Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I submit my application?
http://www.utexas.edu/ogs/admissions/howtous.html
Do you accept applications or recommendation letters by mail, e-mail, or fax?
No.
Is there a separate application for Teaching Assistant positions, the Population Research Center, or the Center for Criminology and Criminal Justice Research?
No.
Should I apply if I am only seeking a master's degree?
UT-Sociology currently does not admit students who do not plan to seek a doctoral degree/PhD with us. We currently do not offer a terminal master's degree in Sociology.
Can the GRE be waived?
No.
What is the minimum required score?
There is no minimum score required.
Do you count the Writing or Analytical section of the GRE?
No.
My scores aren't so good. Should I still apply?
Yes.
Do I have to take the GRE Subject test in Sociology?
No.
Does UT accept old GRE scores?
Your scores must be 5 years old or less.
I'm taking the GRE a few weeks before/after the application deadline. Will my application still be considered?
The application deadline is December 1. Please do everything possible to ensure that all of your application materials are submitted online through the GIAC system by then.
Can the TOEFL/IELTS be waived?
The TOEFL/IELTS can be waived if you possess a U.S. (or English-only country) Bachelor's degree. Info for TOEFL/IELTS as well as other tests is at http://www.utexas.edu/ogs/admissions/test_scores.html which gives information about fee waivers, etc.
I'm taking the TOEFL/IELTS a few weeks before/after the application deadline. Will my application still be considered?
The application deadline is December 1. Please do everything possible to ensure that all of your application materials are submitted online through the GIAC system by then.
GIAC says that if my GRE Verbal score is high enough, I don't have to take the TOEFL/IELTS. Is that true? The Department of Sociology requires all international students to submit valid TOEFL/IELTS scores. We do not make exceptions for certain scores of the verbal section of the GRE.
I submitted most of my application online before the deadline, but I know a few items are still missing. Will it be considered?
No.
When should I expect to hear back from you?
Acceptance letters should go out by early March.
Can I call to get my application decision?
No. We can only give admissions information to the applicant, and there is no way to verify your identity via phone.
Can I apply to the Sociology department via the internet?
Yes, applications are now completely online at http://www.utexas.edu/ogs/admissions/howtous.html.
What is the Average GPA of your incoming class? What are the average GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores?
GPA: 3.68 (junior-level, senior-level, and graduate work only.)
GRE: 1231 (584 Verbal, 647 Quantitative), pre-Aug 2011; 310 (159 Verbal, 151 Quantative), post-Aug 2011.
TOEFL: 624 paper, 263 computer.
What do the online application materials consist of?
See Instructions.
I want to work in counseling, the corrections system, law enforcement, social work, or for the FBI, DEA, or CIA. Is this the program for me?
No.
What degrees and concentrations do you offer?
Our department currently offers a non-terminal Master's and a Ph.D. in Sociology. Areas of concentration are: Crime, Law and Deviance, Demography, Development, Education, Family, Gender, Health, Social Organizations, Political, Race & Ethnic Relations, Religion, and Theory.
I see you have several specialities I can choose from. Can I only pick one? Am I "stuck" once I commit to a specialty?
We encourage our students to combine several areas of sociology in their research. You will be free to follow your research interests wherever they lead.
Do you offer degrees in: Social Work?
No, see UT School of Social Work
Do you offer degrees in: Public Health?
No, see UT Health Science Center (Houston)
Why don't you send paper applications anymore?
Paper applications are expensive, heavy, time-consuming, and not as secure to produce. Also, we are able to put far more information onto the website than we can into a brochure.
Can you evaluate my chances for admission? My GRE scores are...my GPA is...and my major is...
No. We do not evaluate applicants until they have submitted a complete application, including the application fee.
My Bachelor's degree is not in Sociology. Can I still be admitted into your department?
Yes. Many of our current students have degrees in other areas.
Is financial assistance available for international students?
Yes, but more limited.
What is the GRE/TOEFL code for the UT graduate sociology program?
School code: 6882. GRE major code: 2102; TOEFL major code: 96.
Can I defer payment of the application fee until admission or entrance into the program?
Contact GIAC. http://www.utexas.edu/office/giac
What percentage of incoming students receive funding?
100%.
What sources fund your graduate program?
The College of Liberal Arts, the Graduate School, the Population Research Center, the Center for Criminology and Criminal Justice Research, individual faculty grants, federal government grants, incl. NSF, NICHD, and DOJ, private foundations, incl. Mellon, Ford, and Lily, the State of Texas, and other University of Texas centers, departments, and schools. Students also find funding at other universities and colleges, local, state, and federal government agencies, and with private, non-academic organizations.
What is the age range / average age of your student population?
Range: 21-50. Average: 25
Is your department child and family friendly?
Yes, very much so. Many faculty, staff, and students have children.
What percentage of applicants get admitted?
Roughly 15%.
What's the deadline?
December 1.
I have a Bachelor's degree. Can I apply directly to the Ph.D. program, or do I need to get a Master's degree first?
You can apply to the program with an undergraduate degree, earning your Master's degree in the course of the Doctoral program of work. If you have a Master's degree, you will be encouraged to submit course waiver requests to the Graduate Advisor. While most of our students have their degrees in Sociology, we have a number who enter the program with degrees in other fields.
What's most important to the Admissions Committee? GRE scores, GPA, or publications?
The committee considers each applicant as a whole student. No decisions are based solely on GRE scores, GPA, or any other individual factor. There is no one part of the application considered more important than any other part.
