PhD Sociology at Rice University

Programme overview

PhD Sociology is a doctoral degree programme at Rice University in Sociology (School of Social Sciences). Sociology is a branch of the social sciences that evolved in response to the revolutionary social changes of the 19th century, such as industrialization and urbanization, that ushered in the modern era. Sociology's founders explored how social relationships and interactions affect individuals and large-scale social institutions, including religion, government, and education. The degree totals 43 credit hours.

Faculty: School of Social Sciences | Department: Sociology | Study mode: full-time | Location: Houston, TX, United States

What you will study

A minimum of 90 credit hours to satisfy degree requirements The requirements listed in the General Announcements (GA) satisfy the minimum requirements for this degree program. In certain instances, courses (or requirements) not officially listed here may be sub

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Students are admitted on a competitive basis. Admitted students must have a Baccalaureate degree (BA or BS) or equivalent, a minimum 3.00 (B) GPA in undergraduate work, and the intent to complete a PhD in sociology. We consider GRE scores (optional; only considered if submitted), undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, writing samples, a personal essay, and professional experience when making admission decisions for the PhD program. We strongly encourage applications from women and minority groups. The Sociology department does not admit students seeking only a masters degree. The Master of Arts degree is earned as a student progresses toward the PhD. Students who currently hold a Master's Degree are welcome to apply. However, PhD students must complete four semesters of residency and coursework at Rice University.

USD 66,784 a year (2026-27). School of Social Sciences: Masters & PhD full-time tuition ($33,392 per semester) for the school's standard full-time master's and PhD programmes; estimate, excludes fees and health insurance. Reduced rate of $3,710 per year applies to continuing doctoral Source

Most doctoral applications for Fall 2027 close December 1, 2026 (Mechanical Engineering December 15, Computer Science January 1, 2027); applications open September 1, 2026 through the Rice graduate portal (gradapply.rice.edu). Application fee is generally $85, waived for some doctoral applicants.

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