The Department of Sociology has developed an exciting program of studies at the graduate level, built on our faculty's research interests and their commitment to excellence.
Students and faculty engage in extensive collaboration in research and teaching, and there is close mentoring of students. Financial support to cover tuition and living costs is available to almost all continuing doctoral students and includes teaching and research assistantships, as well as University and departmental fellowships and traineeships. Areas of specialization within sociology cover a wide spectrum of interests among faculty. Research and teaching collaboration between sociology and other departments, programs, and institutes within Brown enriches the curricular offerings.
Additional Resources
Social Science Research Laboratory (SSRL) containing state–of–the–art facilities for data analysis and research support; close ties with the Center for Gerontology and Health Care Research, Development Studies, the Initiative in Spatial Structures in the Social Sciences (S4), the Population Studies and Training Center, the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Public Policy and American Institutions, and the Watson Institute for International Studies.
Application Information
Application Requirements
GRE Subject:
Not required
GRE General:
Not required
Official Transcripts:
At the application stage, unofficial transcripts are sufficient
Letters of Recommendations:
Required, at least three letters, though we accept up to five
Writing Sample:
Required (typically 25-30 pages, double spaced)
Personal Statement:
Required. Should not be longer than two (2) pages in length, single spaced.
Dates/Deadlines
Application Deadline
Completion Requirements
Three years of graduate study, including courses in sociological theory and methods, multivariate analysis, research design, and measurement; MA thesis; two semesters of teaching; preliminary examination in two areas of specialization approved by faculty and the graduate committee of the department; courses and areas of specialization outside department acceptable with prior approval of the graduate committee; dissertation; and oral defense.