College of Arts & Sciences

Sociology - Graduate

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The Department of Sociology at the University of Kentucky currently only admits students pursuing a Ph.D. degree. Students can earn an M.A. degree as part of the Ph.D. program only. Graduate students choose an area of specialization related to the following faculty areas of expertise: Crime, Law, and Deviance; Environment and Society; Health and Medical Sociology, and Social Inequalities. Additionally, all students are well trained in sociological theory and social science research methods. Our program emphasizes preparing graduate students for a variety of career options in academic and applied settings by building foundational sociological knowledge and skills and providing many professional development opportunities.

New students are admitted only for the fall semester. Financial assistance is available in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and university fellowships. All applicants are considered for funding and there is not a separate application for funding.

All application materials must be received by December 1 for consideration for the following fall semester. Admission and funding decisions are announced by March. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are no longer required for admission.

 

Applicants must meet the Graduate School admission requirements.

Application Requirements

  • Curriculum vitae or resume
  • A statement of goals and reasons for pursuing an advanced degree in sociology. It is helpful if applicants also address the field(s) of interest within sociology they may wish to pursue in their graduate studies. 
  • A sample of writing, preferably in the form of a term paper, an extensive essay, or a draft of a senior thesis. If the applicant has completed a master’s degree, she or he may submit one or two chapters from the master’s thesis. Please do not submit a copy of the entire master’s thesis. 
  • Three letters of recommendation.  
  • Undergraduate and graduate transcripts, if applicable.