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 Taubman Center for American Politics and Policy, and the Watson School of International and Public Affairs.
Application Information
Application Requirements
GRE Subject:
Not required
GRE General:
Recommended, but not required
Official Transcripts:
At the application stage, unofficial transcripts are sufficient. We may, however, request them at a later point in the decision-making process. If admitted into the program, you will be required to send official transcripts.
Letters of Recommendations:
Three are required; we accept up to five. Letters from both academic and professional references are accepted; at least one recommender who can speak on your academic background should be included.
Writing Sample:
Required, typically 25-30 pages, double-spaced. Examples could include a portion of a thesis, final course paper, or published papers. We highly recommend that the writing samples are written solely by the applicant.
Personal Statement:
Required, typically 1-2 pages in length, single-spaced. We recommend applicants include details about goals, research interests, why they want to study sociology and why specifically at Brown.
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.
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