We require at least three letters, though we accept up to five.

Typically 1-2 pages, single-spaced.

Typically 25-30 pages, double-spaced.

No. At the application stage of the process, unofficial transcripts are sufficient. We may, however, request them at a later point in the decision-making process. If admitted into the program, you will be required to send official transcripts then.

No. You can earn a master’s on your way to earning a PhD.

Please include an unofficial transcript for all courses taken but do not include this particular education information in the Education History portion of the application. Only include degrees earned. We suggest you address this type of education in your cover letter.

We do not formally host visits prior to the application decision, but strongly encourage all admitted students to visit in the spring.

Of course! Not all of our students have undergraduate degrees in sociology, but most have a solid academic background and clear sense of direction.

Please see the TOEFL guidelines listed on the Graduate School website.

GRE test scores are valid for five years while TOEFL scores are valid for two years.

Many of our admitted students have GRE scores in the top deciles, and all have very strong letters of recommendation and personal statements that are evidence of a good sense of fit with our strengths.

Brown University Graduate School: 3094 & GRE department code: 2102

The TOEFL (see: guidelines) will be waived if: 1) You have earned your degree before enrolling at Brown and 2) You have requested a waiver from the Graduate School after submitting your application. Please submit your waiver request at graduate_admissions@brown.edu.

Three letters of recommendation are required. While we loosely suggest one from each, your letters of recommendation should evaluate your motivation, academic capacity, methodological strengths, and interpersonal skills.

No, all course must be completed in one year.

No, this program does not offer scholarships, research or teaching assistantships.

All entering students are required to have completed a one-semester introductory statistics course (SOC 1100 Introductory Statistics for Social Research or an equivalent), (2) a more advanced course in statistics or a course in college calculus (MATH 0050 and 0060, or MATH 0090 or above), and (3) a one-semester course in research methods (SOC 1020 or SOC 1050 or an equivalent). However, students who have not formally completed these college courses, but can demonstrate how these skills may have been gained through work or research experience will be considered. Applications are looked at holistically and all materials are weighed equally when the committee reviews and grants admission.

No. Some of our students are accepted straight from undergraduate studies, therefore have no work experience.

Students may petition the Associate Director of Graduate Studies in Social Data Analytics to take one advanced analysis course in another department to count as an elective methods course.

No. All courses must be completed in one year.

Approximately 10-15 students are enrolled in the program each year.

Unfortunately, we do not release averages of GRE scores for the program as we do not set minimum GRE requirements. Applications are looked at holistically and all materials are weighed equally when the committee reviews and grants admission.

GRE scores are valid for 5 years, so if you have taken the GRE less than 5 years ago, the scores can be used.

Brown University Graduate School: 3094 & GRE department code: 2102

Yes, the master's program in Social Data Analytics is a STEM-designated program. Classification of Instructional Program Code 30.1701.