The following provisions govern acceptance:

Criteria: Candidates are evaluated based on academic motivation for pursuing graduate study; academic performance; alignment of research interests with department strengths; research capability; and evidence of initiative. Admission is highly competitive. Each application receives careful attention and is judged in terms of the full set of criteria.

A limited number of graduate course units taken elsewhere may be considered for transfer into the graduate program. These units are transferred on a course-by-course basis.

Updated September 2026

    REQUIRED

    Submit the following to USC Graduate Admissions online application:

    1. Online University of Southern California application form plus an application fee.

    2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work.

    3. For international students, a TOEFL score.

    4. One example of written work (normally a paper written for a course) of no more than 20 pages.

    5. Three letters of recommendation from persons who can write about your academic performance and your potential as a social scientist.

    6. Personal Statement (2-3 pages, double-spaced): Describe (1) your present sociological interest, (2) the instructors, books, and/or journals that have had the greatest influence on your interests in sociology, and (3) what you hope to be doing in the field of sociology ten years after you receive your degree. Please include any other aspect of your experience that you want to include.

    Detailed application guidelines can be found on the Graduate Admissions page.

    Conditional Status

    Most admissions for graduate study are for “regular” status. On occasion, however, an applicant may be admitted on “conditional” status so that some deficiency can be removed and proficiency demonstrated. When this occurs, up to 12 units of specified performance in graduate or undergraduate course work may be required and/or steps must be taken in order to qualify for acceptance as a “regular” student.

    Deadlines

    Completed applications must be submitted to the university by December 1st. The application portal is on Eastern Standard Time. All applications received by December 1st will be considered for selected university fellowships.

    Recommended

    We strongly encourage applicants to apply for external funding. Below are a few options:

    National Science Foundation

    Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

    Admission FAQs

    • GRE Scores are not required.

    • Official English-language proficiency scores must be received directly from the testing service and must be dated no earlier than 2 years prior to the start of your intended first term at USC. We do not consider applicants with TOEFL scores below 100.

    • Describe (1) your present sociological interest, (2) the instructors, books, and/or journals that have had the greatest influence on your interests in sociology, and (3) what you hope to be doing in the field of sociology ten years after you receive your degree. Please include any other aspect of your experience that you want to include. (2-3 pages long double-spaced).

    • Visit Day is typically held in late February or early March.

    • We admit approximately 4% of our applicants and our entering cohorts average 3-5 students. We have about 30 active graduate students.

    Complete details on courses of instructions and degree requirements may be found in the University of Southern California Catalogue.