Application Timeline

PLEASE NOTE: We are not accepting the GRE for the current (Fall 2025 entry) admissions cycle.

The Departments of Sociology and Community & Environmental Sociology admit students into the joint Ph.D. program only in the fall.

Applicants can begin submitting application materials in early September. The application deadline is December 15.

December 15 is the program deadline for receiving all application materials requested in the Graduate School’s electronic (online) application and in the Sociology Supplemental Application included within the Graduate School’s online application.

Documents arriving past the deadline will likely not be reviewed.

Application packets are typically evaluated over winter break, and admissions decisions are e-mailed to applicants in early February.  Admitted students are invited to come to campus on Visit Day, which takes place in early March, to meet faculty and current students, gather detailed information about the program, and explore Madison.  Details about funding are provided later in the spring.  Admitted students are asked to let us know whether they plan to join the program as soon as they’ve reached a decision but no later than April 15.