How to Apply

Graduate Application Procedures

Welcome! Thank you for your interest in the Ph.D. Program in Sociology at the University of Michigan. Though a background in sociology is not required to apply, a broad background that includes work in the social sciences or history is helpful preparation for the program. In addition, demonstrating an ability to do high-level graduate work is necessary for a competitive application.

It may be helpful to know that applicants who have been admitted have undergraduate grade point averages in social sciences courses of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 system, with the mean around 3.5. In recent years, the average verbal and quantitative Graduate Record Examination percentile scores have been above the 80th percentile, although there is considerable variation around this value.

The application deadline is December 15th. All materials, including letters of recommendation, must be received by this date. Applicants are responsible for making sure that their application materials arrive on time and that their application is complete.

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

Rackham web application with fee

• One set of official transcripts sent to Rackham Graduate School. In addition, please upload one set of transcripts when you complete the online application.
• Academic statement of purpose (1-3 pages, double-spaced), which should describe applicants' relevant background and past work relating to their proposed areas of study, plans for graduate work and overall career objectives, including a *subplan, if applicable. The statement should be as specific as possible about applicants' intended areas of study and reasons for choosing sociology at Michigan. Because this statement is used to evaluate applicant's scholarly potential, it should be well written, cogently argued, and well conceived. Please submit online.
• A personal statement (1-3 pages, double-spaced), which should be relevant information about the applicants' personal background and life experiences, including educational, cultural, familial, or other opportunities or challenges. Please submit online.
• A sample of written work (e.g., a senior thesis or term paper, 10-20 pages, double-spaced) that provides evidence of creative and critical thinking, quality of writing, and potential for engaging in independent research. Please submit online (upload as ‘additional information’).
• Three(3)letters of recommendation, which evaluate applicants' past academic performance and potential for graduate study. Please submit online, though letters and forms can be sent hard copy, directly to the Sociology Department.
• Graduate Record Examination scores from the verbal, quantitative, and analytical/analytical writing tests. Must be taken within the last 5 years. U of M Institutional Code: 1839 - Sociology Departmental Code: 2102
• International students please see additional information listed here.

*Subplans are not required, but if you do know which area(s) you are interested in (please see list below), please mention in your academic statement.

• Culture and Knowledge
• Economic Sociology and Organizations
• Gender and Sexuality
• Health and Healthcare
• Power, History, and Social Change
• Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration
• Social Demography
• Social Psychology