Welcome to UNT Sociology

We are a highly collaborative department that prioritizes mentorship and community. Our award-winning faculty regularly publish books and articles with the top presses in sociology. Their research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the Russell Sage Foundation, and the MacArthur Foundation, among others. Our faculty are often quoted as experts in the media and their work has been cited in congressional proceedings at the state and federal level. We do research that matters both for the discipline of sociology and the public at large.

One of our greatest strengths is collaboration and mentorship. Not only do faculty commonly conduct research with each other, but they also work closely with graduate students as research collaborators and co-authors. Our graduate program is intentionally smaller than most so that our faculty can devote greater attention to each student. We focus on the quality of our graduate training over the quantity of graduates. We also work to ensure our graduates have versatile skills for careers in both academic and non-academic settings. Our alumni profiles speak to the success of our approach. Our students consistently obtain employment at major research universities, teaching-oriented colleges/universities, applied research centers, public sector agencies, non-profit organizations, market research firms, and major corporations.

Our department offers competitive funding packages for students to support them throughout their graduate study. Funding often includes both a stipend and tuition waiver. We regularly fund nearly all of our PhD students for at least three years and pass-through students for at least five years. We also try our best to fund our terminal master's degree students when resources are available. Additional information on funding is available on the associated webpage.

Like our department, UNT and the surrounding community of Denton are a growing and exciting place to be while pursuing your graduate degree. Not only is UNT one of the fastest growing universities in the country, but Denton is regularly ranked as one of the best places to live. Known as a creative hub of music and culture, the city is a major draw for students and professionals throughout Texas.

Please see our admissions for additional information on the process of applying to our department. If you have any questions, please reach out to our graduate advisor, Dr. William Scarborough.