About PhD Program,
The Department’s central focus in graduate training is doctoral education. In years one and two, students are focused mostly on coursework and producing their own independent empirical research project for the qualifying paper. In years three and four, students work on their exams and their dissertation proposal. Years five and six are spent researching and writing. Later years also emphasize specialized training, particularly in two special field areas, helping prepare students for graduate scholarship and, later, their initial job placement. While Ph.D. students are funded fully for seven years, many students complete their Ph.D. in year six.
Students not yet ready to make a commitment to the Sociology Ph.D. may explore several more specialized M.A. programs, which allow one to take courses across the social sciences, strengthening a future application to a Chicago Ph.D. program. For example, see the Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences.
The Ph.D. program receives over 200 applications each year, out of which it gets an entering class of about 6-8 students.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
PhD students must be legally authorized to work in the United States for the University of Chicago in order to meet the degree requirements to earn a PhD in most of the University’s PhD programs. Note, the F-1/J-1 student visa permits on-campus employment when a student is active in their program; for more information, please visit the Office of International Affairs webpage related to on-campus employment.
Please note that MA and PhD students must complete at least one quarter of enrollment to be eligible for a Leave of Absence from the University.
PhD Funding Coverage,
Besides University-wide, Division-wide or non-University funding sources, the following sources of funding for graduate students are available. Applications are typically due in March. A call for applications with specific deadlines and other detail will be provided to students separately.
Funding is provided to successful applications for research expenses, such as research travel and accommodations, transcription, research incentives, or software. Conference travel is not considered a research expense. Award amounts vary, but maximum awards are usually around $4000.
Application Requirement,
Application requirements include:
- Unofficial transcripts for all post-secondary schools attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Candidate statement
- Resume/CV
- Writing sample
- Official GRE scores (Only required for some programs, view list by program here)
- Official TOEFL or IELTS scores, if required per the University English Proficiency Policy
- Application fee (view waiver options here)
Application Deadline,
Dec 05, 2024
Application Fee,
Application Fee $90 for all programs
