PhD Sociology at Arizona State University

Programme overview

In the Doctor of Philosophy program in sociology, you receive advanced training in theory, research methodology and substantive fields. You are prepared for teaching and research, with special emphasis on inequality and power; law and society; race and ethnicity; Latino sociology; health; and children, youth and families. Work closely with faculty researchers, contribute to externally funded projects, and tap into interdisciplinary research across ASU.

What you will study

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation Required Core (6 credit hours) SOC 603 Perspectives in Sociological Inquiry (3) SOC 685 Applied Social Theory (3) Theory (3 credit hours) SOC 585 Sociological Theory (3) Methods (3 credit hours) SOC 591 Topic: Qualitative Research Methods (3) Statistics (3 credit hours) Other Requirements (3 credit hours) SOC 791 Topic: Integrative Research (3) Elective and Research (54 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) SOC 799 Dissertation (12) Additional Curriculum Information When approved by the student's department and the Graduate College, 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree can be used for this degree.

Career pathways

Professionals with expertise in research methodologies and data analysis as well as an understanding of cultural and social change, and various social issues and phenomena, are sought-after in many areas, including human services, business, education and public policy, and the community service and nonprofit sectors. Career examples: demographer, mediator, research professional, social or community service manager, sociologist, sociology instructor, urban and regional planner.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in sociology or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable bachelor's or master's degree program. All applicants must submit: graduate admission application and application fee official transcripts current resume or curriculum vitae personal statement detailing professional goals and research experiences writing sample three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic background proof of English proficiency Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. A personal statement is required.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities