be uploaded ONLY ONCE, so please make sure the correct and full version of each transcript is being uploaded. Junior and community college transcripts are NOT necessary.
• Official GRE scores. Five years old or less (through Dec 1 and when OGA receives them from ETS). To be submitted by ETS directly to OGA. School code: 6882. No major code.
• Official TOEFL/IELTS scores (international applicants only). Two years old or less (through Dec 1 and when OGA receives them from ETS). To be submitted by ETS directly to OGA. School code: 6882. No major code. For IELTS, refer to here .
• Three letters of recommendation. Recommenders will be automatically notified by email with instructions on how to upload their letters once applicants have submitted and paid for their application. Letters and materials sent through folio services (such as Interfolio) WILL NOT be accepted.
• Statement of purpose . In no longer than three pages double-spaced (approximately 750 words), describe your reasons for pursuing graduate study and your academic and professional interests and goals. Your statement should clearly and succinctly address questions such as: a) Why do you want to pursue a career in sociology?; b) What sociological questions or problems interest you?; c) How have you prepared yourself for graduate study in sociology?; and d) Why do you want to pursue your graduate degree at The University of Texas at Austin? If relevant, describe any challenges you have encountered in your educational journey. 
• Writing sample. One 10-20 page double-spaced academic, sociological writing sample written in English. Please do not submit anything over the page limit, including entire theses. To be submitted online on the Online Admissions Status Check page, after submitting and paying for the application.
• Curriculum vitae or resume. To be submitted online on the Online Admissions Status Check page, after submitting and paying for the application.

Please follow the instructions above and on gradschool.utexas.edu/admissions very carefully. It is the applicant's responsibility to make sure the appropriate materials are completed, properly uploaded, and submitted online through the OGA website. Failure to do so will significantly delay the review of the application and chances for admission to the Sociology graduate program. To check the status of an application, refer to the contacts and information on the Admissions homepage or go to utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/adm/mystatus .

For general questions about the application process, visit the Admissions website . For specific questions about the Sociology program, visit the FAQ or email the graduate program administrator .

Change-of-Major Applications

For change-of-major applicants (applicants already admitted to the UT Austin Graduate School) ONLY: Please follow the instructions here . The December 1 deadline and supporting document requirements still apply.

• Prices/Payment
• Standard Service US$199.00
• VIP/Rush Service US$299.00
• Statement of Purpose Help
• Dr Robert Edinger, Personal Statement of Purpose Specialist
• Editing/Writing Service
• Guarantee/Privacy Policy
• Client Testimony
• Autobiographical
• Disadvantaged Status
• Letters of Recommendation

#header_text h2#site_subheading a, #header_text h2#site_subheading{ color:#000000 } @media (min-width: 650px) { #header_text h2#site_subheading a, #header_text h2#site_subheading{ } }

Samples of my work for admission to graduate school in sociology.

• PHD Sociology, Latina

Human Suffering and Humanitarian Emergencies.

Search by Degree, Field, or Country of Origin

• Accountancy
• Agriculture
• Architecture
• Asian Studies
• Communications
• Computer Science
• Construction Management
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Ethnic Studies
• Food Science
• Gender Studies
• Graphic Design
• Hospitality
• Human Resources
• Information Systems
• International Relations
• Latin American Studies
• Law Enforcement
• Library & Information Science
• Linguistics
• Mathematics
• Media Studies
• Medical School
• Occupational Therapy
• Physician Assistant Studies
• Political Science
• Real Estate
• Religious Studies
• Security Studies
• Translation
• Veterinary Medicine
• Women's Studies

Media's Reporting can be Detrimental to Humanitarian Crises Around the World

Statements of Excellence in Sociology

Sample 1st Paragraph, PHD Degree in Sociology, Kuwait

I help as many people as I have the opportunity to help in the area of Sociology because of my sheer love or this field of study. Raised by parents who put little value on education, I began college late, at the age of 22. My first semester, I was clueless but registered for classes that sounded interesting, which included a Sociology class. That semester, my world lit up like a pinball machine, especially because I learned to think sociologically. I would go on to study mostly Religious Studies and Philosophy, but Sociology would always be with me in the way that I learned to think so long ago; and continue to think until today.

Help with your Personal Statement of Purpose for Graduate School in Sociology.

As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, global sociology becomes ever more important, understanding the nature of our international interactions on a scientific level. On a domestic level, sociology is helpful on a host of fronts as well. It helps us to understand why, for example, our country, the United States, is such a deeply divided nation, culture wars, conflict and tension between social classes, age groups, people of diverse sexual orientations, races, languages, etc. Sociology provides the  lens through which we can look at and understand ourselves.

Sociologists must possess a variety of skills to successfully understand that which they study. Graduate students in sociology sociological theory, social psychology, research skills and methods, statistics, and politics. But because there are many specialized areas of sociology, graduate students may also engage in coursework as varied as women's studies, gerontology, and classes dealing with legal issues

 Graduate students usually also focus on one specific area of study. This can include not only certain "geographically-bounded communities,” but also crime patterns, maintenance of ethnic and racial diversity, provision of quality social services, homelessness, domestic violence, and demographic trends in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas, to name a few.

 Job opportunities include work in sociological research, teaching at both the secondary and post-secondary levels, and community-based positions, not only schools, but also hospitals and psychological clinics, as well as politics. Other options include sales and marketing, communications, and community development; in fact, the choices are limited only by your imagination and your willingness to explore all your options.

 It is very important that you carefully review the style and presentation of your application material for graduate school before submitting it, especially your Personal Statement of Purpose. Seeking the assistance of a professional writer is often a very good idea, especially if English is your second or third language. I would be happy to draft the first paragraph free of charge so that I have the opportunity to demonstrate to you how I can help in this regard. You will only need to pay for my services if you are very impressed with the first paragraph and decide to commission me to draft the entire statement.

I want to help you get accepted to Graduate School in Sociology.

I would be happy to provide you with a highly eloquent Statement that portrays you as someone with enormous potential to contribute to the advance of the field of sociology over the long term. After you fill out my  Online Interview Form , I will ask you some specific questions by email if I need any further information. Please also send your resume/CV and or rough draft if you have one.

Issues and Challenges in the Provision of Aid

The greatest challenges for those involved in humanitarian aid and development assistance are to and achieve efficiency, effectiveness, and manage the extremely complex political, economic, and social side effects associated with them. It has become increasingly clear that aid is not a panacea, and, although externally driven, humanitarian aid and development assistance programs inevitably take on roles within the conflict and in the societies in which they operate.

As a sociologist, you get to analyze and take part in improving humanitarian action and the relationships by the various actors involved. How will you make your mark? If further study is necessary at this stage in the journey, or you would like help applying for the job of your dreams, let us know if we can help! Good luck.

Most Recently Edited Samples

• Real Estate Finance Master's Degree, Hong Kong, China
• MS, Chinese, Statistics for Technological Advancement
• MS Construction Mgmt, Indian Applicant
• Graphic Design Master's, Art History Background
• PHD Health Sciences Informatics, Chinese
• PHD Economics, Policy Analysis, Chinese
• PHD Earth Sciences, Petroleum Engineering Nigeria
• Master’s Real Estate Development, Latino, Mexico
• Doctor of Special Education, Autism Spectrum
• Masters Real Estate, Los Angeles, Indian
• MS Real Estate, NYC, Harlem, African-American
• Master’s Statistics, Chinese Woman
• Master’s Global Business Journalism, Korean
• Undergraduate, Physics, Chinese
• Diversity Statement, Grad School, Hong Kong
• PHD Statistics, Biomedical Research, Korean
• PHD Epidemiology LOR, Chinese Doctor
• MS Accountancy, Bookkeeping, Vietnamese
• Certificate Program in Global Studies and IR, Mexican-American
• PHD Agricultural Economics, Bangladeshi
• Latin American Studies PHD, Central American
• LLM Masters, Scientist, Pharmacy Regulation
• MLIS, Women’s Studies Minor, LGBT
• MS Educational Administration California
• MS Computer Science, Software, Food & Drug

View older posts »

Premium Statement Service by Dr. Robert Edinger

Premium Service  US$299.00    

With maximum creativity, research as indicated, priority attention, and as many drafts as needed,

Dr Robert Edinger with Son David

[email protected]

1-812-675-4937

Sociology and Women's Studies Major Applying to MSW Program, Sample 1st 2 Paragraphs

Completing my undergraduate studies in Sociology and Women’s Studies enabled me to make the most of my study abroad experience in Tel Aviv, Israel, (January-July 2014), serving as an Intern at the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center. Among other duties, I was assigned the task of reviewing, evaluating, and revising sexual assault prevention programs. This year, May-August 2015, I enjoyed the enormous privilege of serving as a Behavioral Health Specialist with The XXXX Foundation in Scottsdale, AZ, helping youth with substance abuse and mental health issues. These experiences, combined with my leadership role in the Jewish community, have convinced me that I have the heart and soul to do this work.

The Humanitarian Side of Sociology

As protracted internal conflicts have become more common and more deadly, the impact on civilians has increased. Post-Cold War conflicts have caused over five million casualties. Ninety-five percent of them were civilians. In 2001, it was estimated that 35 million people were affected in different ways by conflict internationally.

According to former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan, it is increasingly true that "the main aim ... [of conflicts] ... is the destruction not of armies but of civilians and entire ethnic groups."

These disturbing developments have involved extensive humanitarian relief efforts and development assistance to rebuild war-torn countries after the conflict has ended. Development assistance is also a long-term strategy for the prevention of  violence . Although they are presented separately here, humanitarian aid and development assistance often overlap and have a lot in common.

What Is Humanitarian Aid?

Conflicts adversely affect civilians both directly, and indirectly, through resulting "complex emergencies" created by protracted conflicts. In the immediate area of conflict, the primary aim is preventing human casualties and ensuring access to the basics for survival: water, sanitation, food, shelter, and medical care. Away from the main fighting, the priority is to help people who have been  displaced , prevent the spread of conflict, support relief work, and prepare for rehabilitation.

What Is Development Assistance?

External development assistance, to reconstruct a country's infrastructure, institutions, and economy, is often a key part of the work done in the aftermath of war. This assistance ensures that the country can develop, instead of sliding back into conflict and war. Some of the key requirements include:

• Reconstruction  of property and infrastructure to facilitate return of the displaced security, governance, transport of food and supplies, and rebuild the economy.
• Transitioning to normal security conditions: demilitarization, demobilization, reintegration of ex-combatants and an adequate police force.
• A functioning judiciary system to enforce the rule of law.
• Governance and government service provision.
• Democratization , often in the form of a representative government to moderate conflict.
• Economic development  and a stable macroeconomic environment, promoting political stability and facilitating a solid financial base for government.
• Local capacity building: once the donors leave, the country needs to function independently of aid and function adequately.

The link between underdevelopment and propensity to conflict makes development assistance important in  violence prevention . The structural factors  contributing to conflict include political, economic, and social  inequalities ; extreme poverty; economic stagnation; poor government services; high unemployment and individual (economic) incentives to go to war and fight. Development assistance must attempt to reduce inequalities between groups and reduce economic incentives to fight by controlling illicit trade.

It is probable that the most important principle of development assistance is the use of  aid conditionality  to promote economic and political practices that strengthen peacebuilding. Donor assistance is often conditional on acceptance of a peace settlement by all sides. Continued commitment to implementing and consolidating peace is also often required.

Coordination  and effective  leadership  of the humanitarian relief effort is extremely important if the duplication and conflicting activities are to be minimized and the exchange and flow of intelligence in an extremely difficult and stressful working environment are to be maximized. Coordination is usually provided by the UN.

Funding for humanitarian aid and development assistance comes mostly from foreign governments: approximately 50 percent of funding is channeled through U.N. agencies, and much of this is then allocated to partner agencies that implement the programs.

• DACA/Undocumented
• First Generation, Low Income
• International Students
• Students of Color
• Students with disabilities
• Undergraduate Students
• Master’s Students
• PhD Students
• Faculty/Staff
• Family/Supporters
• Career Fairs
• Post Jobs, Internships, Fellowships
• Build your Brand at MIT
• Recruiting Guidelines and Resources
• Connect with Us
• Career Advising
• Distinguished Fellowships
• Employer Relations
• Graduate Student Professional Development
• Prehealth Advising
• Student Leadership Opportunities
• Academia & Education
• Architecture, Planning, & Design
• Arts, Communications, & Media
• Business, Finance, & Fintech
• Computing & Computer Technology
• Data Science
• Energy, Environment, & Sustainability
• Life Sciences, Biotech, & Pharma
• Manufacturing & Transportation
• Health & Medical Professions
• Social Impact, Policy, & Law
• Getting Started & Handshake 101
• Exploring careers
• Networking & Informational Interviews
• Connecting with employers
• Resumes, cover letters, portfolios, & CVs
• Finding a Job or Internship
• Post-Graduate and Summer Outcomes
• Professional Development Competencies
• Preparing for Graduate & Professional Schools
• Preparing for Medical / Health Profession Schools
• Interviewing
• New jobs & career transitions
• Career Prep and Development Programs
• Employer Events
• Outside Events for Career and Professional Development
• Events Calendar
• Career Services Workshop Requests
• Early Career Advisory Board
• Peer Career Advisors
• Student Staff
• Mission, Vision, Values and Diversity Commitments
• News and Reports

PhD applicants: Writing your statement of purpose (social science and humanities)

• Share This: Share PhD applicants: Writing your statement of purpose (social science and humanities) on Facebook Share PhD applicants: Writing your statement of purpose (social science and humanities) on LinkedIn Share PhD applicants: Writing your statement of purpose (social science and humanities) on X

In this blog post, Chris Blattman gives advice on how to write a compelling statement of purpose for PhD applicants in the social science and humanities. Excerpt: I’ve read a lot of personal statements for PhD applications. I sat on admissions at UChicago, Columbia, and Yale, mostly in economics, political science, and public policy. Here’s the advice I’ve given my own students and research assistants to craft their statements. I give it because, sadly, I don’t find most statements helpful. This means they are not helping you, the applicant. Read the full article here.

• Remember me Not recommended on shared computers

Forgot your password?

• Sociology Forum

Sample Statement of Purpose

By s0ciology1992 October 20, 2015 in Sociology Forum

Recommended Posts

• s0ciology1992

I just wanted to go ahead and start a specific thread on the statement of purpose. I've been able to find SoP examples for most graduate school fields/topics, except for sociology. A simple search will get you great results for the general organization of a SoP, but I was wondering if anyone had specific, successful examples? I keep trying to figure out what the start, also known as the "hook," should be; the tone of professionalism I should use; how much focus should be placed on "why sociology?"; should I highlight the specific debates in my areas of research/interest and offer my intervention; to what length should I be speaking about my undergraduate coursework and honors thesis (It's been two years since); graduate research plan and folks I'm interested in working with. 

A lot of questions, basically. 

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

This is so helpful, Thanks so much SocPhDStudent. 

fuzzylogician

I did something similar to SocPhDStudent:

Paragraph 1: My research interests, and the broader question that the specific interests are a derivative of.

Paragraph 2: Past research experience #1.

Paragraph 3: Past research experience #2 and related teaching experience.

Paragraph 4: How these past research experiences are connected, and how they inform my current research interests and plans for what I will study in grad school.

Paragraph 5: Why University X is a good fit for my interests, focusing mainly on faculty and resources within the department.

Paragraph 6: If necessary, an additional paragraph for resources outside the department, such as researchers at other departments, special diplomas, access to lab resources, etc. If there wasn't much, this would get folded into P5. 

Conclusion: Plans beyond the PhD, short statement about how Uni X will get me there.

• historygeek and s0ciology1992

I keep trying to figure out what the start, also known as the "hook," should be; the tone of professionalism I should use; how much focus should be placed on "why sociology?"; should I highlight the specific debates in my areas of research/interest and offer my intervention; to what length should I be speaking about my undergraduate coursework and honors thesis (It's been two years since); graduate research plan and folks I'm interested in working with.  A lot of questions, basically. 

I would advise against trying to "force a hook". Otherwise, it might come across as too fake. Don't put too much pressure to write the perfect statement the first time your pen hits the paper (figuratively). Just crank out some thoughts on your intellectual chronology and adjust it later. My personal statement has been "finished" for 2 months, but I'm still nit-picking it and revising as necessary. 

That being said, when you get your thoughts on paper, omit any reference to how "you've always been interested in sociology". I also would advise against positioning your research statement by "highlighting debates in your research area and your intervention" for two reasons: you might potentially come across as having a messiah complex (these problems weren't properly evaluated/solved until s0ciology1992 intervened!) OR it's possible that someone on the adcom would disagree with you (maybe not your POI, but you don't know who might be reading/evaluating), especially if it is controversial. I'd say focus mostly on your graduate research plan and academic background. Think of particular articles/books/problems that have forced you to confront/have a change of heart....I think these things can be powerful content possibly worth mentioning somewhere.

I write with mostly the tone of a cover letter, but with a little bit of personality so it's not cold. Don't write informally. Don't write too much personal information into your statement (illness, family drama, etc.). 

Take this for what it's worth, but make sure you "speak" the language of the department you're applying to. For example, I'm (broadly) interested in human geography and political ecology. One department that I'm applying to doesn't really emphasize human geography (it's assumed that's the branch of geography you'll be doing), so I focus more on how I can contribute to discussions on political ecology (via territoriality, border constructions, etc.). Look at professors' interests in the department as a whole and make sure you reflect that verbiage. 

• s0ciology1992 and Shamon

Good advice already given.

I would just highlight, again, a "no" to the question of: "S hould I highlight the specific debates in my areas of research/interest and offer my intervention?"

It reminds me of the  recommendation letter Edward Shils wrote for Michael Burawoy in 1975:

"It is my impression that Mr. Burawoy is hampered intellectually by excessive and unrealistic preoccupation with what he regards as conflicts between himself and the prevailing trends of sociological analysis in the United States. He seems to think that he must struggle to prevent himself from being overpowered or seduced by "mainstream sociology." At the same time, I have not even detected any originality on Mr. Burawoy's part in analysis which he has made from the standpoint which he regards as disfavoured in American sociology . . . It might be that there is no spark of originality in him, or it might be that he is holding it in reserve. Since, however, I have known him for a long time and he has never hesitated to express his opinions to me on a wide variety of political and other subjects, I would incline toward the former hypothesis. . . when I first met him, I was very much struck by his initiative. He knew nothing about sociology, and he knew nothing about India, but he struck out on his own, and that seemed to me to be admirable and worthy of encouragement. In the Department of Sociology he has done well in his examinations. . . In seminars, I have been more struck by an obstinate conventionality and a fear of being led into paths which might disturb his rather simple view of society. It is a great pity because he obviously likes to do research and he is not inhibited when it comes to writing. He also has a very good I.Q. But somehow, either the security of sectarianism or a juvenile antinomianism seems to have got the better of him. I first noticed the latter in Cambridge. At that time he was an undergraduate and I thought it would pass. Thus far it has not."

  I write with mostly the tone of a cover letter, but with a little bit of personality so it's not cold. Don't write informally. Don't write too much personal information into your statement (illness, family drama, etc.).   

For me, illness was a huge reason why I became interested in sociology, and it has shaped my research interests as well.  I have a chronic illness that is common, as it affects 1 in 10 women!! However, it is stigmatized and invisible due to its nature as a women's illness (endometriosis).  I've lived the (largely gendered) inequality of illness and was forced to drop out of high school because of this illness.  This has fueled my interest in medical sociology, and what I've learned throughout my academic pursuits has strengthened that passion.  Since my experience with illness is the root of my interest in medical sociology, and since I can show how far I've come through telling that story (that a high school drop out is getting her master's degree and is applying for PhD programs), I'm going to have to talk about illness.  

The point of posting all that was that I hope I can find that balance between including enough about myself and too much .  The good news is that I know how much to talk about my illness without being unprofessional, but writing ... hmm ... I'll need some more practice.

Also, my SOP will be more well-written than this post haha!

• rollwithmarx
• 2 weeks later...

anthrostudentcyn

I guess I'd question the describing your research experience. My advisor for my department (anthro) told me to not talk AT ALL about what I've done, but just to talk about what I WILL do. So my SOP is coming out a lot more like a research proposal. This may be a bit extreme, but I'd question the necessity of talking about your research experience, when presenting your ideas would be an example of "showing, not telling" your intellectual capacity. 

Whenever I write a grant proposal, I do my best to cite and describe my relevant previous work. It makes for a better case that I can actually carry out the new research that I am proposing. What you are proposing makes no sense for a SOP or for a research proposal.  

Absolutely not true.

Your objective in the Statement is to show a trajectory - you should talk about what you've done before you talk about what you will do.

Definitely listen to the steps listed above. I did similar format and i got in. 

You don't need a hook. But you do need a solid intro. Also stay formal. You can bring in personal aspects, but write like you're applying to be a phd student, because you are.

Explicitly listing faculty and fit are important. Your research interests can and likely will change, but you gotta sell yourself. 

• 2 years later...

historygeek

On 10/20/2015 at 8:46 PM, fuzzylogician said: I did something similar to SocPhDStudent: Paragraph 1: My research interests, and the broader question that the specific interests are a derivative of. Paragraph 2: Past research experience #1. Paragraph 3: Past research experience #2 and related teaching experience. Paragraph 4: How these past research experiences are connected, and how they inform my current research interests and plans for what I will study in grad school. Paragraph 5: Why University X is a good fit for my interests, focusing mainly on faculty and resources within the department. Paragraph 6: If necessary, an additional paragraph for resources outside the department, such as researchers at other departments, special diplomas, access to lab resources, etc. If there wasn't much, this would get folded into P5.  Conclusion: Plans beyond the PhD, short statement about how Uni X will get me there.

This is great! Saving this for reference. 

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Already have an account? Sign in here.

• Existing user? Sign In
• Online Users
• All Activity
• My Activity Streams
• Unread Content
• Content I Started
• Results Search
• Post Results
• Leaderboard
• Create New...

Important Information

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

• Departments and Units
• Majors and Minors
• LSA Course Guide
• LSA Gateway

Search: {{$root.lsaSearchQuery.q}}, Page {{$root.page}}

• Project Community
• Sociology Opportunities for Undergraduate Leaders (SOUL)
• News and Events
• Undergraduate Students
• Graduate Students
• Alumni and Friends

• Sociology Major
• Sociology & Social Work Sub-major
• Declaring & Advising
• Funding Resources
• Law, Justice, and Social Change Minor & Sub-major
• Major of the Month
• Academic & Registration Policies
• Sociology Undergraduate Research Opportunity
• Transfer Credit
• Writing Awards
• Sociology of Health and Medicine Minor & Sub-major
• What can I do with a Sociology degree?
• Curriculum Resources
• Senior Thesis + Honors Program
• Study Abroad
• Releases & Graduation
• Why Choose Michigan Sociology?
• Areas of Specialization
• Graduate Students on the Job Market
• Application Procedures
• Grants and Fellowships Awarded to Graduate Students
• New Student Information
• Degree Requirements
• Joint Programs & Interdisciplinary Opportunities
• Recent Graduates and Placements
• Grad Life in Ann Arbor
• Alumni Resources
• Giving to Sociology
• Newsletters

Application Materials Checklist

Note: GRE Scores are no longer considered in our admissions process.

Applicants must submit the following to be considered for admission to graduate study at the University of Michigan's Sociology Department:

• University of Michigan Graduate Application and Fee
• Subplan(s) - Subplans are not required, but if you do know which area you are interested in, please select it in your application (Program Selection cont'd) and statement of purpose.  Subplans are mapped onto the department's Area Exam topics. Students' intellectual interests often evolve and change after they begin graduate school; identifying a subplan does not restrict a student to that area once they arrive, but instead gives the admissions committee as sense of the intellectual breadth of the incoming cohort.
• Official transcripts (SCANNED COPY) - Upload a scanned copy of your official transcripts when you complete the online application. We only require official transcripts be sent from an institution's registrar's office once a student is admitted. Please check the Rackham Graduate School's website regarding Transcripts for the most up-to-date information on this process. 
• Academic Statement of Purpose - The Statement of Purpose is the single most important item in your application. The purpose of this essay is to give the faculty a clear idea of a) why you want to pursue a career in sociology; b) what questions or problems interest you; c) how you want to address these questions; d) your subplan interest(s), if applicable; and e) why you want to pursue your graduate degree at the University of Michigan. This statement should be 1-3 pages long.
• Personal Statement - Tell us about yourself. How have your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan? For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree.  This statement should be no more than 500 words long.   Please do not repeat your Academic Statement of Purpose .
• Sample of written work  - This sample (senior thesis, term paper, etc.) should provide evidence of creative and critical thinking, quality of writing, and potential independent research. The sample should be 10-20 pages double-spaced.
• Three letters of recommendation which evaluate the applicant’s past academic performance and potential for graduate study. Our application system does not accept letters of recommendation through Interfolio. Once you get to the letter of recommendation portion of the application, you will enter the email addresses for your recommendation letters and a confidential link with instructions will be sent to your recommenders for submission. Letters of recommendation are due on December 1st and must be submitted through the online application system.

*International students -  please see additional information listed here .

Please be sure to confirm your materials are correct and finalized before submitting your application, as we are unable to accept changes to application materials after they have been submitted.

Application Technical Difficulties

If you or your recommender need technical assistance regarding the application or recommendation systems please email ApplyWeb at [email protected] . Include the following information: user name, full name, email address, and phone number. Please allow 24 hours for a response.

• Information For
• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Faculty and Staff
• More about LSA
• How Do I Apply?
• LSA Magazine
• Student Resources
• Academic Advising
• Global Studies
• LSA Opportunity Hub
• Social Media
• Update Contact Info
• Privacy Statement
• Report Feedback

Sample Statement of Purpose (SOP): Sociology

This sample SOP is for applying to a master’s program in Sociology in the UK.

If you need help writing your SOP, check out our  SOP Writing Service

Statement of Purpose – Sociology

In the modern world, in which cultures and countries are increasingly interconnected, it is essential to have a firm understanding of various world cultures. With this in mind, I am eager to undertake advanced studies of sociology overseas, learning more about this subject while also experiencing daily life in a new environment. I have always been driven to explore the world and learn more about how societies function on a macro-scale, and I was thus very excited when I found the MA in Sociology program at XXX University. I am encouraged by the curriculum, professors, and resources available in your institution, and I am inspired to devote myself to advanced studies of Sociology. Having done some research into the content of this program, I strongly believe that it will allow me to strengthen my analytical skills, whilst inspiring me and giving me the opportunity to develop my ideas.

As an undergraduate in Goodwell University, majoring in Foreign Languages and Literature, I learned a great deal, both academically and in daily life. In this major, I acquired much useful professional knowledge and confirmed my strong interests in different societies and cultures by taking the required courses, including courses focusing on American literature, European literature, and the literature of different Asian countries. In addition to the required courses, I also took elective courses related to sociology, gender issues, communication and negotiation, and various language courses. Our instructors often shared with us their own practical foreign experiences which influenced me considerably and reinforced my determination to pursue studies abroad. I am drawn to the UK by its rich culture, beautiful landscapes and unique historical legacy. Although my university studies are not directly to my proposed major, I am confident that my passion and diligence will enable me to take full advantage of the education you offer and successfully complete my studies.

With regard to my future plans, I hope to take advantage of my time studying in your MA in Sociology program to strengthen my background in the field, and I especially hope to focus on the area of Women’s Studies. After completion of the MA in Sociology program, I hope to enter the Ph.D. program to conduct further research. As for my long-term goals, after completing my postgraduate education I hope to return to my native country and apply my skills and expertise to make beneficial contributions to the field of sociology and the culture in general. I hope to combine my personal interest with the education and practical knowledge gained from your program to help advance the field of sociology in my country. The MA in Sociology offered by your school is integral to my goals, and I therefore sincerely hope that you will give me a chance to develop my skills and further reinforce my capabilities in your esteemed department.

Related Posts

Sample Personal Statement: Architecture

Sample personal statement – business analytics, sample statement of purpose (sop): computer science, write a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Sample SOPs
• Sample UCAS Personal Statements
• Common App Sample Essays
• Sample GTE Statements
• Sample Scholarship Letters and Essays
• Sample Letters of Recommendation / Reference Letters
• Free Sample CVs and Resumes
• FREE Instant SOP Generator
• SOP Writing Service
• IELTS Sample Tests

Tips for Applying

Every year the sociology graduate program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison receives hundreds of applications, but we are only able to admit a small fraction (fewer than 10 percent) of those applicants, making the selection process extremely rigorous.

The graduate admission committee considers a wide range of factors when selecting applicants, including academic record, GPA, TOEFL scores (in the case of international students), transcripts, statement of purpose and applicant’s goals, letters of reference, writing sample, previous research experience, and fit with our program. No one of these factors outweighs the others; rather they are examined in combination.

Although many of these factors are already set by the time a student applies to the graduate program, careful preparation of one’s statement of purpose and writing sample can help to improve one’s chances of admission. With that in mind, below are some potentially useful tips for preparing your application.

To begin with, make sure your file is complete and the application materials are submitted on time. In addition:

• Make your statement of reasons for graduate study concise (no more than two pages) and readable (double-spaced, or at least skip lines between paragraphs, and 12- point font).
• Things to avoid in your statement: There is no need for a lengthy recounting of past coursework (it’s redundant: we have your transcript) or a detailed research proposal. We do want to see that you have some clear research interests, but a personal statement is not a research proposal. Also, avoid extraneous information. The admission committee doesn’t need to know, for instance, about your experience as captain of the Quidditch team. These things have no bearing on your admission. Finally, it’s best to avoid stories about how you have been destined to become a sociologist since birth or how you were always already a sociologist. Even if it’s true, it will sound like a cliché.
• Your statement should indicate that you know what graduate school is and what it is for: that it is essentially professional training and not simply a continuation of your undergraduate education. Thus, it’s helpful to say a few words about your future career plans. Why do you want a Ph.D? What will you do with the degree? Do you plan to pursue an academic career, like most applicants we admit, or some other kind of career? If some other kind of career, why do you need a Ph.D. for it? Why do you want a Ph.D. in sociology and not another discipline, especially if your background or previous degrees are in another field? If you are in another graduate program already, why do you want to transfer? This information will show that you’re serious about studying sociology at the graduate level and that you know why you’re doing it.
• What draws you to this particular graduate program? You may want to mention, for instance, specific faculty members you’d like to work with here and why. This will keep the statement from appearing generic (an impression you want to avoid) and demonstrate your familiarity with our graduate program. It will look more convincing if you’ve actually exchanged emails or spoken on the phone with those faculty (If you have, note it in your statement!). Remember that the admission process is like a courtship: we’re courting you (maybe), but you’re courting us as well, so tailor your statement to our program.
•  If you have any weak spots in your application, the statement of purpose is a good place to call attention to mitigating or extenuating circumstances the committee may not be aware of, explain how you are remedying this weakness, and/or make a case why the weak score is not the best or most accurate indicator of your abilities in this area.
• It’s helpful to highlight in your statement any previous research experience you have (senior thesis, master’s thesis, research assistantship, etc.). Research experience is by no means required for admission, but it may help to distinguish your application from others.
•  You may have acquired considerable knowledge in a particular subfield of sociology, especially if you have already completed some graduate study, but don’t assume that everyone on the admission committee will be a specialist in that field.
• “Whoever wants a sermon,” Max Weber once wrote, “should go to a conventicle”—not to graduate school. Having a passion for social justice is not a bad thing, and it often serves as a powerful motivation for good sociological work, but sociology should not be confused with muckraking. Simply exposing injustice and oppression is not the same thing as illuminating the workings of society. It’s not news to social scientists that some groups are dominated or exploited by others.
• Before you submit an extremely long writing sample, remember that the admission committee must review hundreds of applications. This usually compels us to skim through lengthy writing samples. Better to excerpt the best part of a long paper or thesis and preface it with a brief introduction that summarizes the paper as a whole and explains how the excerpt fits into it.
• What makes for a good solid writing sample? Clear and well-organized writing, careful reasoning, research experience, but above all a capacity for creative and imaginative thinking. We look for applicants who try to do more than describe what they have studied. We look for applicants who, as our former colleague Erik Wright liked to put it, strive to learn from a case and not simply about it.

We hope these suggestions will be helpful. Good luck with your application!

If you have questions, please email our Graduate Admissions Coordinator, Alice Justice, at [email protected] .

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Department of Sociology

• A Letter from the Head
• Why Study Sociology
• Graduate Admissions
• Graduate Program
• Undergraduate Sociology Program
• Academic Advising
• Faculty Research Clusters
• Faculty and Graduate Student Publications
• Faculty in the Media
• Administration & Staff
• Affiliate Faculty
• Graduate Students
• Undergraduate Student Ambassadors
• Faculty/Staff Resources
• Graduate Student Resources
• Sociology Fellowships, Scholarships, Awards and Prizes
• Sociology Colloquia, Seminars & Talks
• Alumni Spotlight
• Alumni Communications
• Alumni Resources
• Alumni Association
• Give to Sociology

Doctoral Degree Requirements

The graduate program has two objectives: to give students a command of a basic core of sociological knowledge and analytical skills, and to provide opportunities to extend this knowledge through original scholarship. Professional competence in theory and research methods is coupled with in-depth knowledge in areas of specialization.

At the beginning of their time in the program, all students are assigned a first-year advisor from among the regular faculty. While some of these relationships may become permanent, it is anticipated that many students will switch to a new advisor after their first year. By the end of their first year in residence, students are encouraged choose a more permanent advisor and begin planning for their qualifying paper and examinations. Students must notify the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) of their choices. Subsequent course and research work is done in close consultation with the student's advisor and examination and dissertation committees.

After completing one's qualifying examinations and qualifying paper, the student prepares a proposal for original dissertation research. The defense of this proposal is the preliminary examination for admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree. Completing and successfully defending the dissertation are the final requirements for the doctoral degree.

The following sections describe the course requirements, evaluation and examination procedures, dissertation committee, and dissertation requirements for a PhD in Sociology. Students should also become familiar with the requirements of the Graduate College as set forth in The Graduate College Handbook of Policy and Requirements for Students, Faculty and Staff, available on the web at:  www.grad.uiuc.edu/gradhandbook .

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Amount of course work.

Students who enter with a bachelor's degree must complete 72 credit hours of course work. Students who enter with a master's degree in sociology or a related social science must take 48 credit hours.

Specific Course Requirements

The departmental courses required for the PhD are:

• Departmental pro-seminar (Soc 510), taken in the fall of the first year, 2 credits, pass/fail grading.
• Teaching Practicum (Soc 510), taken in the spring of the first year, 2 credits, pass/fail  grading.
• Two theory courses: Soc 500 and Soc 501.
• Two foundational methods courses: Soc 583 and Soc 586. If students have not already taken an upper-level undergraduate statistics course, they should take Soc 485, the prerequisite for Soc 586, during their first semester in residence.
• One advanced methods course from the following list: Soc 571, Soc 580, Soc 581, Soc 587, or Soc 590.
• Advanced methods courses offered under the rubric SOC 596 can be  approved to fulfill the second methods requirement upon showing that the course  requires the completion of a research project.
• An additional five substantive courses at the 500 level.
• Optional courses to consider are Soc 505: Department seminars, Soc 597: Readings in  sociology (to be taken in preparation for area examinations), and Soc 598: Thesis proposal.
• Students should take from three to 24 credits of Soc 599, Dissertation Research.

Waiving Required Courses

Students who believe they have already completed course work equivalent to a required course in the doctoral program may request that the department waive the requirements.

To request a waiver of a required course, give the Director of Graduate Studies the following:

• A note to the Director of Graduate Studies giving your name, saying which course you would like to have waived, and describing the course you took previously that you believe is equivalent. Indicate where you took the course, and who the instructor was.
• Evidence of the requirements of the course you took, such as a syllabus, exams, reading list, homework problems, course catalog descriptions, and the like.
• Evidence of your performance in the course, such as your answers to exam questions or homework problems, papers you wrote, grades, evaluations, and the like.

The DGS will ask appropriate sociology faculty to evaluate the merits of the request. The faculty member(s) will make a recommendation to the DGS. The DGS will make a decision and communicate it in writing to you, and to your advisor if you have one. The decision will be recorded in your permanent file. You may be asked to take an examination to help confirm the merits of your waiver request.

It is best to request waivers as soon as possible. In order of preference, the best time to request a waiver is before registering for one's first semester, during the first semester, or in the semester before the course in question is offered and usually taken.

QUALIFYING PAPER AND QUALIFYING EXAMINATIONS

Qualifying Examinations

Graduate students take two qualifying exams. The exams are a means for students to gain mastery of recognized subfields within sociology. Students are expected to demonstrate that they understand major themes, questions, and debates in the sociological literature. The exams will provide a foundation for future research and teaching and may inform students’ development of their qualifying papers and dissertations. However, the exams are not intended as a substitute for detailed literature reviews used to justify addressing particular research question(s) in an original research project.

Students will choose two exam topics from lists of approved topics. These topics will be subfields within sociology that are often the focus of sociology courses. The first exam must be on a general topic. The approved general topics are Theory, Methods, Inequalities and Transnational Sociology. The second exam should relate to a broad specialty or theoretical literature in sociology related to the student’s dissertation topic. As department faculty expertise changes over time, we expect the exam topic lists will be modified.

Administration

Students will choose exam topics and assemble a committee of three faculty members with expertise in the area. The committee responsible for writing the exam on a given topic will consist of all faculty members chosen by students for their committees. (The composition of each student’s exam committees may change from the first to the second exam.) The Graduate Secretary will administer the exam to students by distributing and collecting exams via email.

The exam questions will be based on materials appearing in required reading lists for each of the exam topics. These reading lists will be provided to students by their committee members. (Students will not be responsible for creating their own reading lists. Students may, however, supplement the reading lists with scholarly materials of their own choosing.) Students are expected to read and master the reading list prior to taking an exam.

Students will have two weeks to complete an exam. Exams will consist of six questions presented in three pairs. Students will answer one question from each pair in an essay format. Students may complete exams in the location(s) of their choice and consult materials from the reading list or other scholarly sources during the exam period. Students should cite relevant literature in their exam essays as practiced in scholarly publications. The exam essays will be evaluated by the students’ committees. The committees will have one week to grade the essay.

Exams will be given grades of high pass (distinction), pass, or fail. The Director of Graduate Studies will send students their grades via email. If a student fails an exam they will have one additional chance to retake the exam. These make-up exams will consist of new questions, but will be based off the same reading list as the original exam. If a student fails an exam a second time they will be terminated from the graduate program.

All old examination questions and reading lists will be archived and made publicly available to future students on the department website. The Graduate Secretary will be responsible for archiving the exams.

Exams will be offered twice each year: in August shortly before the beginning of the academic year and in January shortly before the beginning of the spring semester. Students may take the exams in any term they prefer, but both exams must be completed and passed by the end of the student’s third year. The schedule of key tasks for Fall and Spring examinations is below:  Students notify Graduate Secretary of examination topic and committee Fall Examinations: April 1 Spring Examinations: September 1

Graduate Secretary notifies Department Head of intended examinations and committees Fall Examinations: April 8 Spring Examinations: September 8

Department Head invites students’ examination committees to prepare an exam for each chosen topic Fall Examinations: May 1 Spring Examinations: October 1

Examination committees provide reading lists to students Fall Examinations: June 1 Spring Examinations: November 1

Examination committees submit examination questions to the Graduate Secretary Fall Examinations: July 15 Spring Examinations: December 15

Graduate Secretary distributes exams to the students Fall Examinations: August 2* Spring Examinations: January 2

Students return their examinations to the Graduate Secretary Fall Examinations: August 16* Spring Examinations: January 16

Examination committees submit examination grades to the DGS Fall Examinations: August 23* Spring Examinations: January 23

*These dates may be modified, depending on the dates of the annual meetings of the American Sociological Association.

If a student encounters an extraordinary situation that prevents him or her from completing an exam as required, such as a death in the family or medical emergency, than she or he may petition the Graduate Studies Committee to extend, delay, or retake the exam without penalty. The Graduate Studies Committee must have received such a petition no later than the date the exam was scheduled to be completed. In turn, the Graduate Studies Committee must respond to the student with a plan to make-up the exam within four weeks of receiving the petition. If a student does not complete an exam when scheduled, nor submit a petition for deferral, then the student will be viewed as failing the exam.

If a student fails an exam, the student will have one chance to retake and pass the exam during a subsequent regularly scheduled exam period. Both exams must be completed and passed by the end of the student’s third year.

A Graduate Program Review Committee (GPRC) composed of the Head of the Department, the DGS, and the student's sociology faculty advisor will hear student appeals on matters relating to the qualifying examinations. Address appeals regarding the GPRC's procedures to the departmental Grievance Committee in the manner set forth in the Department of Sociology Faculty Bylaws, Article IV.

Qualifying Paper

The Qualifying Paper is a piece of original research of sufficient scope and quality to be potentially publishable. It cannot be identical to a paper written for a course, though it may build upon such a paper. It may be a theoretical analysis, an analysis of secondary data, or an analysis of primary data, such as might be collected in a pilot project in preparation for dissertation research. Students will develop the paper in consultation with a committee of two faculty members, both of whom must have a greater than 0% tenure-line appointment in the sociology department. The paper will be completed and submitted to the committee for evaluation by April 1st of the student’s third year in the program.

The student’s committee will evaluate the paper and provide a written assessment by May 1st of the student’s third year. With respect to meeting the program requirement, qualifying papers will be given a grade of high pass (distinction), pass, or fail. Students who fail the qualifying paper requirement will have 5 months to revise the qualifying paper; the student’s committee will provide clear instructions about what revisions are necessary. For papers that pass the requirement, the assessment will include a review that speaks to (1) whether the paper is currently publishable and how the student should invest in attempting to publish it, and (2) what types of revisions the student should be pursuing to ready the paper for publication. Additionally, the committee should set up a meeting with the student to discuss these reviews, with this meeting taking place before September 1 of the student’s 4th year. To fulfill the requirement, the student must submit the revised paper to a peer-reviewed journal.

THE DISSERTATION

The dissertation demonstrates the student's scholarly expertise on a research problem that the student selects. A dissertation committee assists in selecting and developing the research problem, and evaluates the student's work on that problem.

Dissertation Committee

The student must consult his/her/their advisor about proposed faculty members for the Dissertation Committee. Those who serve do so because they are specialists on some aspect of the proposed dissertation. The DGS will evaluate and advise the student on the relations between the dissertation problem area and the proposed faculty members. In consultation with the student's advisor, the DGS may alter the committee composition proposed by the student. If, at any point, the dissertation topic changes, a change in the composition of the committee may be required. The student must confirm with the DGS and the dissertation committee chair of any subsequent proposed changes in committee composition.

After the DGS approves a dissertation committee, the student must ask the faculty members if they will serve on the committee. Students must notify the DGS, area chair, and their advisors which faculty members agree to serve. With the concurrence of the Head, the Department then submits the proposed committee members to the Graduate College.

Appointment of Doctoral Committee

The Dean of the Graduate College formally appoints this committee to conduct the preliminary oral examination on the proposed dissertation research (the “proposal defense") and later appoints a committee to conduct the final oral examination on the completed dissertation. The same persons may (and typically do) serve on both committees. Note that the official terminology can be a little confusing: the Graduate College uses the term “Qualifying Exam” to refer to what are commonly called the area exams (see above); “Preliminary Exam” refers to the proposal defense; while “Final Exam” refers to the dissertation defense. Students may take Soc 598 in conjunction with writing dissertation proposal.

Committee Membership and Structure

Dissertation committees must consist of at least four faculty members. Three members must be sociology faculty, of whom two must have material appointments (greater than 0% time) in the Department of Sociology. The Chair of a dissertation committee must have a primary appointment (greater than 50% time) in the Department of Sociology.

Each dissertation committee must have a chair. At the discretion of the chair, a committee may have a director. Where there is a distinction, the chair organizes examinations and handles the paperwork, and the director acts as primary mentor on the research. Where there is no distinction (the typical case in our department), the chair takes both sets of responsibilities.

At least three members of the dissertation committee, including its chair, must be members of the UIUC Graduate Faculty. At least two members must be tenured. All faculty members with rank of assistant professor or above are eligible for nomination to the UIUC Graduate Faculty by the Department of Sociology. The student should check with the DGS on the Graduate Faculty status of all prospective members of the dissertation committee.

Committee members who leave UIUC may continue to serve and participate in the final oral examination for a period of up to three years after leaving the university.

Committee Duties

The student must consult frequently with the director, the chair, and other committee members when developing a dissertation proposal and when doing research for the thesis and its defense. The primary duties of the Dissertation Committee are

• to examine and evaluate the student's dissertation proposal at the preliminary examination (the proposal defense)
• to examine and evaluate the student's completed doctoral dissertation at teh final oral examination

The chair is responsible for reporting to the DGS on the student's progress, committee actions, changes in committee composition, etc.

Proposal Defense: Preliminary Examination

The preliminary examination in the Department of Sociology is a formal oral examination. It is based on a written dissertation proposal that the student has developed in consultation with the director of the proposed research and with the other members of the dissertation committee.

Preliminary examinations are open to all faculty and graduate students, but only the committee members have voice and vote (unless faculty arrange otherwise in advance with the chair of the committee).

Before scheduling a preliminary examination, a student must have successfully completed all required coursework and the Qualifying Paper and have passed both Qualifying Examinations. Students are required to prepare an application to the Institutional Review Board for approval of their dissertation research project before they defend their dissertation proposal.

Scheduling the Preliminary Exam

Students may schedule the preliminary examination only after completing all course work and the Qualifying Paper and passing the Qualifying Examinations. At the beginning of each semester, doctoral students must indicate on a short questionnaire whether they plan to schedule a preliminary proposal or final dissertation examination during that semester. At that time they will be given the checklist of steps they must complete before they can take their examination.

The student must arrange the time and place of the examination with the Secretary to the Department Head. The examination cannot be scheduled in the first or last two weeks of instruction, on reading days, during final examinations, registration periods, or on Fridays after 2 p.m., if a faculty meeting is scheduled; nor should they be scheduled during the summer months or winter recess unless the entire committee can attend (there can be no substitutions). Students must remind committee members of the time and place of the meeting.

Circulating the Proposal

At least two weeks prior to the date of the preliminary examination, the student must circulate copies of the dissertation proposal to committee members and give one copy to the departmental graduate secretary for her/his/their permanent file. Two weeks prior to the examination the student must distribute a one-to two-page abstract of the proposal to all members of the faculty and post a copy in the graduate student lounge. See the Departmental Secretary for the required format for the abstract.

Evaluating the Proposal

The examining committee chair records the results of the examination (pass, fail, or adjourn) on a form, "Certificate of Result of Preliminary Examination for the Doctoral Degree" and forwards them to the Departmental secretary who gives the results to the Graduate College within 30 days.

If the dissertation proposal is not approved ("fail"), the student may take the examination a second time. The student must submit a revised dissertation proposal to his/her/their committee and the departmental secretary for her/his/their permanent file, distribute a new abstract to all sociology faculty, and schedule a new examination time and place in the same manner specified above. Students who fail a second time must petition the Committee to take the examination a third time.

If the dissertation proposal is approved and the project is later found not to be feasible, the student must submit a new proposal to the Committee and defend it according to the above procedures.

If five years elapse between the date the student passed the preliminary examination and the date of the final oral dissertation defense, the Graduate College requires the student to retake the preliminary examination.

Seeking Funding for Research

Students must demonstrate that they have identified and applied for a grant supporting their dissertation research within 6 months after defending their dissertation proposal.

Dissertation Defense: Final Oral Examination Students must register for Soc 599 in the semester of the dissertation's defense. Students can register for 0 units of Soc 599. At the beginning of the semester, the student notifies the DGS in writing of plans to defend (a brief dated note is sufficient). The student's dissertation committee gives the final oral examination after the dissertation text is completed. In the examination the student summarizes the research problem, the theories and the previous studies that generated the research hypotheses, the methods employed to test the hypotheses, the results, and the conclusions that can be drawn. After giving the summary the student answers questions put by the dissertation committee about the ideas, hypotheses, methods, results, and inferences.

Scheduling the Final Examination

The student must notify the departmental secretary of the committee membership and the date of the final oral examination at least two weeks prior to the examination. Their dissertation chair must have the Graduate College certification papers in hand before the examination.

The student must arrange the time and place of the examination with the Secretary to the Department Head. The examination cannot be scheduled in the first or last two weeks of instruction, on reading day, during the final examinations or registration periods, on Fridays after 2 p.m. if a faculty meeting in scheduled, or during the summer months or winter recess unless the entire committee can attend (there can be no substitutions). The student must remind committee members of the time and place of the exam.

Providing Reading Copies of the Dissertation

Students must give copies of the final dissertation manuscript to members of the Committee and the Department Head (for review by the faculty and graduate students) at least one month before the day of the final oral examination. Students who cannot provide a separate copy for each committee member must allow additional time to permit committee members to circulate the dissertation.

Circulating an Abstract of the Dissertation

At least two weeks before the final oral examination the student must circulate a one- to two-page abstract of the dissertation to all members of the faculty, and the departmental graduate secretary for the student's permanent file, and post one copy in the graduate student lounge. Final oral examinations are open to the public, but voting is restricted to the eligible members of the committee.

Evaluating the Dissertation

Before the results of the final examination can be forwarded to the Graduate College, committee members and the Head must sign a "Certificate of Result of Final Examination for the Doctoral Degree" certifying the candidate's successful completion of the dissertation and the red bordered form certifying that the completed dissertation meets department standards. The latter is signed in duplicate and bound with the copy of the dissertation deposited with the Graduate College. Students who fail the final examination may take it a second time. A third examination is possible only by petition.

Dissertation Format

The student must prepare the dissertation in a written format according to the Graduate College guidelines in Handbook for Graduate Students Preparing to Deposit, available online at  http://www.grad.illinois.edu/thesis-dissertation .

The Secretary to the Department Head must sign the "Format Approval" form and attach it to the dissertation before the student submits it to the Graduate College for a format check.

If more than one year elapses between a student's passing his/her/their final examination and depositing the dissertation with the Graduate College, the Graduate College will not accept the dissertation unless the Department Head sends with the dissertation a statement to the Dean of the Graduate College recommending acceptance and certifying that the thesis is essentially the one defended.

Degree Conferred

Doctoral candidates must deposit two copies of the dissertation at the Graduate College. One will be bound and deposited in the library and the other microfilmed and then returned to the department where it will be available to faculty and graduate student. The University of Illinois confers doctoral degrees only in May, October and January.

EVALUATION OF GOOD STANDING AND PROGRESS

Graduate College and Department rules require that students be informed annually of their progress in meeting requirements and their likelihood of completing the doctoral program. Near the end of the Spring semester, the sociology graduate faculty meet to evaluate each student's progress, course load, course completion, and grades. The faculty also discuss students’ performance as teaching assistants, teaching fellows, or research assistants, and any special accomplishments such as presenting at conference or other meetings, publishing papers, or receiving grants or teaching awards. Each student's progress is compared to the standards for normal progress described below, and to that of other students – particularly those who entered in the same year. After the faculty meeting, the Director of Graduate Studies sends a letter to each student that

• summarizes the evaluation of progress and good standing,
• conveys any special commendations or concerns
• states any specific risks to good standing, with the steps and deadlines for correcting those risks

As required by the UIUC Graduate College, the DGS reports to the Dean of the Graduate College on any students who were found not to be in good standing.

Normal Progress

Normally, students are expected to complete course work and other degree requirements in a reasonable time. This is currently indicated by completing:

• Required core courses in the first 1½ years
• Additional required and elective courses within the first 2½ years
• Soc 597 can be taken as a readings course in preparation for qualifying examinations
• Qualifying Paper by the end of the 3rd year
• Preliminary Examination (dissertation proposal defense) within the first 3 ½ years
• Dissertation defense within 5 years

Defending the Dissertation within Five Years

The faculty discuss the case of any student who has not defended the dissertation within five years. The student could be deemed in bad standing, depending on the other things normally considered in the student's annual review. More commonly, the student will be notified of marginal progress. All students passing the five-year mark will be reminded of the seven year limit (six year limit for students who entered with a Masters).

Students should avoid incomplete ("I") grades. A history of I grades indicates an inability to handle a normal workload and jeopardizes good standing and financial aid. If course work is not completed by the last day of instruction of the following semester, an I reverts to an F. Students may petition the Sociology Department and the Graduate College to extend the I beyond this "lapse" date or to drop the course retroactively; however, the department rarely approves such petitions. If an I reverts to an F, after the work is completed and graded and with the approval of the instructor and the DGS, a student may petition the Graduate College to change the grade.

Grades in Required Courses

Students must earn a B or better in any required course. A grade of C in a required sociology core or graduate area sociology course indicates an academic deficiency that initiates a mandatory review (see "Mandatory Review" section below) of the student's progress which will include consultation with the course instructor.

Grade Point Average

Students must maintain grade point averages (GPA’s) of at least 3.25. The GPA reflects all course work graded A through F and "absent" (AB). It excludes courses with grades of credit (CR), no credit (NC), incomplete (I), deferred (DF), satisfactory (S), or unsatisfactory (U); and excludes course work completed at other institutions; and undergraduate courses taken for credit in semester hours.

Seven Year Limit

Graduate college rules allow no more than seven years for completion of the doctoral program (six for students who entered with a master's degree). The only standard exceptions are for students in the  Medical Scholars Program (MSP)  . Any student (including Medical Scholars) who must take more than seven years to complete the Ph.D. must obtain an exemption from the 7-year rule from the Graduate College. To request an exemption, the student must write the graduate College Dean, through the Head of the Sociology Department. Students' letters should describe their degree progress, work plans, and anticipated time for completing the degree. Although the Graduate College provides a formal procedure for requesting an extension, they are reluctant to grant extensions except to students in the MSP.

Deadline Extensions

Students may request extended deadlines by writing to the Director of Graduate Studies. A request must include a projected schedule that shows when requirements will be met. The student must be explicit about reasons for the request. The student's advisor must approve the request.

Family and medical leave are the most common reasons for approved extensions of deadlines. Extensions also may be approved for special academic needs such as study abroad. Students in the Medical Scholars Program get standard academic extensions on written request. Relevant departmental time limits may be extended by one year for students who have completed their first year in medical school, two years for students who have completed their second year in medical school, and three years for Medical Scholars who have completed the required 60 weeks of medical clerkship.

Leaves of Absence from the PhD Program

The Department follows the UIUC Graduate College policies on Leaves of Absence and Absence without Leave. According to Graduate College policy, graduate students in degree-seeking programs are entitled to a total of two terms (fall and/or spring semesters) of academic leave of the types described below, in the course of a single degree program. However, students must document their request for a leave and meet the eligibility requirements. Students who anticipate not being enrolled for one or more terms, (fall or spring semesters, not summer), for whatever reason must meet with their program adviser before the first day of classes of their period of non-enrollment to apply for and receive approval for an Academic Leave of Absence.

There are two categories of Academic Leaves of Absence:

• Personal Academic Leaves of Absence may be requested for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to leave for health reasons, for personal reasons, for active military service, or to take care of dependents or family members. Students who are on an approved Personal Academic Leave of Absence use the leave for personal reasons and not to make progress on the degree. In addition, students on Personal Academic Leaves of Absence should not expect that faculty will provide feedback on academic work, including proposals or drafts of theses.
• Academic Progress Leaves of Absence may be requested for instances of academic activity such as Study Abroad when the student registers at another institution, or fieldwork when the student is not using UIUC resources including faculty time, nor receiving financial support paid through the University. Students who are on an approved Academic Progress Leave of Absence do use the Leave to make progress toward completion of the degree, but must not use campus resources. Expectations of progress to be made during the Leave should be documented in the student’s academic file.

All Academic Leaves must be requested before the term begins. An Academic Leave of Absence cannot be requested retroactively, cannot be used to return to good standing, and cannot be used to extend the time to degree. Note: the maximum allowed Academic Leave of Absence is two terms (spring or fall) during a student’s degree program. These terms may be consecutive terms or terms approved individually.

There are potentially negative consequences for failing to request an Academic Leave of Absence. Students who do not enroll and do not meet with the program and document their status with an approved Academic Leave of Absence before a period of non-enrollment begins are considered Absent without Leave. A program may put an advising hold on a student who is Absent without Leave. A student who is Absent without Leave may be prevented from re-enrolling, may have additional degree requirements to complete if allowed to return, or may be subject to new degree requirements.

For further information about the Graduate College leave policy, please see the The Graduate College Handbook of Policy and Requirements for Students, Faculty and Staff, available on the web at:  www.grad.uiuc.edu/gradhandbook .

Mandatory Review

The DGS will bring to the attention of the Department Head and the student's faculty advisor any student who fails to meet all the requirements for good standing in any semester. The Head, the DGS, and the student's faculty advisor will constitute the student's Graduate Program Review Committee (GPRC). The Head will consider the advice of the GPRC, and may decide to warn the student, put the student on probation, or dismiss the student from the program. If the Head decides to place the student on probation, conditions for lifting probation in a given period of time (usually one semester) should also be stipulated.

Any decision of a GPRC is advisory to the Head, who may accept the advice, modify it or reject it. If the Head concludes that a student who is subject to a mandatory review cannot meet degree requirements satisfactorily, the Head can terminate the student immediately.

MASTER'S DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The master's degree.

The Department does not offer a master's degree program. All graduate students enter the doctoral program. The master's degree is granted as an intermediate step on the way to the Ph.D. Students should ordinarily complete the requirements during their second year of residence. A student is not making normal progress if the Master's Paper is not completed and approved by the end of the fifth semester of residence. Master's candidates must spend at least two semesters in residence before receipt of the degree.

The Master's Advisor and Review Committee

By the end of the third semester of residence and in consultation with the student's Academic Advisor, each student seeking a Master's Degree should select a Master's Paper Advisor (who may or may not be the same as the Academic Advisor) and two other faculty members to constitute the Master's Review Committee. The master's Paper Advisor must hold a substantial (non-zero time) appointment in Sociology, and all members of the Committee must hold appointments in the University Graduate Faculty and in the Sociology Department. Guidance of the Master's Paper is generally under the direction of the Master's Advisor, while other committee members are readers. Certification of completion of the paper requires approval by all three members of the committee on a form supplied by the Director of Graduate Studies.

The Master's Paper

Students qualify for the master's degree by receiving departmental certification as having completed a suitable Master's Paper, as approved by the student's Master's Paper Review Committee. A suitable Master's Paper is one that demonstrates a capacity for proficiency in the paper's adopted mode of sociological analysis and that the Committee deems to be of publishable quality. The Master's Paper should be the product of a research project undertaken either independent of course work or as part of a course, under the direction of the Master's Paper Advisor.

Credit toward a Master's Degree

The Graduate College may give students up to five units of credit toward a master's degree for graduate-level courses taken at an accredited institution within the past five years that the Sociology Department deems appropriate to count toward the student's master's degree. The Graduate College will not give any credit for courses taken elsewhere until students have earned two units of UIUC credit.

Required courses: One statistics (485) One theory (500 or 501) One methods (571, 581, 583, 587 or 590) Pro seminar and teaching practicum (2 semesters, 4 credit hours) Six additional courses at 400 or 500 level: At least four in sociology At least four classes at the 500-level*

Summary: Total of ten graduate courses At least five taken at UIUC campus At least eight in sociology At least four at the 500-level

GraduateSchoolPersonalStatement.com by  Dr. Robert Edinger Helping Applicants Since 2005   [email protected]

Standard Statement Service

Premium Statement Service

Thanks for subscribing!

Letter of Recommendation 

CV/Resume Edit 

I invite you to fill out my  Interview Form  at this link. Even if you have a draft, the information on the interview form is often helpful and serves as the basis for me to make creative improvements to the statement. I spend more time with the statement for my premium service customers at  US$299.00 ; this is especially true when it comes to making major contributions to creative ideas. My standard service at  US$199.00  is for clients who already have a well-developed draft. My premium service is for clients who want my ultimate effort and further revision after they have a chance to make changes. 24 Hour turnaround time.

PHD Sociology Personal Statement of Purpose

For my entire adult life, I have maintained a conceptual continuity in my service to the community, an unswerving path to aiding the poor, sick and needy through dedicated nursing.  Providing compassionate care is as intrinsic to me as breathing, and yet, as a mature professional, I have found that I want to affect greater change in the lives of others, and on a greater scale than ever before.  I have given all that I am to my career, in terms of my energy, time and, frankly, my love.

There is no doubt in my mind as to the enhancement of my career, and I do not take this next step to simply achieve a larger paycheck.  While I do not feel I have exhausted every path of opportunity or challenge, instead,  because of  my experiences in healthcare, I have seen distinct and growing needs within my community and extended community for addressing specific social areas, work that I cannot completely address through nursing.

 Nursing deals with one of the equations, while sociology will enable me to address the issues directly, creating sustainable change.  Working in a public hospital has brought me into direct and socially intimate contact with patients facing many outside issues that have directly or indirectly affected their medical conditions.  Environmental issues such as discrimination by race, sex, class, and conditions such as socioeconomic depression truly add to medical difficulties if not generating them.  This is wrong and I want to be an active participant in and provide relief to specific groups for their and our collective amelioration of life.

The thrust of my research would focus on socio-economically challenged elderly women, their unique biomedical and pharmaceutical needs, long term issues, etc. Having attended to a myriad of diverse patients, I have a raw passion, and understanding of the realities elderly and poor women face, particularly women of color coping with health issues, that needs to be focused, refined and fixed upon the tools that will bring about a better tomorrow for them, and for those entering their twilight years.  What greater display of our humanity could we offer than to help the underserved within our community, our neighbors, those we share our lives with, and those who have served us as we have grown?

Earning my Ph.D. in Sociology will enable me to bring my newest goals, ambitions, indeed my dreams, to fruition.  Post-graduation, I envision contributing and participating in the extended research community, work that will help bring a voice to those who are unable to speak for themselves, are simply not heard or blatantly ignored.  By working with or within a non-profit, NGO or similar agency, I will have access to the resources that will bring relevance to my research as well as the vehicle by which to implement change.  Moreover, I want to help ensure the future of the field of Sociology by teaching tomorrow’s researchers, bringing real-world practical examples and the benefit of decades of experience in the field to life for burgeoning students.

Having a solid academic foundation in biology, physiology, nursing, and graduate health policy, coupled with direct-patient healthcare experiences will bring invaluable insights to the field of Sociology.  The multifaceted issues we are facing in today’s healthcare crisis, combined with consistent influx of diverse patients into the US healthcare system require such a foundation and maturity of understanding.  This is what I bring, and I am eager to engage with an accomplished student body and benchmark-setting faculty, faculty who are themselves involved in active research, precisely where I aim to make my own mark. 

 In truth, I bring my humility as well, and embrace the fact that I need to refine my current grasp of research skills.  Having recently completed graduate work with UCXX, I am completely confident in the ability of the faculty that I will get the superior guidance possible to be an effective researcher, as well as access to the finest resources available.

Earning my Ph.D. will also give me a unique role in my community, one of role model, and trusted role, a role I would take with the greatest seriousness.  To this end, I have already been an active participant and volunteer, helping the poor and homeless in my area through food banks, distribution, and soup kitchens.  I am frequently reminded of what I saw years ago, when I went on a 6-month tour, visiting China, India, Sri Lanka, and Japan.  While my worldview of cultures was forever changed, the issues of crushing poverty remain, sadly, global and I know that I will never forget what I have seen.  Recognizing the issues though is only the beginning.  Dedicating ourselves to eradicating the issues is key.

UXXX has been my sole choice for academic development since 2006, and I have been impressed repeatedly by the professors, staff, and friendly, welcoming student body.  Having taken many Sociology courses, not only as a part of the health policy program, but as electives and auditing others, I am confident that these are professors that I want to learn from and am confident of my fit into the aims of the curriculum.  In truth, I do not believe any other school could match the breadth, autonomy, or relevance of the curriculum.

I look forward to my continued academic relationship with UXXX with great eagerness.

Thank you for your time and kind consideration.

• Sociology Personal Purpose Help

Recent Posts

MA Sociology Personal Purpose Statement Sample Help

PHD Sociology Statement of Purpose Sample

What are you looking for?

Suggested search, applying for admissions.

The following provisions govern acceptance:

Criteria : Candidates are evaluated based on academic motivation for pursuing graduate study; academic performance; alignment of research interests with department strengths; research capability; and evidence of initiative. Admission is highly competitive with approximately six to eight students who enroll each year from the available pool of applicants. Each application receives careful attention and is judged in terms of the full set of criteria.

A limited number of graduate course units taken elsewhere may be considered for transfer into the graduate program. These units are transferred on a course-by-course basis.

Updated October 2023

Submit the following to USC Graduate Admissions online application:

1. Online University of Southern California application form plus a $90 application fee. There are several ways to qualify for an application fee waiver  (e.g., documented financial hardship, McNair Scholars). Fee waivers can take up to 5 business days to process, so please be sure to apply well in advance of the application deadline. You can find detailed eligibility categories and instructions  here .

2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work.

3. For international students, a TOEFL score.

4. One example of written work (normally a paper written for a course) of no more than 20 pages .

5. Three letters of recommendation from persons who can write about your academic performance and your potential as a social scientist.

6. Personal Statement: Describe (1) your present sociological interest, (2) the instructors, books, and/or journals that have had the greatest influence on your interests in sociology, and (3) what you hope to be doing in the field of sociology ten years after you receive your degree. Please include any other aspect of your experience that you want to include. (2-3 pages long)

Conditional Status

Most admissions for graduate study are for “regular” status. On occasion, however, an applicant may be admitted on “conditional” status so that some deficiency can be removed and proficiency demonstrated. When this occurs, up to 12 units of specified performance in graduate or undergraduate course work may be required and/or steps must be taken in order to qualify for acceptance as a “regular” student.

Completed applications must be submitted to the university by  December 1st. The application portal is on Eastern Standard Time.  All applications received by December 1st will be considered for selected university fellowships.

Recommended

We strongly encourage applicants to apply for external funding. Below are a few options:

National Science Foundation

Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

Admission FAQs

GRE Scores are not required.

Official English-language proficiency scores must be received directly from the testing service and must be dated no earlier than 2 years prior to the start of your intended first term at USC. We do not consider applicants with TOEFL scores below 100.

Describe (1) your present sociological interest, (2) the instructors, books, and/or journals that have had the greatest influence on your interests in sociology, and (3) what you hope to be doing in the field of sociology ten years after you receive your degree. Please include any other aspect of your experience that you want to include. (2-3 pages long)

Prospective students who have been admitted to the program for the following year are invited to attend a Visit Day, typically held in late February or early March.

We admit approximately 20% of our applicants and our entering cohorts average 4-6 students.  We typically have about 40 active graduate students. In 2016-17 approximately 60% of students were women, one-third were traditionally under-represented ethnic or racial minorities, and one-fourth were international students.

Complete details on courses of instructions and degree requirements may be found in the University of Southern California  Catalogue .

tag manager container

• Employee Hub
• Directories

Department of Sociology

Graduate Admissions

The graduate program in sociology at Louisiana State University is oriented toward our doctoral program. Although we offer a Master of Arts degree, we do not have separate MA and PhD curricula. Instead, we admit all students into our PhD program and students without an MA in Sociology earn one along the way to the PhD. All students completing our doctoral program acquire strong training in sociological theory, research methods and analytic techniques, as well as a firm grounding in their major substantive areas.

We encourage all interested, qualified, domestic and international students to consider applying to our PhD program in sociology. Please read through this information carefully and email any additional questions about admissions or our graduate programs to:

Mark J. Schafer , Director of Graduate Studies

The LSU Graduate School manages the application process for all graduate programs at Louisiana State University, including our graduate program in sociology. Please review the requirements and online application procedures here:

LSU Graduate School

Admission Criteria

The Graduate School makes applications available to departments for review. Admission to the graduate program in sociology is based on the recommendation of the Graduate Committee appointed by the Chair of sociology and led by the Director of Graduate Studies. The role of the Graduate Committee is to oversee and advise the Chair and faculty in the Department of Sociology on all aspects of the Graduate Program, including admitting new students and advising admitted students.

The Graduate Committee uses a holistic process to review all complete application packets. (Incomplete applications will not be evaluated). The four required elements of a complete application package include ( 1 ) Transcripts (with GPA), ( 2 ) GRE scores, ( 3 ) statement of purpose, and ( 4 ) three letters of recommendation. In addition, though not formally required, we strongly encourage applicants to include a writing sample.

Consistent with our doctoral degree orientation, we only admit incoming graduate students directly into the PhD program (the LSU Degree Code of PSOCL). In the online application form, please indicate you are applying for the “PhD” program.

Appropriate background for applicants holding bachelor’s and master’s degree entering our graduate program includes undergraduate and/or graduate courses in sociological theory, research methods, and statistics plus nine additional hours of coursework in sociology. Exceptionally qualified candidates (as evaluated from the components of their application packages) may also be accepted into the program even if they lack an undergraduate background with coursework in sociology. The Department of Sociology generally requires an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and a graduate GPA of 3.5 for admission. Exceptions are occasionally made for applicants with other strong components of their application package (i.e., high GRE scores and/or strong positive letters of recommendation).

Types of Admission

Unconditional : Applicants who have met all departmental requirements and have submitted all official credentials to the graduate school are given an unconditional admission status.

Provisional : Applicants who have met all departmental requirements, but have not yet submitted all official credentials to the graduate school are given provisional admission status until the Graduate School receives all required official documents.

Probational : Applicants with low undergraduate or graduate GPAs who have been judged by the Graduate Committee in Sociology and the Graduate School to show promise may be considered for probationary admission status. Applicants admitted on probationary status must submit an appeal to be eligible for departmental or university funding.

The Department of Sociology only admits new graduate students for the Fall Term. The formal application deadline is January 31, but we strongly recommend that applications be submitted earlier in January to best take advantage of earlier deadlines for some fellowships. The Graduate Committee initially reviews applications in early February. The graduate committee reviews all applications for consideration for admission. When requested, the Graduate Committee also reviews each application for consideration for financial support. The committee usually continues reviewing applications submitted after the January 31 deadline for admission, but may stop reviewing late applications at any time during the Spring semester. We may not be able to offer financial support to all late applicants regardless of their qualifications. Applicants that are initially admitted without financial support may later be offered financial support if resources become available.

International Students

The LSU Sociology Department has a long history of admitting outstanding applicants from many countries around the world, and we continue to encourage interested, qualified international degree holders to apply to our PhD program. The Graduate School website provides additional information for international applicants, including (1) documents needed to secure student visas; (2) English Proficiency requirements; (3) English translation and credential evaluations.

LSU’s International Services Office provides additional information for prospective and current international students.