Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree
The PhD degree is the most advanced degree offered in sociology graduate programs. Students earning the PhD typically go on to careers in teaching and research in academic settings and research and related professional positions in government agencies and private and non-profit organizations.
How to Apply
All applicants will apply online at the Texas A&M University Graduate Centralized Application Service (Texas A&M University GraduateCAS). The name on your application must match your name as it appears in your passport. Below is a checklist of all the materials you will need to complete your application. For students starting in Fall 2025, the application deadline for full consideration for funding is December 16, 2024.
Application Checklist
- Application Fee
- Online Application
- Cover Letter
- Writing Sample
- Personal Statement
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Transcripts
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Official GRE Scores (no longer required)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (international students only)
1. Application Fee
The fee for application is $89 ($114 for international students). The application fee is asked on the application site once you are ready to submit your completed application. Payments can only be made in the application portal via a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards.
2. Online Application
We require a completed application at the Texas A&M University GraduateCAS portal. The name on your application must match your name as it appears in your passport or other official government documentation. Read more on the Texas A&M University Application Quick Start Guide.
3. Cover Letter
The cover letter should describe your reasons for applying to the Doctoral Program in Sociology at Texas A&M University. This document is not to exceed two pages in length (single-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, 1-inch margins). You should include details regarding your qualifications, academic and research interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid our admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for pursuing a Ph.D. in Sociology. If you have particular experiences or skills relevant to the study of Sociology, please be sure to include these in your cover letter.
4. Writing Sample
The Department of Sociology requires a writing sample from all applicants to the Ph.D. Program. The Admissions Committee will be looking for original work giving evidence of both writing ability and the capacity for research, analysis, and original thought at the graduate level.
Your writing sample could be an Honors or Master’s Thesis, published paper, co-written paper, or comparable article.
Papers must be submitted in English.
Samples may be up to 25 pages long. Other things equal, a short, effectively written sample is preferable to a longer sample. If you decide to submit a longer sample, please indicate which pages should be reviewed by the admissions committee. While not recommended, if you need to provide two samples (for example, one indicating your ability to apply theory and other demonstrating your quantitative ability) you are able to do so.
5. Personal Statement
Please submit a two-page write-up (single-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, 1-inch margins) to describe aspects of your backgrounds that were important for your decision to pursue a graduate program in sociology. Please include discussion of any economic or social barriers you may have faced that are relevant to your application and academic goals (for example being a first-generation student). You should explain how your background could contribute to Texas A&M University and/or the profession of sociology.
6. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Graduate applicants are required to submit either a Resume or Curriculum Vitae to their departments.
7. Transcripts
You need to provide transcripts for all of the colleges and universities attended. You are allowed to upload unofficial transcripts with your application, however, if accepted, original official transcripts must be provided directly from the institutions. Texas A&M will accept transcripts sent electronically through SPEEDE or eSCRIP-SAFE. Transcripts from any other vendor will not be accepted. Many universities can use the electronic format. Electronic transcripts can be processed much faster than paper transcripts. If the institution cannot use this format and you have attended an American or Canadian college or university, one official transcript is required. Please ask each registrar to enclose one copy of your transcript in a sealed, signed envelope. Please mail this envelope, with the seal unbroken and the registrar’s signature intact, to the Office of Admissions at the address below. If the registrar will not release your transcripts to you in a sealed envelope, transcripts may be sent by the registrar directly to: Graduate Admissions Processing Office of Admissions, Texas A&M University, P.O. Box 40001, College Station, TX 77842-4001.
8. Three Letters of Recommendation
Graduate applicants should provide three letters of recommendations from individuals who are familiar with your academic achievement and potential. If you have been out of school for a number of years and are unable to contact former professors, you may submit non-academic references (e.g., employers). In the application portal you are able to enter contact information for three recommenders who are then automatically sent a request for the recommendation. We strongly suggest that you contact your recommenders before entering their information. Also, be aware that you give ample time for your recommenders to submit their recommendation by the application deadline.
9. Official GRE Scores (no longer required)
The General GRE and GRE Subject scores are no longer required (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing). However, if you are submitting for other admission requirements GRE must be taken within 5 years of the date the application was received. The scores may be reported directly from ETS. The Institution Code for Texas A&M University is 6003 (there is no departmental code needed).
Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) website
If you intend to submit your GRE, we strongly advise you to take the GRE no later than September, so that your scores will be received by the application deadline.
10. Test of English as a Foreign Language (international students only)
Adequate command of spoken and written English is required for admission. Official scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English. For information on accepted testing modalities and scores visit: https://admissions.tamu.edu/apply/international/international-graduate.
Funding
There is no separate application to request funding from the department – i.e., all applicants are considered for the limited departmental funding. Read more about funding options available for graduate students here.
Contact Information
For additional information about the graduate program, please send email inquiry to sociology@tamu.edu or to the Director of Graduate Recruitment.