Graduate Programs

The Department of Sociology has developed an exciting program of studies at the graduate level, built on our faculty's research interests and their commitment to excellence.

Students and faculty engage in extensive collaboration in research and teaching, and there is close mentoring of students. Financial support to cover tuition and living costs is available to almost all continuing doctoral students and includes teaching and research assistantships, as well as University and departmental fellowships and traineeships. Areas of specialization within sociology cover a wide spectrum of interests among faculty. Research and teaching collaboration between sociology and other departments, programs, and institutes within Brown enriches the curricular offerings.

Additional Resources

Social Science Research Laboratory (SSRL) containing state–of–the–art facilities for data analysis and research support; close ties with the Center for Gerontology and Health Care Research, Development Studies, the Initiative in Spatial Structures in the Social Sciences (S4), the Population Studies and Training Center, the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Public Policy and American Institutions, and the Watson Institute for International Studies.

Application Information

Application Requirements

GRE Subject:

Not required

GRE General:

Optional

Official Transcripts:

At the application stage, unofficial transcripts are sufficient

Letters of Recommendations:

Required, at least three letters, though we accept up to five

Writing Sample:

Required (typically 25-30 pages, double spaced)

Personal Statement:

Required. Should not be longer than two (2) pages in length, single spaced.

Dates/Deadlines

Application Deadline

Completion Requirements

Three years of graduate study, including courses in sociological theory and methods, multivariate analysis, research design, and measurement; MA thesis; two semesters of teaching; preliminary examination in two areas of specialization approved by faculty and the graduate committee of the department; courses and areas of specialization outside department acceptable with prior approval of the graduate committee; dissertation; and oral defense.

Alumni Careers

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Leadership

Department Chair
Sandra Barnes
Director of Graduate Studies
Emily Rauscher

Contact and Location

Department of Sociology

Mailing Address

Brown University
Box 1916
Visit the Department of Sociology

Resources