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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. (GRE is recommended but not required)
  • 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 January 15th. Initial offers to students will occur on or before March 15. Most materials will need to be received by January 1st to be uploaded for evaluation by the January 15th deadline. We do not accept students at mid-year.

SPEAK & TOEFL

All prospective students whose native language is not English are required to take and submit TOEFL scores with their applications.  Teaching assistants or associates, whose native language is not English, are also required to take and pass the SPEAK Test before they can assume teaching positions. 

 Please see WVU information on applying as an international student at: WVU International Graduate Applicant