Program Introduction

• Crime, Law, and Deviance
• Culture, Knowledge, and Identities
• Data, Technology, and Digital Sociology
• Environment, Social Movements, and Work
• Health, Community Well-Being, and Social Welfare

Students earning an MS in Sociology gain the necessary background for doctoral work or careers in applied settings, such as business, federal or state government, and social services. Doctoral students establish their own programs of study, engage in independent research, teach undergraduate classes, present papers at professional meetings, publish in scholarly venues, and gain the skills necessary for careers in academia, government, or public policy.Learn more at sociology.vt.edu!

**The application deadline is January 15th.**

In addition to the admission standards prescribed by the Graduate School, students requesting admittance to an advanced degree program in sociology must meet the following requirements: 

• A Bachelor's degree or a master's degree from an accredited institution;  
• Three letters of recommendation, preferably from former professors;  
• A written statement describing research goals, relevant experience, and motivations for pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in Sociology at Virginia Tech;  
• A writing sample;  
• A "B" overall grade point average (3.0 on a 4 point system) in all Sociology courses previously taken; 
• Applicants for the master's program are  also expected to have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25 (out of 4.0) for the last two (2) years of undergraduate study; 
• The GRE is no longer required but is still recommended.

International students must have TOEFL scores that meet the criteria set by the graduate school.

All students admitted are admitted on a full-time basis in the Fall of each academic year. 

Students with a masters degree in a non-sociology program who intend on applying to our doctoral program should consult with the Director of Graduate Studies (dgssociology@vt.edu) prior to submitting their application. Typically, we recommend that students with minimal background in Sociology at the graduate level enter the MS program, as to allow them sufficient time to complete required coursework.

Those wishing to pursue the MS/PhD track with SOC@VT should apply to the MS program. With satisfactory progress towards their thesis, they can request funding to continue into the doctoral program by January 15th of their second year. Although the MS/PhD track can be completed in 5 years, the department provides funding for a total of 6 years (2 years for MS and 4 years for PhD) for those who maintain satisfactory progress throughout their enrollment in our graduate programs. 

Up to 24 credit hours of previous coursework may be transferred in to meet doctoral program requirements and electives. The department also allows for certain requirements to be bypassed if previous coursework indicates a student’s command of applicable topics. Students must apply before having previous coursework evaluated for transfer or considered for bypassing program requirements. 

Each year the department awards competitive assistantships, including a stipend for the academic year and full tuition remission. The typical practice is to award admitted students with funding for the standard time to completion for their degree (2 years for MS and 4 years for PhD). However, funding may also be awarded on a provisional basis at the discretion of the Sociology Graduate Committee. 

The University also provides a health insurance subsidy for graduate students. For more information on the health insurance benefit, please click here.