Application to the Graduate Program

Students talking Applicants ready to formally apply to the Sociology Department graduate program should complete their application on-line by clicking on the link below. The general deadline for submission of applications for admission and for financial aid is January 15 for graduate studies beginning in the fall semester. Other applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis through April 15th preceding fall matriculation. Most Sociology graduate students are accepted into the program for fall semester matriculation. The department admits graduate students starting in the spring semester only in exceptional cases.

Graduate Program Online Application

Application Fee. Applicants completing the On-Line Application are reminded that they are also required to submit a $50.00 application fee payable to The Department of Sociology to the Department of Sociology, Attn: Graduate Program, 430 Park Hall, Box 604140, Buffalo, New York 14260-4140. This fee can also be paid by credit card; if you wish to use this option, select it at the end of the gradmit application when prompted for how you intend to pay. Applications will not be processed without this required fee.

Letters of Recommendation. As part of the application process, the Department requires students applying to request current or former faculty to submit letters of recommendation on their behalf.

Writing Sample. Applicants are required to submit a writing sample (term paper, research paper, report, etc.). Your file will not be considered for admission without the writing sample.

Financial Aid Support Form. Foreign applicants are also required to complete a financial support form as part of the application process. Please click here to access and download this form: Foreign Students Financial Aid Support Form

Admissions Criteria
(Required: Two official Transcripts and Proofs of Degree, in English, certified)

M.A.: A grade-point average above 3.0 (based on a 4.0 system), a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score above 1000, two official transcripts, three supporting reference letters, and sample of writing ability (Research Paper, Term Paper, etc.).

Ph.D.: Previous graduate scholarship record from M.A. program of 3.3 or better (based on a 4.0 system), a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score above 1000, two official transcripts, three supporting reference letters, and sample of writing ability.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language - No international application processed without a TOEFL.)

Only the International test is accepted; an official report from E.T.S. is required for an I-20.

SUNY/Buffalo Institutional Test Code is 2925; TOEFL code for Sociology is 96.

Test must be dated within two (2) years of enrollment at SUNY/Buffalo.

A minimum official score of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) is required to register for academic study.
The new Internet TOEFL Test Score minimum requirement of 79 must be met.

Attach a photocopy of your results, which has been certified as a true copy by your registrar, to your application and have an official report from E.T.S. sent directly to this office.

A score between 500-549 (paper) or between 173 and 210 (computer) requires satisfactory completion of the SUNY/Buffalo Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) before academic registration. Your score determines the length of time needed for study (6-week or 12-week summer or full semester).

IELI will issue an I-20, valid for the study of English only, after your acceptance into its program. You may not register for course work while attending IELI.

There is no financial assistance for the study of English.

Financial Documentation (U.S. $21865/applicant, $5475/spouse, $3555/child - per year)

These figures are subject to change without notice.

Financial Statement Form: Download form, Foreign Students Financial Aid Support Form Indicate in the boxes provided the amount available for each year of study (M.S.-two years; Ph.D.-three years). You and your sponsor, if applicable, must sign and date the form.

Proof of Financial Support: Official bank statement, or a certified copy verifying that you or your sponsor have the first year's funds on deposit. Proof of liquid assets will also be accepted. Please indicate the value in U.S. dollar equivalent.

Affidavit of Support: Original or certified copies. Attach an official bank statement verifying funds on deposit.

All documents (Financial Statement form, affidavits of support, and bank statements) must be dated within one year of enrollment at the University of Buffalo.

Financial Assistance (Official GRE report from the testing agency is required to apply for financial aid.)

Verbal and quantitative scores must total at least 1000 to receive consideration for financial aid.

SUNY/Buffalo Institutional code is 2925; GRE code for Sociology is 2102.

Attach to your application a photocopy which has been certified as a true copy by your principal or registrar and have an official report from E.T.S. sent directly to this office.

A request for financial aid consideration is obtained by checking the appropriate response on the application form.

Awards for September enrollment are usually made in the preceding month of February.

Our funds are limited and are awarded on a competitive basis.

Application Fee ($50.00 U.S.; make check payable to University at Buffalo, State University of New York.)

Attach the check to your application. This fee will not be waived, but can be deferred (payable upon arrival at the University) for citizens of countries which forbid or severely limit the possession or exchange of foreign currency. The fee can be deferred only while you are a resident of said country and only when initially filing your application. Request for fee deferral should be attached to the application.

Application fees may now be paid online. See online application for details

Deadlines (For all documents and official test scores.)

Fall admission: May 1 of the same calendar year (March 1 for P.R. China); January 15 for all who are applying for financial aid.

For further information, please contact Diane McMaster, Graduate Studies Coordinator at dhm1@buffalo.edu or (716) 645-2417 ext. 434.