See UCLA's minimum requirements for all graduate program applicants.

In addition to the University's minimum requirements and those listed above, all applicants are expected to submit transcripts from all colleges where applicants have studied (the department's evaluation considers not only the record in sociology, but all undergraduate work and graduate work, where relevant, including coursework in English composition, logic, linguistics, and mathematics); a statement of purpose outlining the reasons for pursuing graduate work, interests within sociology, and any pertinent intellectual and career experiences and interests; and copies of one or two term papers or research reports written by the applicant.

Although undergraduate or masters-level study in sociology or related disciplines is desirable, it is not mandatory for admission to the department. Applicants need not be uniformly high on all indicators of potential. The admissions committee, which generally consists of at least five faculty members and two advisory graduate student members, uses a number of indicators of particular skills rather than relying heavily on just one or two. For example, in assessing the level of verbal skills, the committee considers several items, including samples of written work and grades in courses that ordinarily require extensive verbal skills, as well as verbal GRE scores.

In addition to relatively formal criteria (such as analytic proficiency and articulateness), the department pays particular attention to applicants who seem likely to contribute considerable intellectual, social, or cultural diversity to its student body. Women, minorities and other students with diverse backgrounds and experiences are therefore encouraged to apply.