Sociology

The Department of Sociology at Seoul National University offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with a profound understanding of social structures, institutions, and processes. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and empirical research methods, enabling students to analyze social phenomena critically and systematically. Students have the opportunity to explore various sociological topics such as social stratification, deviance, social change, globalization, urbanization, and gender studies, providing a broad and nuanced perspective on contemporary societal issues. The program's coursework combines classical sociological theories with modern perspectives, fostering analytical skills and critical thinking necessary for academic research and practical application. Additionally, the department encourages active engagement in research projects, seminars, and fieldwork, which enhance students' hands-on experience and prepare them for careers in academia, government, NGOs, and private sectors. Seoul National University's distinguished faculty, recognized for their contributions to sociological research both nationally and internationally, guide students through rigorous academic training and mentorship. The program also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge, integrating insights from economics, political science, history, and humanities to develop well-rounded sociologists capable of tackling complex social issues from multiple angles. Graduates of the sociology program are equipped with the analytical tools and critical perspectives necessary for leadership roles in social policy, community development, research organizations, and beyond. With its vibrant academic environment, extensive research resources, and strong connections to social institutions, Seoul National University’s Sociology Department offers an excellent platform for students aspiring to understand and influence the social fabric of society.

• Seminar on Quantitative Analysis
• Special Research in Sociology(Core Seminars in Sociology)
• Research Practicum in Sociological Methodology (Qualitative Methodology/Quantitative Methodology)
• Topics in Sociological Theories
• Seminar in Sociological Theory Construction (Basic Theory / Structure & Change)
• Seminar on the History of Social Thoughts
• Seminar on Community and Identity
• Seminar on Sociology of Religion
• Seminar on Social History
• Seminar on Citizenship, Political Economy, Social Policy
• Seminar on Sociology of Body
• Seminar on Social Network Analysis
• Seminar on Social Structure
• Studies in Globalization and Social Development
• Seminar on Family and Life Course
• Seminar on Urban Societies
• Seminar on Social Development and Social Quality
• Studies in Sociology of Culture
• Seminar on Military and Society
• Seminar on Social Integration and Multiculturalism
• Seminar on Civil Society and Social Movement
• Studies in Social Stratification
• Seminar on Knowledge Society
• Seminar on Political Sociology
• Seminar on Information Society
• Studies in Social Organization
• Seminar on Social and Welfare Policies
• Seminar on Economic Sociology
• Seminar on Population Change and Aging Society
• Seminar in Area Studies (Japanese Society/Asia/China/Comparison of Regional Studies)
• Seminar on Sociology of Human Rights
• Seminar on Gender and Society
• Seminar on Environment and Society
• Seminar on Sociology of Science and Technology
• Seminar on Poverty and Inequality
• Reading and Research

1. Online
   application
2. 
   proof
   of
   Korean
   
   proficiency
   is
   required;
   
   
   
   
   1)
   Korean
   Proficiency:
   TOPIK
   level
   3
   or
   higher
   
   
   
   
   2)
   Other
   official
   documents
   indicating
   proof
   of
   language
   proficiency (ie.
   SNU
   Korean
   Language
   Center
   Level
   4
   or
   higher)
3. Personal
   Statement
   and
   Study
   Plan
4. Letter
   of
   Recommendation
5. Counselor
   Reference
   
6. Official
   High
   School
   Transcript
   and
   Graduation
   Certificate
7. A
   Copy
   of
   the
   Applicant’s
   Passport
8. Certificate
   of
   Facts
   concerning
   the
   Entry
   and
   Exit
9. Portfolio,
   Records
   of
   Achievement,
   etc.
10. Agreement
    for
    Verification
    of
    Academic
    Record

If you wish to apply for the scholarship program, please fill out the scholarship application form every semester. Application period:

• During November(1st semester)
• During May(2nd semester)

International Student Scholarship

• GPA requirement: 3.0 GPA or higher (average of the previous semester)
• Funding: Tuition and fees (partial or fully funded)
• Eligibility: International student in the government-funded (government-invited) scholarship, international student

  (self-funded), Korean student living overseas and studying in Korea (undergraduate and graduate course)

Lecture/Research Scholarship

• GPA requirement: 3.3 GPA or higher (average of the previous semester; excluding new students)
• Eligibility: Graduate student recommended by the advising professor; an annual income of less than KRW 12 million
• Working condition: 10 or more hours a week (40 hours/month)
• Responsibility: Assist the lectures by the professor, general electives and research; help students with their course; manage assignments; manage laboratory; fulfill administrative duties for the undergraduate course, etc.
• Funding: Current student: Fully funded tuition and fees and monthly scholarship;

  Research student: Monthly scholarship

• Termination: If on leave of absence, disciplinary action or determined to be unqualified for other reasons

Core TA Scholarship

• Eligibility: Returning graduate student and research student
• Funding: Type A – Tuition (partially funded) and monthly research aid / Type B  – Half of the monthly research aid
• Duration: 1st semester : March – August (6 months) /

  2nd semester: September – February of the following year (6 months)

• Responsibility: Attend the assigned lecture; supervise discussion; check assignments; focus on Laboratory

  sessions/Experiment/Practice courses; assist practice, etc.

SNU Foundation Scholarship

• GPA requirement: 3.3 GPA or higher (average of the previous semester)
• Funding: Tuition and fees (partially or fully funded)
• Feature: Scholarship funded by some 200 funds created by Seoul National University Foundation

The following is the scholarship programs offered for graduate applicants. Students may apply for the programs before or during the admission application period. The annual announcement will be posted on this websitehttp://en.snu.ac.kr/apply/info.

Graduate Scholarship for Excellent Foreign Students (GSFS)

Eligibility

• Asian students, excluding Japanese and Chinese nationals, who wish to study one of the designated graduate programs
  * The programs eligible for this scholarship are subject to change, and different by applicants’ nationalities. The eligible programs list is announced every semester.

Number of Recipients

• Approximately 20

Subsidies

• Tuition fee: full tuition exemption for a maximum of 4 semesters
• Living expenses: 500,000 KRW per month (different according to recipients’ majors)

Application Period

• During admission period for international students every semester

Selection Procedure

• Applicants who submit admission application to SNU’s Office of Admissions ⇒ applicants submit scholarship application to SNU’s Office of International Affairs ⇒ Selection made by respective Colleges/Schools based on the admission documents ⇒ decision noticed

Contact

• SNU staff in charge: 82-2-880-2519, intlscholarship@snu.ac.kr

Silk-Road Scholarship

Eligibility

• Applicants from the countries in the ‘Silk-Road’ area who want to study humanities or social sciences, including Korean language, history, culture, politics, and economics

Number of Recipients

• About 5 new graduate students

Subsidies

• Tuition fee: full tuition fee exemption for a maximum of 4 semesters
• Living expenses: maximum of 600,000 KRW per month for 4 semesters
• Airfare: maximum of 1 million KRW for one economy round trip
• Korean language training fee: fee exemption at the Language Education Institute

Application Period

• During admission period for international students every Fall semester

Selection Procedure

• Applicants who submit admission application to SNU’s Office of Admissions ⇒ applicants submit scholarship application to SNU’s Office of International Affairs ⇒ Selection made by respective Colleges/Schools based on the admission documents ⇒ decision noticed

Contact

• SNU staff in charge: 82-2-880-2519, intlscholarship@snu.ac.kr

Overseas Koreans Scholarship

Eligibility

• Overseas Korean students who wish to take graduate degrees at SNU

Subsidies

• Full tuition exemption
• Living expenses: 800,000 KRW per month for 4 semesters
• Insurance fees: approximately 30,000 per month
• Settlement expenses aid upon initial arrival: 500,000 KRW (one-time payment)
• Airfare for one economy round trip
• Language training expenses: for 2 semesters

Application Period

• March and September

Selection Procedure

• Applicants submit applications to Korean embassies in their countries ⇒ the embassies make the first selection ⇒ the Overseas Koreans Foundation make the second selection

Contact

• SNU staff in charge: 82-2-880-2519, intlscholarship@snu.ac.kr

Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)

Eligibility

• International students applying for SNU’s graduate programs

Number of Recipients

• 325

Subsidies

• Full tuition fee: tuition exemption for 4 semesters for master’s program and 6 semesters for Ph. D program
• Living expenses: 900,000 KRW per month
• Airfare: one economy round trip
• Korean language training fee: for one year
  * Korean language training is mandatory and when the student does not achieve TOPIK grade 3 within a year, she/he is not eligible to enter the degree program
• Others: medical insurance, research fund, thesis printing fees, settlement and returning expenses

Application Period

• February

Selection Procedure

※ Applicants choose one of the following application methods.

• University Recommendation Program: applicants submit applications to SNU’s Office of Admission ⇒ the National Institute for International Education make the selection
• Embassy Recommendation Program: applications submit applications to Korean Embassies in their countries ⇒ the National Institute for International Education make the selection

Contact

• SNU staff in charge: 82-2-880-6971, sck590@snu.ac.kr

The Sociology program at Seoul National University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with a deep understanding of social structures, cultural norms, societal dynamics, and human behavior. The program aims to cultivate analytical skills and critical thinking abilities necessary for examining social phenomena both locally and globally. Students are encouraged to explore diverse topics such as social inequality, urbanization, globalization, social change, and social policy. The faculty members are renowned scholars dedicated to advancing sociological research and education, ensuring that students receive high-quality instruction grounded in current academic developments. The program combines theoretical foundations with empirical research methods, including qualitative and quantitative analyses, enabling students to conduct original research projects. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including research centers, libraries, and online databases, supporting their academic pursuits. The curriculum also emphasizes practical experience through internships, fieldwork, and collaborative projects with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations. Graduates of the Sociology program are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, public policy, social services, journalism, and international development. The program fosters an inclusive and vibrant academic environment, encouraging international exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration. Language requirements typically include proficiency in Korean and English to facilitate engagement in diverse research and communication environments. Overall, the Sociology program at Seoul National University prepares students to become leading sociologists, policy makers, and social commentators capable of making meaningful contributions to society.

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