An undergraduate degree with honours or specialization in sociology, with a grade point average of 3.00 (B average) is required. An undergraduate degree with a major in sociology, with a grade point average of 3.00 (B average) will also be considered provided that the background preparation is acceptable. Applicants with degrees in cognate disciplines with higher grade point averages will also be considered.

Applicants who lack certain prerequisite courses may be required to take a qualifying program of up to 12 undergraduate credits in addition to the regular graduate program. For the qualifying program a grade point average of 3.00 (B average) is required.

Applicants with deficiencies in their undergraduate preparation may be required to take up to 24 undergraduate independent credits.

Applications to the program must be accompanied by a preliminary statement (roughly 500 words in length) of the student's intentions regarding research and thesis.

Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.

1. Credits. A fully-qualified candidate is required to complete a minimum of 45 credits. Additional courses may be taken from outside the program, subject to the advice and approval of the student's supervisor or the Graduate Program Director.
   
   
2. Supervision. At the beginning of the first term of full-time or part-time study, the student is assigned an interim advisor for the duration of the first term. At the beginning of the second term in the case of full-time study, or the equivalent in terms of part-time study, the student must select a permanent thesis supervisor and a second faculty member to serve on the Thesis Committee. Members of the Thesis Committee evaluate the thesis. The thesis will be examined by an Examining Committee, composed of the thesis supervisor and the second committee member, and a third faculty member chosen in consultation with the Graduate Program Director. The responsibility for the composition of the Thesis Committee rests with the student in consultation with and subject to the approval of the Graduate Program Director.
   
   
3. Language Requirement. A working knowledge of English and French is recommended although written work may be submitted in either language.
    

Master of/Magisteriate in Arts in Sociology with Thesis (Option A)

Courses. Each student must satisfactorily complete the following program: SOCI 602, 603, 612, 613, 660, 690; a course in the area of research (3 credits); one elective course (3 credits), SOCI 691 (21 credits).

Thesis. SOCI 691 (21 credits): Students enrolled in the thesis option are required to demonstrate their ability to carry out independent research which reflects a scientific approach. The thesis proposal, SOCI 690 (prepared within the confines of the thesis tutorial) will serve as the basis for the elaboration of the actual thesis, SOCI 691. This will take the form of a written thesis (21 credits) of at least article length. The student will then orally defend the thesis before an examining committee. The thesis may be written in either English or French.

Master of/Magisteriate in Arts in Sociology without Thesis (Essay - Option B)

Courses. Each student must satisfactorily complete the following program: SOCI 602, 603, 612, 613, 660, 695 (18 credits) and 12 credits of electives.

Essay. SOCI 695 (18 credits): The essay is written under the supervision of one faculty member and is evaluated by two faculty members, including the supervisor. It can either be a literature review of a substantive nature, or a report on empirical research. Students are expected to submit work of publishable or near publishable quality. The appropriate length of the essay is approximately 40 pages.

Note 1. All students are required to plan courses related to their own interests with the help of advisors.
Note 2. No more than 6 credits of elective studies taken outside the discipline may be credited towards the degree.

*January 15 is the deadline for applicants who wish to be considered for funding. Applicants who do not require funding must submit applications by April 1. It is recommended that International students apply by March 15th to allow adequate time to obtain study permits.