University of Kentucky campus

Arts & Humanities

PhD Sociology at University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky, United States

Programme overview

The Ph.D. in Sociology program admits students post bachelor's degree. A master’s degree is awarded in progress toward the PhD.

Faculty: College of Arts and Sciences  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Intake: Fall  |  Location: Lexington, KY, United States

What you will study

Areas of focus in the Sociology PhD program Crime, Law, and Deviance: Faculty in this area engage in sociologically informed research on crime-related issues, such as juvenile delinquency, international criminology, gun control, human trafficking, prisoner re-entry, recidivism, substance use, and violence against women. They serve in leadership roles in related professional organizations, including the American Sociological Society, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, and the American Society of Criminology.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Programme-specific requirements: New full-time students are admitted only for the fall semester. All application materials, including letters of recommendations and required test scores, must be received by December 1 for consideration for the following fall semester. Admission and funding decisions are announced by March. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are no longer required for admission. International students must submit English language scores. Please see the University of Kentucky Graduate School website about minimum scores for various tests. Materials required for Application Statement of purpose: There is no required length for the personal statement. They are typically 1.5-2 pages long. It is important that you demonstrate a clear understanding of the purpose of a PhD, your research interests, and your career goals. You also want to be sure that your research interests fit well with the expertise of our faculty. Writing sample: A seminar paper or thesis is acceptable. Undergraduate/graduate transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the initial application review. TOEFL/IELTS scores: See the Graduate School website for up-to-date information on the language requirement. Curriculum vita or resume Three recommendation letters Graduate School requirements apply (not programme-specific): see the Graduate School admission requirements.

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 applicants apply online through The Graduate School application system; deadlines and supplemental materials are set by each programme page. Minimum undergraduate GPA 2.75, minimum graduate GPA 3.0, and 2.5 for graduate certificate applicants (programmes may require more).

Apply through the official page: https://academics.uky.edu/apply

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