About PhD Program,
The Ph.D. program is defined by a commitment to highly analytical sociology
The program trains graduate students to use a range of methods – quantitative and qualitative – and data – survey, administrative, experimental, interview, direct observation, and more – to answer pressing empirical questions and to advance important theoretical and policy debates.
The Ph.D. curriculum and degree requirements provide students with the methodological skills, substantive knowledge, and mentorship to make important and impactful contributions to sociological knowledge. The program guides Ph.D. students to work on ambitious, independent research projects about which students are passionate. Graduates finish the program well-positioned to be leaders in the field of sociology.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
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.
PhD Funding Coverage,
The department offers a standard funding package consisting of a stipend or salary, and the payment of tuition and health insurance. Both domestic and international students are eligible for this standard package. The Department provides 6 years of support, including support over 5 summers, to all graduate students making satisfactory academic progress.
A standard funding package covers the full cost of tuition for required units, and an amount for living expenses during the academic year and summer quarter, plus health insurance. The latter amount is usually in the form of a stipend paid out at the start of the quarter, or a teaching or research assistantship salary paid out over 6 pay periods. Students are encouraged to pursue prestigious fellowships offered by the University and by national organizations such as the National Science Foundation.
During a student’s tenure, the department also provides financial support for all five summers between academic years. In addition to the standard package described above, the Sociology Department will provide each student with travel and research funds towards professional development expenses, faculty-guided research, and fieldwork, as well as funds for computing needs. More information about graduate funding.
Tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year.
Application Requirement,
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Application Fee
Fee Waivers
Document submission
Statement of Purpose
Transcripts
Letters of Recommendation
REQUIRED GRE (Graduate Record Examination) General Test
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Writing Sample
CV or Resume
Apply Online!
Application Deadline,
Dec 04, 2024
Application Fee,
The fee to apply for graduate study at Stanford is $125.
