We are pleased that you have an interest in sociology. For your convenience we have collected below a list of answers to frequently asked questions that we invite you to consider carefully before applying to our program. We look forward to your application.
Q: How do I apply to the Graduate program in Sociology at UVA?
A: You will need to apply through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Q: Are GRE scores required to be submitted with my application?
A: Yes. You have to submit GRE General Test scores with your application. Unofficial test scores can be submitted with your application, official test scores will be required if you matriculate as a student.
Q: Do I need to contact individual faculty members before applying, or as part of my application?
A: No. Application is to the program rather than to a particular individual. The place to indicate what kind of work you hope to do, and who you think would be a good fit as an advisor, is on the application and in your personal statement.
Q: Do I need to propose a specific project for my Ph.D. as part of my application?
A: No. While it is good to present a sense of the kinds of questions that interest you, the first two years of the program consist of extensive reading in a number of different subfields. As a result, it is unlikely you will end up working on exactly what you are able to propose before beginning. It is good to give examples of the kinds of questions or work that motivates you, but we do not expect you to already know exactly what you will work on 3-4 years in the future.
Q: Can faculty provide feedback on my application before I submit it?
A: No. Given the volume of applications we receive and to ensure that we assess all applications equitably we are unable to provide feedback before your application is submitted.
Q: Can I submit any supplementary materials?
A: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit supplementary materials. If an applicant chooses to submit a writing sample, it needs to be small (25 pages or less). All writing samples must be included in the online application to the GSAS.
Q: How many letters of recommendation do I need to submit?
A: Two letters of recommendation are required. Applicants may submit additional materials in support of their application, including additional letters. All letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically.
Q: How much are GRE scores and GPA weighted in the admissions process?
A: While GRE scores and GPA are considered for admissions, many other aspects of the application are taken into account, including transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement and the applicant’s overall fit to the department.
Q: Does the department offer a terminal Masters degree?
A: The UVA Sociology Department does not offer a self-standing Masters program. Students entering without a prior M.A. may earn an M.A. en route to the Ph.D. Students entering with an M.A. or graduate credit from another institution will be evaluated on an ad hoc basis to determine how much transfer credit may be approved at the University of Virginia.
Q: Can I apply for admission to the graduate program for the Spring semester?
A: Students are only admitted to the Sociology graduate program for the Fall Semester. The application deadline for Fall Semester admissions is January 15 for all students wishing full consideration of their application.
Q: Does the department accept part-time students for its Graduate Program?
A: No.
Q: What do I need to know about potentially applying transfer credit to my graduate degree at UVA Sociology?
A: Students who have completed coursework in Sociology in another graduate program with a grade of B- or better may petition the Director of Graduate Studies for transfer of up to 24 credit hours toward the Department’s coursework requirement for the Ph.D. degree. (By University regulation, no more than 24 credit hours of work completed at another graduate school may be counted toward the credit hours required for a Ph.D. degree.) If the Director of Graduate Studies approves the petition, it will be forwarded to the Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for final approval. Note that transfer of credit hours does not automatically entail waiver of any specific course requirements.
“The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements. These publications may be found at http://records.ureg.virginia.edu/index.php.”