We require at least three letters, though we accept up to five. We accept letters from both academic and professional referees. We  recommend at least one recommender who can speak on your academic background.

Typically 1-2 pages in length, single-spaced. We recommend applicants to include details about goals, research interests, why sociology and why Brown Sociology in particular.  

Typically 25-30 pages, double-spaced. Examples could include a portion of a thesis, final course paper, or published papers. We highly recommend that the writing samples are solely written by the applicant.

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 from the test date, while TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date.

To build a fuller application, we recommend but do not require the submission of GRE scores. Information about fee waivers and reductions can be found on the GRE website. While strong GPAs and GRE scores are common among admitted students, we also value strong letters of recommendation, personal statements, and writing samples that evidence a good fit with departmental strengths.

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

The TOEFL (see: guidelines) will be waived if: If you have submitted TOEFL/IELTS scores to the Graduate School prior to completing your application or if you qualify for a waiver based on the location of your previous/current institution, please check back on your application status page for updates. Language Proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS) take 3-5 business days after your application is submitted to appear as received or waived on your status page.

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.