Applying for the PhD
Our PhD program trains graduate students to use a range of methods to answer pressing empirical questions and to advance important theoretical and policy debates.
Candidates
The Department of Sociology welcomes PhD applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. Review of applications is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays in order to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field.
Minimizing pre-admission communication with faculty
We appreciate that prospective graduate students are often instructed to reach out to faculty in advance of applying. However, our policy is to avoid any protracted discussions between faculty and candidates prior to admission since research shows that fair and transparent process can easily be clouded by back-channel communications. We don’t mean to be off-putting! Instead, our goal is to ensure that everyone has equal opportunity and is considered fairly.
Application requirements
The Sociology PhD application for academic year 2026-27 is now closed.
Incomplete applications, or applications submitted after the deadline, cannot be considered. However, recommendation letters and official test scores from ETS can be submitted by faculty and ETS after the application deadline date. Applications are only accepted once per year, for admission during the following Autumn quarter.
Application fee and fee waivers
The application fee is $125 and is nonrefundable.
Learn more about the application fee and fee waivers on the Graduate Admissions website.
Guidelines for document submission
In the electronic application, you will be asked to upload scans of transcripts (see specific information below), a statement of purpose, a writing sample, and your CV or resume. When preparing your application materials to be uploaded into the electronic application, please note the following:
- File size must be 10MB or LESS
- Files cannot be password protected
- PDF files cannot have a digital signature
- Save each document separately
When scanning hard copy materials to upload into your electronic application, please note the following:
- Resolution should be no more than 300dpi
- Scan in black and white only
- Removing images will help reduce file size.
Statement of purpose
The statement of purpose (also known as a “personal statement”) should describe your reasons for applying to the doctoral program in sociology at Stanford. This document is not to exceed two pages in length (single-spaced). You should include details regarding your qualifications, academic and research interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests that may aid our admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for pursuing a PhD in sociology. You will be asked to upload your statement of purpose in the online application.
Learn more about statements on the Graduate Admissions website.
Transcripts
You must list and provide your unofficial transcript for every post-secondary institution where you were enrolled — or are currently enrolled — in an undergraduate or graduate degree program.
Learn more about transcripts on the Graduate Admissions website.
Letters of recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required. At least one letter should be a faculty member at the last school you attended as a full-time student (unless you have been out of school for more than five years.)
- Please inform letter writers of the application deadline.
- Letters of recommendation cannot be mailed, e-mailed, or faxed; they will be rejected.
- Substitutions for faculty recommendations may include work associates or others who can comment on your academic potential for graduate work.
Learn more about recommendation letters on the Graduate Admissions website.
GRE (Graduate Record Examination) General Test
The GRE General Test is required for all applicants to the sociology PhD degree program.
Learn more about the GRE on the Graduate Admissions website.
English language proficiency
To be eligible for graduate study at Stanford, you must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in spoken and written English. Stanford accepts scores from TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System).
Learn more about requirements for English proficiency on the Graduate Admissions website.
Writing sample
The Department of Sociology requires a writing sample from all applicants to the PhD program. The admissions committee will be looking for original work giving evidence of 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, a published paper, a co-written paper, or a comparable article.
- Papers originally written in a language other than English must be submitted in an English translation.
- Samples may be up to 50 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. Your writing sample can be uploaded with your online application as a text file as an addendum to your personal statement or under “additional information”. Writing samples can be single or double-spaced.
- You must upload your writing sample in the online application per the “supporting documents” instructions above.
CV or resume
We do not require a CV or resume as part of the application, but you may upload your CV or resume per the “supporting documents” instructions above.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS)
Join dozens of Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS).
KHS admits up to 100 applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of KHS's leadership program, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford.
Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment.
If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline for the 26-27 academic year is now closed.
Still have questions?
See our PhD admissions FAQ