Department of Sociology
Prospective Students FAQ
What is the deadline for applying to your graduate program?
December 31st to be considered for the full range of fellowships and assistantships.
February 15th to be considered for assistantships, but not fellowships.
Do you accept applications for spring admission?
No. We accept applications for the fall semester only.
Do you require the GRE? What about the GRE subject test?
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required. No subject test is required.
Are international students required to submit TOEFL scores? How about TSE scores?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam is required for international non-native speakers of English. Applicants must score 550 or higher on the paper-based test, 213 or higher on the computer-based test, or 77 or higher on the Internet-based test in order to be considered for admission. In addition, applicants who take the TOEFL iBT must achieve the following minimum test scores: reading, 19: listening, 14; speaking, 18; and writing, 18.
As an alternative to the TOEFL, applicants may submit International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores of 6.5 or higher.
The Test of Spoken English (TSE) is required for international non-native speakers of English who have not taken the TOEFL iBT.
What are the minimum GPA and GRE requirements?
The Graduate School requires a minimum 3.0 (“B”) average in undergraduate work for admission to a graduate program at Purdue.
There is no minimum GRE score required for admission.
What percentage of applicants are admitted to your program? What are my chances of being admitted?
The number of applicants varies from year to year, as does the percentage of applicants admitted to our program. The Graduate Committee evaluates each applicant in terms of potential for success in this department and potential for successful professional work in the field of sociology.
Applicants are encouraged to submit writing samples to supplement the required application materials. Applicants are also encouraged to identify in their personal statements the research interests or specializations that attract them to graduate study at Purdue. It is also helpful to identify, in your personal statement, particular faculty members in this department who share your research interests or with whom you might wish to study.
How much is graduate tuition at Purdue?
Contact the Bursar’s Office for current fee rates.
How do I apply for financial aid?
All applicants are automatically considered for departmental teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships. No additional application is needed.
Information regarding other funding opportunities at Purdue is available from the Graduate School.
For information on student loans, contact the Purdue Division of Financial Aid.
What are my chances of receiving a teaching assistantship?
The availability of teaching assistantships varies from year to year, but most admitted students are offered either a teaching assistantship, a fellowship, or, occasionally, a research assistantship.
What if I don’t have a bachelor’s degree in Sociology?
Applicants with a BA or BS in another field must have successfully completed a sociological theory course, a social statistics course, and a research methods course prior to admission.
Can I attend the Master’s program on a part-time basis?
Due to the highly structured nature of the Master’s program, part-time study is not recommended. Students receiving financial assistance from the department are expected to enroll full-time and to complete the Master’s degree within two academic years (four semesters).
Do I have to have a Master’s degree to apply to the doctoral program?
Students admitted to the PhD program must have completed an MA or MS in Sociology. Students with advanced degrees in related fields (e.g., family studies, law, gerontology, social work, theology, or applied sociology) will be considered for admission to the Master’s program.
Can I take graduate courses without being admitted to a degree program?
Students may apply for “postbaccalaureate” status. Please contact the Graduate Secretary for more information regarding postbaccalaureate study.
Where can I find information about faculty research?
Visit our Areas of Study page for links to research specialties at Purdue. For information about specific faculty members, or for faculty contact information, see our Faculty Directory.
Where can I find a list of graduate courses offered?
Visit the Purdue University Course Catalog. Scroll down to “SOC – Sociology” for a list of all departmental courses, or click on the link at the top of the page for the current semester’s course offerings.
What are my options for funding?
There are three types of funding sources available to all students:
Departmental funding: Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships provide tuition remission plus a monthly stipend.
Other funding sources at Purdue University: The Graduate School provides a comprehensive list of grants and fellowships available on campus. Students may also seek teaching assignments in other departments on campus or teach distance learning courses and evening classes for Purdue’s Office for Continuing Education.
External funding sources: Several of our students have received fellowships from the American Sociological Association (ASA). Other external agencies may also have fellowship or grant programs applicable to your research. Some Purdue students also teach courses at Ivy Tech Community College in Lafayette.
Current Students FAQ
When do I need to submit my plan of study?
Master’s students must have submitted a Plan of Study by the end of their third semester in the MS program. Failure to have an approved Plan of Study on file by the end of the third semester may delay graduation.
PhD students are encouraged to submit a POS by the end of their third semester in the PhD program. A POS for the PhD degree must by filed with the Graduate School prior to the submission of a request for the appointment of a preliminary examining committee.
How do I file a Plan of Study?
Log on to myPurdue, and under the “Academic” tab choose “Plan of Study Generator”, then follow the instructions to create a Plan of Study. Contact the Graduate Secretary if you need assistance.