Graduate Studies
Admissions
Entrance into our MA and PhD programs requires a baccalaureate degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning acceptable to the Department of Sociology and the University of Pittsburgh. Students from any discipline may apply.
We give admission and funding preferences to students who expect to obtain the PhD degree. Students are normally admitted to the program only in the fall semester.
Applicants who indicate on the Application for Admission form that they wish to be considered for financial aid are automatically considered for all departmental awards for which they may qualify. Minority students are especially encouraged to apply, and additional awards are available to minority candidates.
Application Deadlines & Procedures
The application deadline for fall term admission is January 15 if financial aid is also requested. All applications will be accepted until March 15; however, funding priority will be given to applications received by January 15.
To apply, submit an online application. There is a $50 application fee, and applicatons will not be accepted without payment of this fee.
Indicate whether you are applying to the MA or PhD program. Only select MA if this is the highest degree desired. If you wish to pursue the PhD degree after receiving the MA, you should select PhD. If you wish to be considered for financial support, please know that students desiring only the MA are generally not considered for funding.
Additional Application Materials
The following additional application materials should be submitted as one complete packet (except for the test scores that must be sent directly by the Educational Testing Service). Send application packets to:
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Sociology
University of Pittsburgh
2400 Wesley Posvar Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Additional application materials include:
- Letters of recommendation from three persons. Each person who writes a recommendation must seal it in an envelope and give the envelope to you so you can include it in your application packet. Please print copies of the recommendation form for completion by your references.
- Career Statement. The statement should in a few pages respond to some of the following questions:
- What kinds of sociological problems and methods interest you?
- What kind of career do you have in mind, and how will being a disciplined sociologist help you meet your goals?
- How do you evaluate your current proficiency in the discipline, and what sort of training will best develop your capacities?
- What stimulated your interest in this sociology department?
- Official transcripts. Transcripts of degrees, courses, and grades from all education at college and higher level are required. Transcript documentation must be sealed in an envelope by the granting institution or the official agency certifying the documentation. For an applicant with a degree from a non-English speaking college or university, the following transcript documentation is required:
- a certified copy of the original academic transcript with degree posted, accompanied by a certified translation if the transcript is not in English
- a certified copy of the diploma awarding the degree, accompanied by a certified translation, if the transcript does not post the degree
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores. The general test, comprising verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing is required. There is no subject test in sociology. The GRE scores must be submitted directly to the University of Pittsburgh Department of Sociology by the Educational Testing Service.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for international applicants. A TOEFL score of 550 (old system) or 213 (new system) is necessary for admission. The TOEFL score must be submitted directly to the Department of Sociology by the Educational Testing Service.