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Admission Information

Applicants must submit a University Graduate Application. (PhD in Sociology Code: 14B8.)

Required application materials:

  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended.
  • Statement of purpose describing reasons for enrolling in the program. In particular, statements should address the following points: 1) description of your fields of interest, research questions you hope to pursue and how these fit with faculty interests and expertise, and 3) the importance of doctoral study, research, teaching, and community engagement to your future goals.
  • Short sample of your academic writing.
  • Curriculum Vitae highlighting your accomplishments in research, teaching, and/or service. It should identify any research experience, publications, presentations, teaching experience, service activities, and awards/honors received.
  • Three letters of recommendation from people who have direct knowledge of your academic performance, potential for graduate study, and can attest to your academic promise, maturity, and commitment to scholarship.
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. The GRE should be taken within two years of the application submission. 
  • International students for who English is not the native language are required by the University to submit the Test of English As a Foreign Language (TOEFL). WVU accepts either the TOEFL or the IELTS for this purpose. Please see English Language Proficiency Requirements for more information.

  • Identify a faculty member (or faculty members) whose research interests you

Deadline for Graduate Applications 

The application deadline is February 1. Initial offers to students will occur on or before March 15. Most materials will need to be received by January 15th to be uploaded for evaluation by the February 1st deadline. We do not accept students at mid-year.

Graduate Assistantships 

The department currently supports 18 Graduate Teaching Assistantships (9 months) and an average of 7 GRA positions (9 or 12 months). About 4 students each year are funded through fellowships. GA stipends are accompanied by a tuition wavier and health insurance. There is space on the University application to indicate your interest in an assistantship position; no additional information is required to apply for the funded position. 

Graduate Fellowships and Scholarships