The Ph.D. degree in Sociology prepares students for research and teaching careers in higher education and for research-based careers in both the public and private sectors. The program offers specializations in criminology and deviance, the sociology of health and mental health, social inequalities (race, class, gender), and social psychology.
Sociology - Ph.D. at Kent State University
University Rank:#1001
Sociology - Ph.D. at Kent State University
The Sociology - Ph.D. at Kent State 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 university's main campus in Kent , 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 August 25, 2027.
About Sociology - Ph.D.
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Demonstrate a practical understanding of sociological theory by using it to better understand social phenomena and human behavior, develop new theoretical arguments and pose and attempt to answer research questions.
- Demonstrate a practical understanding of research methods in sociology, including both quantitative methods (e.g., survey, experimental) and qualitative methods (e.g., participant observation, content analysis).
- Demonstrate a practical understanding of statistics in application to social research, including basic multivariate statistics (e.g., multiple regression) as well as advanced techniques (e.g., structural equation modeling).
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Sociology - Ph.D. at Kent State University
Entry Requirements
- Bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited college or university1 for unconditional admission
- Minimum 3.000 GPA on a 4.000 point scale for unconditional admission
- Official transcripts(s)
- GRE scores (taken within the last five years)
- Goal statement (1-2 pages), describing current academic interests, research interests, long-range career goals and how admission to the Department of Sociology at Kent State University will facilitate the achievement of these goals
- Three letters of recommendation from current/former professors who can adequately evaluate the applicant's past work and potential
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
- Minimum 587 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
- Minimum 94 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
- Minimum 82 MELAB score
- Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
- Minimum 65 PTE score
- Minimum 120 Duolingo English Test score
Admission to the Ph.D. degree is limited to students whose records clearly indicate both scholarly and research potential to do doctoral-level work. For more information about graduate admissions, please visit the Graduate Studies admission website. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education's admission website.
| 1 | Applications for admission are accepted from those who will have a completed baccalaureate or master's degree upon starting the program. It is limited to students whose records clearly indicate both scholarly and research potential to do doctoral-level work. |
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Demonstrate a practical understanding of sociological theory by using it to better understand social phenomena and human behavior, develop new theoretical arguments and pose and attempt to answer research questions.
- Demonstrate a practical understanding of research methods in sociology, including both quantitative methods (e.g., survey, experimental) and qualitative methods (e.g., participant observation, content analysis).
- Demonstrate a practical understanding of statistics in application to social research, including basic multivariate statistics (e.g., multiple regression) as well as advanced techniques (e.g., structural equation modeling).
English Requirements
- PTEMin 58
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
Submitting your English test score
When applying as an undergraduate or graduate student to Kent State, there are a variety of ways to submit your score depending on which type of test you took.
- Students should request that ETS send official TOEFL scores directly to Kent (institution code: 1367).
- An IELTS or PTE report needs to be uploaded as a scanned PDF into our online application system..
All English scores will be verified for authenticity. Students with fraudulent documents will result in denial of admission or immediate dismissal.
Proficiency Waivers
Depending on your educational background, you may be eligible for an English language proficiency waiver, meaning you do not need to take a language exam. See our country list and related requirements.
Tuition and Fee Information for Sociology - Ph.D. at Kent State University
1 Based on one academic year, two semesters for a full-time international student. Program and special course fees are additional.
2 Based on a standard double room and basic board plan. Other room types and board plans at different prices are available.
3 Based on the Student Health Insurance premium for one year. The United States does not have universal health care. For this reason, the university requires all international students to purchase the sponsored student health insurance plan. Under certain criteria, a student may request a waiver of this charge. Total is based on an estimated cost of the required books/supplies for each term and is subject to change each fall.
All international students are required to pay the $20 per semester International Student Activity Fee. The fee is assessed each semester to support the delivery of the various programs ISSS provides to its students.
Application Fee 70
How to Apply for Sociology - Ph.D. at Kent State University
Follow the steps below to become part of the Kent State community. If you have any questions, please reach out to us any time.
- Submit an Online Application and Fee
- Prepare Application Documents to Upload as You Apply
- Passport biographical page.
- English Language Proficiency official results report for IELTS, PTE or MELAB. TOEFL score should be submitted officially through ETS (Institution Code 1367).
- College transcript/detailed marksheets (Certified English translation and original language).
- College Graduation Certificate/Diploma if already issued (Certified English translation and original language).
- GRE/GMAT or other standardized tests if required (submit official test report through test center).
- Graduate assistantship application (if applicable).
- Assistantship application.
- Graduate assistantship applicants may need to meet earlier deadlines. Please check with department for deadlines.
- Additional documents if required. *Review requirements from individual department or school.
- Financial guarantee (bank statements) that show sufficient funds to cover educational expenses.*
- Kent State University Financial Information Worksheet.*
- *Financial documents are only required after acceptance.
- Upload All Required Documents to the Online Application System
For faster processing, all the documents should be uploaded in the online application system to complete the application.
- Check Your Application Status
- Apply for Immigration Documents (I-20)
- Transfer Your SEVIS record (If Applicable)
If you are an F-1 student transferring from a school in the United States, please review the Transfer In Guide regarding your SEVIS record transfer. F-1 students must transfer their SEVIS record in order to maintain their F-1 status.
- Provide Final and Official Documents After Arrival
For admissions purposes, we accept scanned documents of international credentials and scanned copies of official U.S. transcripts. When an applicant is admitted, his/her final and official transcripts and diploma should be brought to the International Admissions Office for verification. This should be done within the first semester (or the first module for ESL students). Otherwise, the student's account will be put on HOLD.
Sociology - Ph.D. at Kent State University
Kent State University
United States of America, Kent