Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology - Gender and Sexuality

Some fifteen years ago, Judith Stacey and Barrie Thorne lamented the missing feminist revolution in the discipline of sociology. The area of gender and sexuality has become -- paradoxically increasingly institutionalized and ever-more challenging since then. All major sociology departments must cover a delimited area of gender and sexuality, and in this vein, Michigan offers a core course in gender and sexuality and a series of research seminars and topical classes for advanced graduate students. (Students may also take a preliminary examination in the area if they choose.) At the same time, and more ambitiously, Michigan's program registers the fundamental ways in which feminist and queer theories are changing how sociologists think about many general sociological questions and problems. Gender and Sexuality is both an academic specialty area, in other words, and an ongoing challenge to sociology itself.

TOEFL ibt: 84, IELTS: 6.5. toefl Paper 560
Upload one set of official transcripts when you complete the online application. Please check the Rackham Graduate School's website regarding Transcripts for the most up-to-date information on this process.

Academic Statement of Purpose - The Statement of Purpose is the single most important item in your application. The purpose of this essay is to give the faculty a clear idea of a) why you want to pursue a career in sociology, b) what questions or problems interest you, c) how you want to address these questions, d) your subplan interest(s), if applicable (see section below), and e) why you want to pursue your graduate degree at the University of Michigan. This statement should be about 2 pages long.

Personal Statement - Tell us about yourself: How have your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan? For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. Please do not repeat your Academic Statement of Purpose.

A sample of written work (e.g., a senior thesis or term paper, 10-20 pages, double-spaced) providing evidence of creative and critical thinking, quality of writing, and potential independent research. Upload with your application as additional information.

Three letters of recommendation