Admissions

Applications for admission to the PhD program in Fall 2024 are due December 1, 2023. We do not accept applications at any other time.

Please be advised: In the interest of treating all applicants equally, the Sociology Department at Harvard University has a policy of not scheduling meetings between faculty and prospective doctoral students until admissions decisions have been made.

Please note, Harvard Sociology continues to require GRE scores for application review. Our application process as described on the website is accurate and reflects any COVID-related changes. 

GSAS does not accept scores from the TOEFL ITP Plus examination. This is because the TOEFL ITP Plus does not provide a robust assessment of the candidate’s proficiency in spoken English, which is one of the most critical components of our English proficiency requirement. Applicants unable to take the TOEFL IBT, IELTS or IELTS indicator exams may apply without these scores, and if programs recommend these applicants for admission, their admission will be provisional until they provide scores from one of the accepted tests that demonstrate the required level of English proficiency.

The following materials are required for application to the program. All materials must be submitted electronically. 

  • Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • GRE Scores
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Writing Sample
  • TOEFL Scores (for International applicants only; see note above)
  • CV or Resume
  • Application Fee

Visit the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for all detailed application information, deadlines, and forms.