Sociology (PhD) at Northwestern University

Programme overview

The Northwestern Sociology PhD is a research-focused doctoral programme in a department described as among the top ten in the nation. Students build individualised study and research plans, with particular strengths in comparative-historical sociology, culture, gender and family, law, economy and organizations, and social inequality.

Faculty: Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Sociology | Intake: Fall quarter only | Study mode: full-time | Location: Evanston, IL, United States

What you will study

Year 1 combines theory and methods courses; year 2 adds seminars, workshops and independent research leading to a required second-year paper; a special field paper is due by the end of year 3, followed by dissertation work.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GRE scores are not required or accepted (from the Fall 2023 cycle). No minimum GPA is set; admitted applicants average an undergraduate GPA of 3.79. Application deadline is December 1 for Fall entry only; all recommenders must submit by that date. English: TOEFL iBT (including Home Edition or My Best Scores) sent to TGS code 1565, or IELTS overall 7.0; TOEFL Essentials not accepted; waived with a degree from an accredited institution taught in English. Nearly all admitted students receive a five-year (20 quarter) package of stipend, tuition scholarship and health insurance subsidy.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications for 2026-27 open September 15, 2026; deadlines vary by programme. The Graduate School application fee is $95 and nonrefundable, paid by credit or debit card.

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