Why study this program?
The Department of Sociology offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy. Four MA programs are available: (1) a course-based MA; (2) a thesis-based MA; (3) a course-based MA in criminal justice; and (4) a thesis-based MA in population and life course dynamics.
The PhD in Sociology strives to educate scholars with a breadth of knowledge of the discipline and specialized in-depth knowledge of particular fields within the discipline.
The Department of Sociology encourages all outstanding applicants to submit a completed application by December 15 in order to be considered for recruitment scholarships and other university awards. Furthermore, all applications completed before January 15 will be considered for admission, awards and graduate assistantship funding.
Application forms for admission are available online at www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca. Detailed graduate program information is available on the Department’s home page at www.sociology.ualberta.ca.
Entrance Requirements
The Department’s minimum admission requirements for the course-based and thesis-based MA programs in sociology and population and life course dynamics are a four-year undergraduate degree with a major in Sociology (honors preferred), or a related discipline, and a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 in the last two years of undergraduate study at the University of Alberta (20 single-term courses), or equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution. The Department requires as part of the application package a clearly defined statement of research interests that will be developed into a research proposal as partial fulfilment of the MA degree.
Minimum admission requirements for the MA in criminal justice (course-based) are a four-year BA (Criminology), or equivalent, or a four-year undergraduate degree in sociology or a related discipline and a minimum of one year of full-time work experience in the criminal justice system. Students must have completed introductory courses in criminology, criminal justice administration, statistics and research methodology prior to admission. The minimum average is 3.2 (on the 4-point letter grading system), or equivalent, in the last two years of undergraduate study.
For admission to the PhD program, the minimum requirements are a master’s degree with an average of 3.5 on all graduate courses and undergraduate coursework taken in the final two years (20 single-term courses) at the University of Alberta, or equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution.
Where applicable (refer to English Language Requirement), applicants require a TOEFL score of 100 (Internet-based) or equivalent, or higher to be considered for admission.
The course-based MA program in sociology is an intensive 12 to 18 months of study. Required coursework consists of 24 units, including core courses in social theory, research design, research methods and statistics, SOC 900, and completion of the mandatory ethics training requirement.
Students identify a Supervisor who will direct their work to complete SOC 900. The project includes (i) a critical appraisal of the literature and formulation of a research topic in the subject area of interest; and (ii) a research project proposal which demonstrates the student’s ability to work in a scholarly manner.
The supervisor recruits a second reader to review and confirm a pass or fail for the SOC 900 project.
Thesis MA programs require registration in a combination of coursework and thesis research comprising a minimum of 18 units, and completion of the mandatory ethics training requirement. For the thesis MA in sociology, coursework consists of at least 18 units, including core courses in theory, research design, methods and statistics.
For the thesis MA in demography, coursework consists of at least 18 units, including core courses in statistics, methods, theory, and research design.
Candidates will be examined orally on their completed thesis.
The MA in criminal justice program is designed for students who are pursuing a career in one of the components of the criminal justice system. The program requires 24 units at the graduate-level, plus a project equivalent to 3 units, and completion of the mandatory ethics training requirement. Depending on the student’s background, two full-time field placements of four months each may be required. Coursework must include SOC 525 and an additional 9 units in criminology. Coursework in related disciplines is encouraged.
The minimum period of residence for the MA thesis degree in sociology (except for the Criminal Justice program) is two four-month terms of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.
Length of Program
The time required to complete an MA program will vary according to the previous education of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken. Normally, the course-based MA degree will be completed in two or three terms, the thesis MA (normally through full-time study) in four to six terms and the MA in criminal justice (normally through part-time study) within four years.
Courses
Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings, under the subject heading Sociology (SOC).
Graduate assistantships are available on a highly competitive basis for students in full-time study who make satisfactory progress toward a degree. Students will be expected to apply for competitive awards. Exceptionally qualified applicants may be nominated by the Department for a University of Alberta recruitment scholarships (see www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca). Support for dissertation research is available on a competitive basis through internally administered Sociology Doctoral Research Grants.
For general information, please visit the Tuition and Fees page on the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research site.The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.
Please refer to the detailed program information or email socgrad2@ualberta.ca.
General inquiriesPlease check out some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQS) to see if your question has been answered, or contact the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) during our office hours.
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR)
Killam Centre for Advanced Studies
2-29 Triffo Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1