PhD in Sociology at Harvard University

Harvard University

United States of America, Cambridge

University Rank:#5

The Sociology at Harvard University is a PhD program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the HARVARD UNIVERSITY campus in Cambridge , United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 4 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on September 5, 2027.

About PhD in Sociology

This program, one of the top three sociology programs in the world, provides students with the tools to answer intellectual questions relating to the distribution of resources in society and to social organization. Our faculty encourages you to become a creative, independent researcher. During your graduate career, you will read broadly across fields and generate work that is theoretically, empirically, and analytically rigorous. The program provides advanced training in quantitative and qualitative research methods, as well as mixed methods.

Students in the program have conducted research on a variety of projects, including investigating food insecurity in Atlanta, the social effects of climate change, and community policing in a public housing project.

The program has an excellent placement record with graduates securing faculty positions at institutions such as Stanford University, Yale School of Management, Harvard Business School, University of Chicago, and University of Toronto. Others have gone on to non-academic careers at organizations such as The Urban Institute, Abt Associates, and Facebook.

Related Programs

Students considering the PhD program in sociology may also be interested in the PhD programs in Sociology and Social Policy or Organizational Behavior, both of which are offered jointly with the Department of Sociology. Students who wish to apply to one of these programs in addition to the PhD program in sociology may do so.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Sociology and requirements for the degree are detailed in GSAS Policies.

Disciplines

School of Arts & Sciences

Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Sociology at Harvard University

Entry Requirements

Your degree program will note one of three options regarding submission of scores for the GRE General Test (GSAS also accepts scores from the GRE General Test at Home).

Required: You must submit GRE General Test results.
Optional: You may submit GRE General Test results if you wish.
Not Accepted: Do not submit GRE General Test results. GRE General Test scores will not be considered when applications are reviewed.

Sending GRE Scores

When taking the GRE, you will have an opportunity to request that your scores be sent to your academic institutions of choice. Be sure to select Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, as each Harvard admissions office has its own ETS school code. To ensure that your scores are matched to your applicant record, the First Name, Last Name, and Date of Birth on your test score report must match the information you enter in the GSAS Applicant Portal. GRE score reports must be sent to GSAS by the application deadline.

Use ETS code 3451 to send GRE scores to Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (department code is not required).
GRE tests must be taken within five years of your expected date of matriculation. If you are applying for fall 2023 admission, you must submit scores from tests taken no earlier than September 1, 2018.
An official score report from Educational Testing Service (ETS) to Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is required. If you have personal score reports from tests taken within the valid period (as described above), you can upload them to your application in addition to requesting that your scores be sent.

Some degree programs also require GRE Subject Tests. Visit your degree program page of interest for more information.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 80

Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Sociology at Harvard University

Application Fee 105

How to Apply for PhD in Sociology at Harvard University

STEP 1: CHOOSE A PROGRAM

GSAS offers master’s and PhD degrees in programs based in the arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering and applied sciences. Many programs also allow a student to conduct more focused research by choosing an area of study. Review the programs on offer to decide which best meets your academic goals.

STEP 2: MAKE A NOTE OF THE APPLICATION DEADLINE

Application deadlines vary by program and are noted on the program page.

STEP 3: Review the STANDARDIZED TESTS requirements

Programs may require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test or subject test scores. Applicants who are non-native English speakers may be required to demonstrate English proficiency by submitting scores from an English Language test (TOEFL or IELTS). Review the admissions policy on English Proficiency for more information. Be sure to register early for required tests.

STEP 4: COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION BY THE DEADLINE

The online application becomes available in September. The application and all components are due by 5:00 p.m., eastern time, on the deadline date.

PhD in Sociology at Harvard University

Harvard University

United States of America, Cambridge