For general graduate studies questions, please visit the UCF College of Graduate Studies FAQ page.
Prospective Students
Is a degree in Sociology required for admission to this program?
No. Many students come to the Sociology Masters and PhD program from diverse backgrounds such as political science, women’s studies, management, social work, psychology, and communication
Are students required to have a Master’s degree to be admitted into the doctoral program?
No. Our PhD program is a five-year program that allows students to earn both an M.A. in Applied Sociology and a Ph.D. in Sociology.
Do I need to take the GRE?
No. Effective Spring 2022, the Department of Sociology no longer requires the GRE for admissions.
What are the application requirements?
You can find our application requirements here.
What is the “statement of purpose”, how long should it be, what should I say?
A personal statement should be 250-500 words identifying areas of research interest as it connects to thematic areas of UCF Sociology, faculty with whom you would like to work, and describe your academic and professional experience and goals.
From whom should I request letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation should be requested from college or university professors who are familiar with your academic work and can speak to your qualifications for graduate study. If you have been out of college for some time, you may still reach out to former professors for letters of recommendation, as professors are accustomed to writing letters for former students. If you are unable to identify professors who can provide a recommendation, you may also request letters from professional references who can speak to your skills and qualifications.
Does your department offer application fee waivers?
While UCF does not provide application waivers for financial hardship, there are some categories that may qualify you for one. Please visit this link for more information on these categories: https://graduate.ucf.edu/applying-to-ucf/#complete-your-application (Found under the Complete Your Application step).
Who should I contact if I have questions about the application?
If you have Sociology specific questions, you can contact socadmissions@ucf.edu.
If you have general questions about the application or application portal, please contact gradadmissions@ucf.edu.
Is funding available?
The department offers a limited number of assistantships each year to the most qualified doctoral students. Assistantships can be either for teaching (GTA, or Graduate Teaching Assistantship) or research (GRA, or Graduate Research Assistantship). Both types include a tuition waiver and health insurance, although students are required to pay fees. UCF also offers fellowships (e.g., the Trustees) to highly qualified students. Students must be enrolled full-time to receive assistantships and most fellowships.
Doctoral students are typically awarded 5 years of funding, assuming they are making satisfactory progress.
What additional funding opportunities are available?
Here is a link to a list of merit-based fellowships that are offered through the UCF College of Graduate Studies: https://graduate.ucf.edu/fellowships/
Here is a link to a list of funding opportunities for qualified students: https://graduate.ucf.edu/other-funding-resources/
Here is a link for guidance on looking for fellowships or scholarships from external agencies or organizations: https://graduate.ucf.edu/seeking-fellowships/
Current Students
How do I pick an advisor?
When you enter the graduate program, the Graduate Director will be assigned as your adviser. As you meet faculty members, take courses in the department, and learn more about faculty research, you will have a better idea with whom you want to work, and you can reach out to them directly to establish the mentoring relationship.
Can credits taken outside the Sociology department be counted in my Program of Study?
Yes, with approval from the Graduate Director. You can fill out this form here for approval. You must get approval prior to enrolling in a course outside of the department.
Can credits taken outside the Sociology department be counted in my Program of Study?
Yes, with approval from the Graduate Director. For more information, you can reach out to socadmissions@ucf.edu.
Where can I find commonly used forms?
You can view the most commonly used graduate forms here.
How can I register for thesis/dissertation, research, internship or independent study hours?
You can find the information and form needed to register for these hours on the Restricted Registration Instructions page.
When should I take my qualifying exams?
You are able to take your qualifying exam once you have completed all your required core courses, required theory courses, required methods courses, and twelve credits in your primary area.
When am I able to take dissertation hours and advance to candidacy?
You advance to candidacy once you have successfully defended your dissertation proposal. You can then enroll in dissertation hours the following semester.
How do I apply for graduation?
You can find steps on how to file your intent to graduate .