Dr. Michael Sierra Arévalo

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Michael Sierra-Arévalo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Texas at Austin. His research employs both quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate aspects of police culture, behavior, and legitimacy. His book, 'Peril Patrol: Danger, Death, and U.S. Policing' (Columbia University Press), is based on ethnographic fieldwork and interviews with police officers across U.S. police departments. It reveals how policing's cultural preoccupation with danger and death shapes training, practices, and policies. His research interests span gangs, gun violence, social networks, and violence prevention, and his work has appeared in various social science publications including the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Criminology, and the Law & Society Review. Additionally, his writings have been featured in popular outlets such as the Washington Post and NPR. Before joining UT Austin, Sierra-Arévalo was an Assistant Professor at Rutgers School of Criminal Justice.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of Texas at Austin

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE General
TOEFL
Total
Required:79
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • CV/Resume
Specialization Notes

General requirements for the Graduate School at UT Austin apply to all programs unless otherwise specified.