Application Information

Although many of our graduate students come to us with a background in sociology, the department encourages students with academic backgrounds other than sociology to apply to the program as well. The Graduate Program Committee (GPC) reserves the right to require, upon admission, additional coursework that it deems necessary to make up any deficiencies in sociology.

Completed applications for admission and to be considered for funding (tuition scholarship, health care premium, and living stipend) must be received by January 15th for admission to graduate study for that year's fall semester. For students who have their own funding sources, applications will be reviewed until April 1. The application fee for graduate study at the University of Cincinnati is currently $65 for domestic applicants and $70 for international applicants. Except under specific circumstances, the Graduate College does not grant application fee waivers.

When you are ready, complete an on-line application!

Application Review Criteria

To be considered for admission, all applicants must submit the first five items; international applicants must submit all six. Applicants do not need to secure the approval of a faculty member to apply—all admissions decisions are handled by a centralized committee, so you should not contact faculty to ask them to sponsor you.

Students must submit transcripts from all undergraduate work and, if applicable, from graduate programs. The university requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, but this can be waived if the Department and Graduate School agree.

Students must submit a current resume or CV.

In this document students should explain why they have decided to pursue graduate education in sociology and also address how their interests fit with those of department faculty.

Applicants should provide a sample of their best academic writing, such as a master’s or undergraduate thesis or a course paper.

Applicants should submit three letters from individuals familiar with their ability to carry out graduate-level academic work.

The University of Cincinnati requires evidence of competence in the English language for students who (1) are applying from countries where English is not a national language, and (2) do not have a post-secondary degree from an English-speaking college or university.

The following exams and minimum scores are accepted as proof of English proficiency:

• TOEFL: minimum score of 80 iBT
  • In-person and at-home (online) exam scores accepted. TOEFL Essentials and My Best Test scores are not accepted. 
• IELTS: minimum score of 6.5 overall band 
  • In-person and at-home (online) exam scores accepted. One Skill Retake is not accepted.
• Duolingo (DET): minimum score of 110
• PTE: minimum score of 54

Find more information at the Graduate Admissions English Language Requirements. Please note that Sociology does not have higher minimum test scores then required by the University.