Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a separate application for Teaching Assistant positions, the Population Research Center, or the Center for Criminology and Criminal Justice Research?
No.
Can the GRE be waived?
No.
What is the minimum required score?
There is no minimum score required.
Do you count the 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 less than 5 years old.
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 received 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.
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 received 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 sent most of my application in 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?
Partially - you can apply to the University via the internet and submit supplementary materials to the Sociology Department on paper.
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).
TOEFL: 624 paper, 263 computer.
What do I need to send and where?
STEP 1. Materials submitted to:
Graduate and International Admissions Center (directly by your institutions or online; it is the applicant's responsibility to confirm with GIAC that they have received the materials.)
1. Application for admission
2. Application fee (non-refundable)--$50.00 for U.S. applicants; $75.00 for International applicants
3. Official transcripts from all senior colleges and universities attended
4. Official GRE scores
5. Official TOEFL/IELTS scores (International applicants only)
STEP 2. Materials submitted to:
Graduate Admissions
Department of Sociology
The University of Texas at Austin
1 University Station A1700
Austin, Texas 78712-0118, USA
FOR UPS/FEDEX/DHL:
Graduate Admissions
Department of Sociology
University of Texas at Austin
Burdine Hall 536
Austin, Texas 78712
1. Three letters of recommendation (please collect the letters and include them in your packet to the Sociology Department. Have the recommender sign over the seal of the envelope to show that the letter is confidential)
2. A copy of all materials submitted to GIAC including: transcripts, printed application, GRE scores and TOEFL/IELTS scores if appropriate. Photocopies are acceptable. No emailed or faxed applications will be accepted
3. Statement of purpose, no longer than 3 pages double-spaced (Cover form)
4. Writing sample (please send one 10-20 page double-spaced academic, sociological writing sample that you have written in English. Please do not send anything over the page limit, including entire theses.)
5. Curriculum Vitae or resume
All documents are due to the proper destinations by December 1, 2009, for the 2010 school year. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Early applications are strongly recommended.
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 offers a 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, and time-consuming to produce. The Graduate Admissions Coordinator needs to spend more time answering questions instead of printing applications. 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 Admissions code for the graduate sociology program? 691700 or L91700?
691700. GRE code: 6882
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: 21-63. 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.
