About the Academic Program
How long does it take to complete the doctoral program?
The median time to completion at Steinhardt is 6.7 years, and most Sociology of Education PhD students tend to finish in 5-7 years.
How long does it take to complete the course work part of the degree?
Students who enter with a related MA degree typically complete the 48 credits of required course work in 2-3 years. Students working towards completing 65 credits may take 3-4 years, depending on full- or part-time status, and depending on whether summer courses are being taken to complete some program requirements.
Is funding available?
All admitted full-time PhD students receive a multi-year funding package that includes an annual stipend, tuition remission for required coursework, and student health insurance through the fifth year. See the Paying for your Education website for more details. More information about the funding package is provided at the time of admission.
Do you offer online courses?
We do not currently or plan to offer courses online.
Do you offer summer courses?
Core classes are not typically offered during the summer semester. Each summer term, Steinhardt offers a limited number of elective courses. With careful planning with your advisor, you can fulfill certain program requirements during the summer.
Do you offer job placement assistance after graduation?
NYU's Wasserman Career Center provides assistance to all graduate students and alumni from NYU Steinhardt. Students also work closely with their advisors for post-graduation job support.
About Visiting Campus, Information Sessions, and Getting More Information
What events can I attend or how can I meet with faculty and advisors?
Each Fall we host an online information session where prospective students can meet faculty and advisors in the program. Current students are also invited to the information session to help answer questions.
Is it possible to have a campus tour?
NYU offers a self-guided audio walking tour of the University’s campus and a virtual tour from the outside of our buildings around Washington Square Park in New York City. Interior tours are not available due to security restrictions. The self-guided campus tour will give you a peek at what it’s like to live and learn in New York City. Hear real student stories, see our residence and dining halls up close, check out state-of-the-art learning spaces, and so much more!
Is an interview required?
No, an interview is not a required part of the application to the program. Due to an overwhelming number of requests, and to keep our responses equitable, we do not schedule individual meetings with prospective students.
I cannot attend the virtual information session. How can I find out more?
The virtual information session is recorded each fall. Reach out to us steinhardt.socofed@nyu.edu to request the link to the recording.
Can I reach out to current students to ask them about their research interests and experiences in the program?
Absolutely! Most of our current doctoral students have a profile on our website. They would be happy to chat with you about the program!
About Admissions
What is the deadline for applying to the PhD program in Sociology of Education?
December 1.
Where can I find the application?
See the Application Guide for the PhD in Sociology of Education. Scroll down to “Step 2. Apply” and you will see a button to start your application. (The button is only visible when we are actively accepting applications.)
Are there different admissions requirements for international students?
Yes. Detailed Special Instructions for International Applicants are available in the Graduate Admissions Guide.
What are the English proficiency exam requirements for international students?
Applicants whose first language is not English are required to take one of the following English proficiency exams and submit the score: TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic. See more information on English proficiency testing.
What is the criteria to waive the English proficiency exam requirement?
You do not have to submit an English language exam score if:
- Your native language is English
- You completed four years of study in the US (undergraduate, graduate, or a combination of both undergraduate and graduate study)
- You received the equivalent of a four year college education from a non-US school where English is the only and official language of instruction
Is the GRE required?
The GRE is not required, nor will it be reviewed, as part of our application process.
Is an MA required to apply for a PhD?
No, an MA is not required.
What is the GPA requirement?
Successful candidates for admission will demonstrate a strong record of academic achievement at the undergraduate level and from any previous graduate-level coursework from accredited institutions (although previous graduate coursework is not required). Students with anomalies in their academic records should consider addressing this in their statement of purpose. The admissions committee also looks carefully at your entire transcript, not just the overall GPA; we review what kinds of courses you completed and your grades over time.
I do not have a background in education or sociology - am I still eligible to apply to this program?
Yes, absolutely. Students from a variety of academic backgrounds and majors are encouraged to apply.
Do I need to submit letters of recommendation?
Yes, three letters of recommendation are required for the PhD program. Please note that these should be academic references who can speak to your academic strengths; to your potential to undertake rigorous academic work at an advanced level; and, if possible, to your interests in education and sociology.
What should I include on my statement of purpose?
Your statement of purpose should describe why our Sociology of Education PhD program is the perfect next step for you. Although you do not need to demonstrate knowledge of sociology, you should be able to articulate how your interests align with the type of research our faculty does and the strengths of the program.
Your statement does not need to identify a mentor, but you should research our program and the school as a whole to see if there are some faculty who you would be excited to work with and could support you in your research.
What should I submit for my writing sample?
The writing sample can be any academic paper that you feel demonstrates your strength as a writer and an analytic thinker and/or researcher. The sample should be no more than 20 pages and does not need to display a knowledge of sociology or sociology in education.
Do I need to have a fully developed dissertation topic when I apply?
Absolutely not. The first couple of years of the program are about figuring this out. You should have an idea of what you care about and some broad areas of research interest that you can write about in your application.
Can I have the application fee waived?
Application fee waivers are available in some circumstances. The NYU Steinhardt Office of Graduate Admissions handles fee waiver requests. Please review the Policy on Application Fee Waivers to determine how to properly request a fee waiver.
Where do I send supplementary materials, such as letters of recommendation and transcripts?
Letters of recommendation and scanned transcripts are submitted through the online application.
When will I receive a decision from NYU?
Decisions are typically emailed out from Graduate Admissions in February. If you have not received a decision by the end of March, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office directly at (212) 998-5030 or steinhardt.gradadmissions@nyu.edu