U.S. citizens and resident aliens may apply using either the self-managed application process or the online application process. Those seeking admission should complete their application by the January 15 submission deadline.
With the self-managed application process, prospective students take responsibility for gathering all admission materials and submitting these materials before the January 15 deadline. Instructions for completing the Graduate Self-Managed Application and submitting required materials are detailed on the application form. Admissions information may be requested through the Office of Admissions. Please contact the graduate advisor in the Department of Sociology for additional materials required by the department and for assistance in the admissions process.
Prospective students can also complete the application form online. This online feature provides instructions for completing the application and submitting required materials. Please contact the graduate advisor in the Department of Sociology for additional materials required by the department and for special assistance in the admissions process.
International students
Graduate applications for international students are processed by the Office of International Services and Student Affairs within the Haenicke Institute for Global Education and then passed along to the Department of Sociology for the admission decision. Contact staff in the Office of International Admissions and Services for assistance with the application process. Please contact the graduate advisor in the Department of Sociology for additional materials required by the department and for special assistance in the admissions process. International students may apply using either the self-managed application process or the online application process. Those seeking admission should complete their application by the January 15 submission deadline.
Admission requirements
For admission to the doctoral program in sociology, prospective students must satisfy all of the requirements identified below:
Complete applications must include all of the following departmental requirements by January 15:
Personal statement (2-3 pages on one’s academic background, research interests and focus of study, and professional goals related to the study of sociology), sample of original academic writing, GRE scores, official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended, TOEFL scores (international applicants only) and three letters of recommendation 
from academic and/or professional sources.
No single requirement is sufficient to guarantee an offer of admission or to dictate a denial of admission. The information submitted by each applicant is carefully evaluated by the Central Graduate Committee to ascertain whether the applicant is likely to succeed in graduate studies in sociology and has intellectual interests that may be cultivated by the areas of strength in the department.
Paper applications (online applications will be automatically directed to the appropriate office), GRE scores, and official transcripts should be mailed to the following office:
Western Michigan University
Office of Admissions
1903 W Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5211
Supplemental departmental requirements, including the biographical statement, sample of original academic writing, and letters of recommendation should be mailed directly to the department at the following address:
Graduate Advisor
Western Michigan University
Department of Sociology
1903 W Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5257
