Utah State University
Department of SSW&A
0730 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-0730
Tel. 435-797-1230
Fax 435-797-1240
ann.johns@usu.edu

Graduate Application Procedure

To apply to the Graduate Program in Sociology at Utah State University, you must submit your application materials directly to the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) at 0900 Old Main Hill, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-0900. The SGS can be contacted by phone at 435-797-1189

The SGS consolidates application materials into a single file and then forwards it to the Department when it is complete. The Department reviews the file and makes a recommendation to the SGS regarding admission. The SGS officially notifies the student applicant whether or not they have been accepted.

GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Application-for-admission

Application-for-admission forms are obtained from and returned directly to the School of Graduate Studies. The form is available on the SGS website (http://www.usu.edu/gradsch/approcdr.html). The form must be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee of $50 (US Citizens) or $60 (International Applicants). Please make drafts payable to Utah State University. Note: Fees must be paid before applications will be evaluated.

2. Letter of Intent

Each applicant should send copies of a letter of intent to both the School of Graduate Studies and the Director of Graduate Studies in Sociology (Dr. Douglas Jackson-Smith, 0730 Old Main Hill, USU, Logan UT 84322-0730). This letter should indicate which degree you are applying for, your reasons for pursuing graduate school training, and any relevant information about your skills, interests, and background that might help us make a decision on your application.

3. Letters of Reference

Each application must include three (3) letters of reference. The forms for letters of reference are available on the USU-SGS website (http://www.usu.edu/gradsch/approcdr.html). Applicants should request three persons to submit letters of recommendation (at least two of which should come from persons from whom you have taken academic coursework). Most helpful are letters from people who can attest to the applicant’s ability and potential to succeed in graduate school. All letters of recommendation must be sent directly to the School of Graduate Studies by the writers.

4. Transcripts

An official transcript must be ordered from each previously attended college and/or university (except USU) and must be sent directly from each institution to the USU School of Graduate Studies. Transcripts must be submitted for all courses above the high-school level and all prior degrees. Transcripts accumulated on one record are not acceptable. Transcripts submitted as application credentials become the property of the School of Graduate Studies and will not be copied for or returned to the applicant. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college, with a minimum 3.0 GPA for the last 90 quarter or 60 semester credits earned, is required. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a notarized English translation.

5. Admission Tests

a. GRE test scores (all applicants)

An admission test is required of all applicants, with a score at or above the 40th percentile the minimum acceptable. Most applicants must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test (with a minimum score in the 40th percentile on the verbal and quantitative tests). In addition, the analytical section of the test is required by the Sociology Department. The sociology department will accept the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) in place of the GRE test for Master's of Social Science (MSS) degree applications only. Registration forms for the GRE are available at the School of Graduate Studies, call USU Testing Services at (435) 797-1004, or go to www.ets.org. Applicants should request that their scores be sent directly to Utah State University School of Graduate Studies. The scores must be received before an application is considered complete. The institutional code that we were assigned by the Educational Testing Services is 4857.

b. TOEFL test scores (international students only)

In addition to the traditional application procedure, USU policy states that international applicants from non-English-speaking countries must score a minimum paper-based score of 550 or a minimum computer based score of 213 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is administered throughout the world. To be competitive, the Sociology Graduate Program expects scores of 600 (paper) or 250 (computer). If an international applicant has a degree from a university in the USA or Great Britain, the TOEFL is not required (though you should check with the Sociology Department to confirm this waiver).

6. Other considerations for International Students

International students must also submit an I-20 application form (available on the SGS website: http://www.usu.edu/gradsch/interapp.html), a financial certificate, and a financial guarantee. Because of federal regulations, international students cannot be admitted with nonmatriculated status. Assurance of adequate finances must be submitted, indicating the amount of support and then providing a financial guarantee, in the form of a bank statement. It is required that the amount for tuition and fees be paid on the day of your registration each semester.