How to Apply

The Department of Sociology application deadline is December 31. Please note that students are admitted only for the fall term.

All applicants for admission to graduate study are required to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE – University Code 5816). Applicants from non-English-speaking countries also must submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) unless they have a degree from a university in the US. Students should take these tests early enough to enable them to submit official reports of scores with their applications (University Code 5816). Decisions on admission of applicants may be withheld until test scores are provided. (The subject test is not required).

The application, application fee ($77) http://gradschool.unc.edu/admissions/instructions.html#fee and one copy of official transcript of all schools attended should be sent directly to the Graduate School, CB#4010, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-4010

Applicants should also send the following directly to the Department:

PAMELA STOKES, GRADUATE STUDENT SERVICES SPECIALIST
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
155 HAMILTON HALL
UNC-CHAPEL HILL CB# 3210
CHAPEL HILL NC 27599

(1) Official transcript (s) of all schools attended
(2) Financial Certificate (International Students) A completed Financial Certificate and supporting materials must be submitted directly to the program to which you are applying. In order to meet U.S. Immigration requirements for entry into the United States, proof of sufficient financial resources to cover educational and living expenses for the duration of your program must be in place before visa documents can be issued.

The following information should be submitted online http://gradschool.unc.edu/prospective.html:

• Personal statement - Please provide a personal statement that describes your reasons for seeking a PhD in Sociology at UNC, your major intellectual interests and career goals, the sort of research and scholarship you hope to pursue, and the most important aspects in your background that have prepared you for graduate study in Sociology. The statement should be not more than three pages long.
  
• Writing sample - Please provide a sample of your written work, preferably a substantial academic paper, research report or thesis in Sociology (or a related field) that shows your ability to construct arguments, evaluate evidence, and/or synthesize academic literature. If you do not have an academic paper to submit, you may submit another substantial piece of professional writing.
  
• Three (3) letters of recommendation 
• Resume (optional) - You may provide an optional resume that summarizes your education and professional experience.

Please contact Pamela Stokes at pstokes@unc.edu or (919) 962-1528 if you have any questions.