PhD Sociology at University of Virginia

Programme overview

PhD-only programme (no standalone MA) with small cohorts of about six students per year, intensive seminars and individualized advising.

Faculty: Graduate School of Arts & Sciences | Department: Sociology | Study mode: full-time | Location: Charlottesville, VA, United States

What you will study

Sociological theory, qualitative and quantitative methods, culture and identity, economic sociology, race, ethnicity and immigration, organizations, stratification and inequality, religion and civil society, networks, and science and technology in society.

Career pathways

University professor, social science researcher, policy or research analyst, program evaluator, industry researcher.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (all programmes): online application with a 500-1,000 word statement of purpose, unofficial transcripts of all postsecondary work, minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, two letters of recommendation (programmes may require more), and an $85 non-refundable application fee. International applicants whose undergraduate degree was not earned entirely in English submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test scores: TOEFL iBT 90 overall (22 speaking, 22 writing, 23 reading, 23 listening) for tests taken before 1/21/26, IELTS 7.0 in each section, Duolingo 130 overall; committees may still consider scores below these minimums. GRE is required for Sociology. A writing sample is required for Sociology. PhD application deadline: January 15.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Application fees (2026-27): undergraduate $75; Graduate School of Arts & Sciences $85; Architecture $80; Batten graduate $75; Darden non-PhD $250, Darden PhD $100; Data Science $85; Education and Human Development $65; Law $85; McIntire graduate $85; Medicine $80; Nursing $88; SCPS $70; Graduate Engineering no fee.

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