The Department of Sociology offers a doctoral degree in sociology with a focus on social justice intended for students planning to pursue careers in a variety of professional fields including higher education, government, and law. Students entering the program must take courses and write a dissertation related to one of our four core fields: criminology, critical race & ethnic studies, environmental sociology, or political economy & globalization. Students are also required to complete study in a second area including one of our four areas, social theory, or statistics. The program is focused on critical inquiry that examines social phenomenon through a lens of power. Upon successful completion of this program, students should have an understanding of important theoretical concepts and methodological approaches to the study of sociology.

PhD in Sociology at University of Tennessee Knoxville
The Sociology at University of Tennessee Knoxville is a Full Time PhD program offered on the Knoxville campus in United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 4 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on August 23, 2027.
About PhD in Sociology
Disciplines
College of Arts and Sciences
Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Sociology at University of Tennessee Knoxville
Entry Requirements
- Applicants must have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency, recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEEA). A non-U.S. degree must be equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from the United States and must be granted by a recognized or accredited foreign institution.
- United States degree holders must have earned a minimum of 2.7 out of a possible 4.0 GPA or a minimum of 3.0 during the senior year of undergraduate study. If you have completed previous graduate coursework, you must have earned a minimum of 3.0 out of a possible 4.0 GPA.
- Applicants with non-U.S. degrees must have earned a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or other equivalent to a ‘B’ average. If you have completed previous graduate coursework, you must have earned a minimum of 3.3 out of a possible 4.0 GPA or other equivalent to a ‘B+’ average.
- Applicants may be required to submit standardized test scores, depending upon their program requirements.
- Applicants may be required to submit English language certification test scores.
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 80
Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Sociology at University of Tennessee Knoxville
Application Fee 60
How to Apply for PhD in Sociology at University of Tennessee Knoxville
- Please confirm the correct name of your graduate degree or certificate program by viewing our list of programs. This will ensure that you apply for the right program when you submit your application.
- Create your account on Slate, our online application system, and begin completing the admission application.
- Scan and upload copies of transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended.
- Upload degree certificates (if applicable).
- Upload departmental/program requirements as indicated in the online application system.
- Pay the $60 non-refundable application fee by credit/debit card.
PhD in Sociology at University of Tennessee Knoxville
University of Tennessee Knoxville
United States of America, Knoxville