Before you Apply
1-2 Years Before You Apply:
Gain some research experience as an undergraduate student – not only for a letter of reference from your supervisor, but because you should be able to answer “Yes!” when you ask yourself “Do I want to spend the next few years doing research?” Having done it, you’ll have a better-informed answer. Alternatively, gain some on-the-job or volunteer experience after you graduate.
Earn at least a 3.3 (of a possible 4.0) grade point average overall and in your last 60 credit hours in a degree program similar to the B.A. in Sociology at UCF for the master’s program; or a degree program similar to the M.A. in Sociology at UCF for the doctoral program.
Be able to obtain three strong letters of reference that can attest to your potential to excel as a graduate student, maturity, and ability to work well with others. Two of these letters should be written by people who have directly observed your work as a student, preferably while involved in research activities.
Within 1 Year Before You Apply:
Decide if you are interested in/qualified for a Ph.D., or Master’s (thesis or non-thesis option):
Ph.D. in Sociology is best for students who currently hold a Master’s degree in sociology or a related field, and are committed to a research-oriented career. This is the most selective of our graduate programs because it requires the most qualifications and because openings are most limited. You will take courses, but fewer than in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, and you will write a dissertation on your research. The department supports Ph.D. highly qualified students with assistantships, tuition waivers, and health insurance.
M.A. in Applied Sociology is appropriate for students with a Bachelor’s degree in sociology or related field, or Master’s degree in an unrelated field (e.g., humanities). The MA program prepares students for conducting research and applying these skills to assist agencies or non-profit organizations. It also prepares students for a Ph.D. You will take courses, but fewer than in a Bachelor’s degree, and you will either write a thesis on your research (thesis option) or take additional coursework on applied methods and take a comprehensive exam. The department supports some MA students with assistantships, tuition waivers, and health insurance.
M.A. in Applied Sociology-Domestic Violence track is appropriate for students with a Bachelor’s degree in sociology or related field, or Master’s degree in an unrelated field (e.g., humanities) who are interested in domestic violence. You will take additional coursework specifically focused on DV. Similar to the general MA program, the DV track prepares students for conducting research and applying these skills to assist agencies or non-profit organizations. It also prepares students for a Ph.D. You will take courses, but fewer than in a Bachelor’s degree, and you will either write a thesis on your research (thesis option) or take additional coursework on applied methods and take a comprehensive exam. The department supports some MA-DV students with assistantships, tuition waivers, and health insurance.
Get to know the department. Visit the campus, talk to the Graduate Coordinator, and learn more about the faculty by reading publications or making personal contact with those with whom you are interested in working.
As You Apply
Make sure that all the parts of your application are together. Besides completing the application (which includes a resume and other essentials), you will need to request each of the following be sent to UCF from others:
- Official transcripts for your undergraduate (and if applicable, M.A.) schools.
- Three letters of recommendation, including two from people who can attest to your academic skills.
- TOEFL scores, if applicable
If you have further questions after reading the above, please contact the Sociology Graduate Director Dr. Timothy Hawthorne at timothy.hawthorne@ucf.edu.
Your Application Must Include:
- College transcripts (GPA 3.0 or higher in last 60 hours)
- Three letters of recommendation, including at least two from academic sources familiar with the applicant’s academic abilities
- Personal statement of 250-500 words identifying areas of research interest, faculty with whom they would like to work with, and applicant’s academic and professional experiences and goals.
- Resume or CV
- Writing sample, at least 2,500 words and demonstrating the ability to complete advanced graduate work; Ph.D. applicants only
- Complete online application
IMPORTANT: Please note application deadlines, as the master’s program admits all year but the Ph.D. is a fall-only program.
Application Deadlines
| Sociology MA, Applied | Fall Priority | Fall | Spring | Summer |
| Domestic Applicants | Jan 15 | Jul 1 | Nov 1 | Apr 1 |
| International Applicants | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Jul 1 | Nov 1 |
| Sociology PhD | Fall Priority | Fall |
| Domestic Applicants | Jan 1 | Jan 1 |
| International Applicants | Jan 1 | Jan 1 |