BA Sociology at Stanford University

Programme overview

Sociology seeks to understand all aspects of human social behavior, including the behavior of individuals as well as the social dynamics of small groups, large organizations, communities, institutions, and entire societies. Sociologists are typically motivated both by the desire to understand the principles of social life better and by the conviction that understanding these principles may aid in formulating enlightened and effective social policy. Sociology provides an intellectual background for students considering careers in the professions or business.

Faculty: School of Humanities and Sciences | Department: Sociology | Duration: 60 units in the programme; 180 minimum university units | Study mode: full-time | Location: Stanford, CA, United States

What you will study

Programme load is 60 units in the programme and 180 minimum university units. Requirements are organised into: Core Program Requirements; Electives; Writing in the Major (WIM); Capstone; Honors; Data Science, Markets and Management Subplan.

Career pathways

Sociology provides an intellectual background for students considering careers in the professions or business. The department organizes its courses by areas of study to assist students in tailoring their education and research to their academic interests and career goals.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to Stanford University, not to a major: first-year applicants apply through the Common Application with ACT or SAT scores, the School Report and counselor recommendation, official transcripts and letters of recommendation from two academic teachers (Restrictive Early Action deadline November 1; Regular Decision deadline January 5). Majors are declared after enrolment; no separate programme application. Programme-specific prerequisites are listed in the requirements of the major.

USD 67,731 a year (2026-27). Undergraduate full-time tuition for Autumn, Winter and Spring quarters combined; a single undergraduate rate applies to all undergraduate majors and is stated for all students. Excludes student fees, housing and food, books and personal expenses. The unde Source

Tuition is charged for Autumn, Winter and Spring quarters (Summer quarter also billed separately). Graduate programmes such as PhD and Master's in Computer Science admit for Autumn entry only; Education PhD and Master's programmes begin September 20, 2027.

First-year applicants apply through the Common Application. Restrictive Early Action deadline is October 15 with an optional arts portfolio or November 1 for the standard application, with decisions by mid-December. Regular Decision deadline is December 5 with an optional arts portfolio or January 5 for the standard application, with decisions by early April. The reply date is May 1. The application fee is $100, nonrefundable, or a fee waiver request. ACT or SAT scores are required.

Transfer applicants apply through the Common Application by March 15, with decisions by mid-May. The application fee is $100 or a fee waiver request, and ACT or SAT scores are required.

ACT or SAT scores are required for first-year applicants, with no minimum score; Stanford has no preferred exam.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.stanford.edu/apply/first-year/

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