About the Program
The principal focus of the graduate programs in sociology is the organization and development of contemporary societies in comparative context and with particular reference to Canadian society. The programs specialize in four fields: theory and methodology, stratification and power, cultural studies, and applied social research. See the department website for detailed descriptions of the fields and the variety of sub-fields sub-subsumed under these four areas. In addition, the Master of Arts in Sociology offers a concentration in quantitative methodology. The department strives to achieve a blend of research and formal graduate instruction in its graduate programs.
Academic Regulations
- See the General Regulations section of this Calendar.
-
Academic Standing - A grade of B- or better must normally be obtained in each credit counted toward the master's degree. With the recommendation of the department, and permission of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, a candidate may be allowed a grade of C+ in 1.0 credit.
Admission Requirements
- The requirement for admission into the master's program is a B.A.(Honours) (or the equivalent) with at least high honours standing in sociology or a closely-related field. Where relevant, previous professional experience will be taken into account in determining an applicant's standing on admission.
-
Applicants with general (three-year) bachelor's degrees may be admitted into a qualifying-year program designed to raise their standing to honours status. Students earning at least high honours standing in their qualifying-year courses will be considered for admission into the master's program. Refer to the General Regulations section of this Calendar for details of the regulations governing the qualifying year.
Program Requirements
Master's students in sociology are required to select and follow one of the optional program patterns below, chosen in consultation with a graduate adviser:
Thesis Program
5.0 credits including:
- 3.0 credits. Under certain circumstances one of the courses may be selected from those offered at the senior undergraduate level. SOCI 5005 and SOCI 5809 are highly recommended, especially for students who at the time of registration have not decided on a thesis topic;
- A thesis equivalent to 2.0 credits; and
- An oral examination on the candidate's thesis and program.
Research Essay Program
5.0 credits including:
- 4.0 credits. Under certain circumstances one of the courses may be selected from those offered at the senior undergraduate level. SOCI 5809, is highly recommended, especially for students who at the time of initial registration have not decided on a research topic;
- A research essay equivalent to 1.0 credit; and
- An oral examination on the candidate's research essay and program.
Course Work Program
- 5.0 credits excluding SOCI 5905. Under certain circumstances one of the courses may be selected from those offered at the senior undergraduate level; and
- Written and oral comprehensive examination in the candidate's area of specialization and program.
Concentration in Quantitative Methodology
Students in either the research essay or thesis program options may pursue a concentration in quantitative methodology. For a concentration in quantitative methodology, courses selected must include the following:
- SOCI 5005;
- SOCI 5809;
- At least 1.0 credit selected from: SOCI 5101, SOCI 5102, SOCI 5103 SOCI 5104, SOCI 5105, SOCI 5201 SOCI 5605; and
- At least 1.0 credit in sociology at the graduate level (not including those listed above).
Students in the Concentration in Quantitative Methodology may apply for admission into a Cooperative Education option. This option provides an opportunity for students to enhance their educational experience through a work placement directly related to their area of interest and expertise. Once admitted into this option, students shall enrol in SOCI 5907. The conditions of the placement are arranged with the student's supervisor and the graduate coordinator. Grades for the cooperative education placement are assigned in consultation between the placement supervisor and the graduate coordinator. Placements can be held for up to two academic terms and count for 1.0 credit.
Transfer from Thesis to Course Work M.A.
Students who choose to change from the thesis to the course work program must normally do so before registering for a third term after initial, full-time registration, or before registering for a fifth term after initial part-time registration.
