PhD in Sociology (PhD)

At Texas Woman's University, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and tuition is The $50 application fee applies to all new and returning applicants; international applicants pay $75..

Students engage in advanced research in sociological theory and methods through coursework and independent study. They complete a dissertation based on original research, with opportunities to collaborate across the Federation of North Texas Area Universities. The programme includes a specialization in criminology, offered through Texas Woman's University. Students may take courses and access resources at Texas A&M University-Commerce or the University of North Texas through cross-registration. The degree is conferred by the university where the student is admitted.

Focus areas include criminology, sociological theory, research methods.

The programme requires a total of 90 credit hours, including coursework, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation. Students admitted without a master’s degree must complete a master’s thesis and coursework before advancing to the doctoral stage.

Graduates pursue academic and research careers in universities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in sociology or its equivalent, with a minimum GPA of 3.5 on the last 60 undergraduate hours and all graduate work. A writing sample, personal statement, and three academic recommendations are required. Students without a sociology bachelor’s degree may be considered if they demonstrate academic promise.

The programme totals about 90 credit hours. On-campus, full-time or part-time, with typical duration of 5 to 7 years. For international students, tuition is well below the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 95% of applicants.

Texas Woman’s University is a public university with a 125-year history. Its Denton campus supports programs in nursing, liberal arts, fine arts, sciences, health sciences, business, and education. The university also operates health sciences centers in Dallas and Houston. Dallas programs include nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and health care administration. The Houston center, located in the Texas Medical Center, offers health care administration, nursing, nutrition and food sciences, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

Academic strengths include nursing, education, health care professions, nutrition, arts and sciences, and business. Students can choose from more than 75 programs leading to 91 undergraduate and graduate degrees, with many available fully or partially online. Faculty members pursue research in their fields, while students present work at regional, national, and international conferences, complete internships, and take part in research opportunities. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1.

International applicants have a dedicated admissions category and may apply as undergraduate, transfer, or graduate students, depending on their previous education. Denton provides the main campus setting, while Dallas and Houston extend the university’s health-focused programs into two major Texas centers. Financial support includes more than $15 million in scholarships each year, along with grants, loans, and part-time campus jobs for eligible first-year students.