Graduate FAQI am interested in a specific area (or areas) of study. Is NYU's Sociology program an appropriate place for me?
NYU's Department of Sociology emphasizes both theoretical scholarship and substantive empirical research. It encourages a range of different analytic perspectives and is strong in both quantitative and qualitative methods. The graduate program complements contemporary American research -- including that focused on New York City -- with international and historical studies. Among its areas of strength are gender studies; political sociology, including social movements and social policy; crime, law and deviance; organizations and economy; culture; urban sociology; education; and social inequality. If your primary areas of interest fall within these broad categories, NYU would be an excellent place for you to do graduate work in sociology. Another way you might examine this issue is by looking at the written work and areas of interest listed by our faculty on the webpage.
Is it feasible for me to apply directly to the Ph.D. program with my B.A.?
Yes. This is the situation of most applicants. We do not require that you have previously earned a Master's Degree or even that you have a background in sociology. We are interested in finding the most talented candidates who fit well with our strengths as a department and will excel here.
Do you offer a Master's Degree?
The NYU Department of Sociology does not offer an M.A. program. We accept only applicants for Ph.D.
I have not taken any courses in sociology. Are my qualifications enough to meet the requirements of your program?
It is not particularly important whether you have taken sociology courses before applying. We evaluate each student's application according to their (1) GRE scores, (2) grades, (3) letters of recommendation, (4) statement of purpose, and, if applicable, (5) any work or research experiences that seem like a good preparation for graduate training in sociology. If you are strong in most of these categories and IF we think there is a strong fit between your interests and our strengths as a department, then your application will be competitive.
Will my application be automatically rejected if my GRE scores fall below a certain level?
No. We have no "cut off" level for GRE scores. We weigh the merits of each application on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the factors noted in the answer to the previous question. Obviously, strong GRE scores will make your application more competitive, but they alone do not guarantee admission, nor does any particular GRE score result in an automatic denial of admission.
I definitely need financial assistance. How is financial aid awarded?
The NYU department of Sociology only accepts students who we can fully fund for a minimum of five years. The funding generally covers full tuition plus a stipend, which varies from year to year. This is accomplished through a combination of fellowships and teaching assistantships.
I am a foreign student, am I still eligible for financial aid?
All students who are accepted to the sociology department receive financial aid, regardless of nationality.
How many students are admitted to the program each year?
The amount of students admitted every year varies, but generally we admit approximately 20-25 students in an effort to have an entering cohort of approximately 8-10 students.
How many people apply?
In 2007 we received approximately 350 applications.
How do I schedule an interview?
We do not schedule interviews for prospective graduate students. Students are welcome, however to contact any faculty members with whom they share an area of interest. Please see the Faculty section of our website to view faculty areas of interest and email addresses. What is the school code for application to NYU's sociology department?
The school code is 2596. What is the application deadline for Fall 2008?
The deadline is January, 4 2008. When can I expect to hear back about my application for Fall 2008?
The graduate admissions department expects to mail out decisions by mid-March. What are the program-specific requirements for sociology?
GRE and TOEFL: GRE general test required. TOEFL required of all applicants who are not native English speakers (see Test Score Requirements on page 1).
Writing Sample: A writing sample is required. It should demonstrate the applicant's ability to construct a coherent argument and could be either a paper for an undergraduate class or a publication. It is preferable that the sample be 5-20 pages long and double-spaced. |
