
The Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology is a PhD degree offered by Washington State University on the Pullman campus in United States of America. The program is delivered on campus as a Full Time course in English and requires approximately 6 years to complete. Students study at the Pullman campus while gaining the knowledge and practical experience expected for this area of study. The next intake is available from October 1, 2026.
About Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology
All graduates will be able to:
- To enable students to conduct original, empirical research the program aims to provide a variety of experiences, inside and outside of the classroom, that help students to:
- Formulate an important, viable sociological research question within their field of expertise, including situating that research question within the relevant literature.
- Collect or identify data from which to draw conclusions about the research question.
- Apply appropriate research methods to sociological questions and describe the research methods accurately.
- Appropriately analyze research data and present results in a clear, concise manner.
- Draw conclusions about the research questions in a way that effectively locates the conclusions in the larger body of knowledge.
- Draw implications about sociological knowledge from research findings.
- To prepare students to contribute to scholarly dialogue about their area of expertise, the program aims to provide a variety of experiences that help students to:
- Present their research at local, regional, national, and international professional conferences and symposia.
- Present research to broader audiences through publication in professional, peer-reviewed journals.
- Develop a comprehensive knowledge of past and current research in their field of expertise and demonstrate that knowledge in a timed writing situation.
- To train students to communicate sociological knowledge to relevant audiences, the program aims to provide a variety of experiences that help students to:
- Broaden their professional foundation through undergraduate teaching.
- Place students in positions in academia, government, and the private sector (job placement statistics).
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology at Washington State University
Entry Requirements
Applicants must submit a statement of purpose, a writing sample and obtain three letters of recommendation.
Career Opportunities after Completing Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology
Academic appointments at colleges and universities, research positions with government agencies or private research organizations.
Research positions in the following organizations:
Anchorage Justice Center, Anchorage, Alaska
International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan
Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
Pew Research Center, Washington, DC
Research-Into-Action, Portland, OR
Tennessee Environmental Protection Agency
University of Utah, Salt Lake City
U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, Montpelier, VT
Tenure-track positions in the following institutions:
Albright College
Buena Vista University
California State University, Channel Islands
California State University, Fresno
California State University, Fullerton
California State University, San Bernardino
Central Washington University
College of Charleston
Eastern Connecticut State University
Eastern Washington University
Fresno Pacific University
Hashemite University
Humboldt State University
Iowa State University
Luther College
Michigan State University
Minnesota State University
New Mexico State University
North Dakota State University
Ohio University
Oregon State University
Pittsburg State University
Radford University
Royal Roads University
Southern Methodist University
St. Edward's University
Texas Christian University
Texas State University, San Marcos
University of Alabama – Huntsville
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
University of Idaho
University of Montana
University of Nebraska
University of Nevada Las Vegas
University of North Dakota
University of North Texas-Dallas
University of Oregon
University of Portland
University of Richmond
University of Tennessee
University of Texas, El Paso
University of Western Alabama
Upper Iowa University
Wayne State University
Tuition and Fee Information for Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology at Washington State University
How to Apply for Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology at Washington State University
Gather Your Documents
Check the admission requirements for information about academic standards and required documents.
Your application for admission must include:
- Official transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Copy of your passport identification page or national identity card
Get the admission application and other necessary forms.
Prepare Your Information
You will want to prepare some information before beginning your online application.
- Be ready to answer questions about your anticipated visa status
- Be ready to tell us how you meet the language proficiency requirement (through an English proficiency exam score or an exam waiver)
You may upload electronic copies of your documents when you submit your application online. If you upload transcripts they will be considered unofficial. It is best to send transcripts separately after you submit your application.
Complete the Application and Submit Documents
To complete the application and submit it for our review you will need to pay the $70 application fee by credit card or wire transfer. If you have questions about paying this fee please contact us.
If you do not wish to upload documents into the application, or do not have them ready to upload and submit, you may mail or email them to the International Undergraduate Admissions Office when you submit your application.
Office of International Programs
International Undergraduate Admissions
Kruegel Hall
PO Box 643251
Pullman, WA 99164-3251
USA
[email protected]

United States of America, Pullman