Sociology (MA)
Master of Arts (MA)
Program overview
The MA in Sociology allows you to gain advanced training in a wide variety of sociological methods and theories. Our courses and materials explore the traditional foundations of sociology while also offering opportunities to consider new and emerging areas of social inquiry. You will conduct studies that address contemporary social problems and examine various cultural practices that impact individuals on personal, local and global levels. Our faculty members have connections to multiple research centres, such as the Centre for the Interdisciplinary Study of Culture and Society, the Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism Studies, the Centre for Technoculture and Games (TAG), and the newly launched Milieux Institute for Arts, Culture and Technology. Well-known for encouraging students to participate in local, national and international research projects, our faculty also includes Quebec's first-ever Research Chair on Gambling.
Program Details
- 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.
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.
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.
MA in Arts in Sociology with Thesis (Option A)
21 credits – Required Courses
SOCI 602 - Issues in Classical Sociological Theory (3 credits)
SOCI 603 - Issues in Contemporary Sociological Theory (3 credits)
SOCI 612 - Quantitative Research Design and Methods (3 credits)
SOCI 613 - Qualitative Research Design and Methods (3 credits)
SOCI 660 - Professional Development Seminar (3 credits)
SOCI 690 - Thesis Proposal (3 credits)
A course in the area of research (3 credits)
3 credits – Elective
21 credits – Thesis
SOCI 691 - Thesis (21 credits)
MA in Arts in Sociology without Thesis (Essay - Option B)
15 credits – Required Courses
SOCI 602 - Issues in Classical Sociological Theory (3 credits)
SOCI 603 - Issues in Contemporary Sociological Theory (3 credits)
SOCI 612 - Quantitative Research Design and Methods (3 credits)
SOCI 613 - Qualitative Research Design and Methods (3 credits)
SOCI 660 - Professional Development Seminar (3 credits)
12 credits – Elective Courses
18 credits – Essay
SOCI 695 – Essay (18 credits)
You may choose one of two options.
- Option A: MA in Sociology with Thesis
- Option B: MA in Sociology without Thesis
Students enrolled in option A are required to demonstrate their ability to carry out independent research. A thesis proposal serves as the basis for the elaboration of the written thesis.
Option B asks students to write a research essay under the supervision of a faculty member. Essays are evaluated by two faculty members, including the supervisor, and can be either a literature review or a report on empirical research.
Consult the graduate calendar for full degree requirements.
Your completed application will include:
- Application form and Fee
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three Letters of Reference and assessment form
- Statement of Purpose (three pages double spaced plus bibliography) should include:
- Your research intentions and the methods you propose to use,
- A short presentation of relevant debates and theories with which your work will engage,
- The name of a potential supervisor whose research area is compatible with your interests with whom you would like to work. It is recommended that contact be made with a potential supervisor prior to submitting an application.
- Sample of writing (optional)
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted.
Please apply online. Read the how-to guide for application procedures.
| DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
| Sociology | MA | Feb. 1* | Oct. 1 | n/a |
*February 1 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.
Core Courses:
- Issues in Classical Sociological Theory
- Issues in Contemporary Sociological Theory
- Quantitative Research Design and Methods
- Qualitative Research Design and Methods
Elective courses typically offered:
- Democracy and Citizenship
- Gender Studies
- Globalisation
- Health, Illness and Medicine
- Media and Communication
- Self and Subjectivity
- Social Movements and Social Change
- Sociology of the Body
- Sociology of the Family
Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of current courses.
Master’s students are eligible for a variety of scholarships and fellowships, Research assistant and Teaching assistant positions, conference travel awards and other in-course funding.
Consideration for Entrance Awards is automatically part of the admissions process for all new students. Awards that are available for Master’s students include:
- Faculty of Arts and Science Fellowships ($7,000)
- Concordia Merit Scholarships ($10,000)
- Hydro-Quebec Graduate Award ($5,000)
- Arts and Science Fellowship in Ethnic Studies and Social Diversity ($7,500)
- Mentor Awards ($5,000)
- Out-of-Province Fee Remission Awards ($6,000)
- Teaching Assistantships ($3200/term)
- Cary Boucock Memorial Award ($500)
- Susan Russell Memorial Graduate Award ($500)
We encourage students seeking admission to our program to apply for funding from external sources in the final year of their undergraduate studies (e.g. FRQSC, SSHRC).
Please consult Concordia’s graduate funding page and Financial Aid and Awards for additional information.
Faculty members are involved with research initiatives at the local, national and international levels. As world experts in a variety of emerging and established fields, their findings are well represented in a number of recent publications.
- criminalised populations
- demography
- digital and online culture
- food studies
- Gender and Sexuality
- globalisation
- journalism and popular media
- justice and social ethics
- kinship and the family
- law and society
- marginalised communities
- perception and representation
- sociology of the body
Review an inspiring list of thesis topics.
The Sociology and Anthropology Graduate Students’ Association (SAGSA) represents the collective interests and promotes the general welfare of graduate students in the department.
SAGSA also hosts an annual interdisciplinary student conference in March. Previous editions have seen students from across Quebec and Canada present their research and foster dialogue across disciplines. Keynote speakers from past conferences have included Dr. Ram Jahku, Dr. Charmaine A. Nelson, and Dr. Alexandrine Boudreault-Fournier.
The Disestablishmentarian is a bi-annual peer-reviewed publication administered under the editorial direction of graduate students in the Department of Sociology & Anthropology. The journal is strongly interdisciplinary and intended for emerging scholars of social and cultural analysis.
Our alumni are highly sought after by colleges, community organizations, federal funding agencies, non-profit organizations, government agencies, social networking companies, think tanks and universities. Recent graduates are working as academic directors, consultants, educators, instructors, professors, research associates and research coordinators.
Examples of organizations and institutions our alumni are currently working for include:
- Brock University
- Canadian House of Wisdom
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research
- Douglas College
- Marianopolis College
- McGill University
- Ontario Pharmacy Evidence Network
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons
- Sexpressions
- Statistics Canada
- University of Prince Edward Island
- University of Waterloo
Many graduates also choose to continue their studies at the Doctoral level and have become faculty members in sister universities.
