Sociology (PhD)

Tuition fees are 29,500 USD per year.

This doctoral program provides foundational training in sociology's methods and theories, allowing students to research topics of particular interest. Students complete core coursework, select and are examined in two concentration areas, write a solo-authored research paper, and defend a dissertation. The program also requires one year of directed teaching experience.

Focus areas include Community and urban sociology, Computational social science, Economy and society, Inequality and social stratification, Political sociology/social movements, Social demography.

The program includes core coursework in theory and methods, topical seminars, and independent study within two chosen concentration areas, leading to concentration exams, a qualifying paper, and a dissertation defense.

Applicants need an academic statement of purpose, personal statement, writing sample, college transcripts, three letters of recommendation, CV, GRE scores, and proof of English proficiency (IELTS 8.0+ or specific TOEFL iBT scores). A nonrefundable application fee of $105 is required. An undergraduate or master's degree in sociology is not necessary.

In Person, Ithaca, NY, with a minimum of 12 semesters for degree completion. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 8% of applicants.

Cornell University, founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York, is an Ivy League research university that blends rigorous scholarship with broad public engagement. As both a privately endowed institution and New York State's statutory land-grant university, Cornell brings together liberal arts, engineering, agriculture, and professional schools to offer wide academic choice across more than twenty colleges and programs. Its historic mission emphasizes teaching, research, and service, making Cornell a global destination for students seeking depth and interdisciplinary opportunity.

Academically, Cornell is known for high-impact research across the sciences, humanities, and applied fields. With about 25,582 students and over 6,200 international learners, the campus provides extensive resources including research centers, interdisciplinary institutes, and industry partnerships that support undergraduate and graduate training. Students benefit from hands-on learning, internship networks, and faculty mentorship that often include international collaborations and community-engaged projects.

Life in Ithaca balances scenic natural spaces with a lively arts and dining scene and strong student services, from career counseling to study abroad advising. Residential options, student clubs, and entrepreneurial hubs help newcomers settle in and build professional pathways both in the United States and abroad. For international applicants seeking world-class research, wide program choice, and a community that values public service and innovation, Cornell offers a supportive and stimulating environment.