MA in Sociology in Canada at UVic Canada

Program Overview for MA in Sociology in Canada:

In sociology, you will lay a solid foundation in research methods and theories. Your research will emphasize theories, methods, and areas of your research interest. In addition to social theory, qualitative and quantitative methods, our research strengths also include: 

• Ecology, global issues, and social movements 
• Gender, racialization, and ethnicity
• Sociology of crime and law
• Health, aging, and society

Study quantitative and qualitative methods and social theory at the graduate level. You will participate in coursework to lay the foundations for sociological research. You will write a thesis or carry out an important research project.

Areas of focus

• Ecology, Global Issues & Social Movements
• Gender, Racialization & Ethnicity
• Sociology of Crime & Law
• Health, Aging & Society
• Qualitative methods
• Quantitative methods
• Social theory

The eligibility for MA in Sociology in Canada for both domestic and international student is:

Completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an institution recognized by Uvic. The equivalent of a minimum “B” average over the last two years of your degree.

The department welcomes applications from Canadian and international students with strong backgrounds in sociology or closely related fields. All applications should include a full set of official transcripts, at least two letters of reference, a writing sample, and a statement of intent.

Master’s and doctoral students usually begin their programs in September. This is mainly because funding is normally available only for students beginning their programs at that time.

Admission to the master’s program requires a bachelor’s degree, with a minimum overall average of B+ (6.0) in the final two full years of credit units or undergraduate work. Students without the prerequisites for the graduate courses they need to take may be required to take the prerequisites as part of their degree program (see Sociology graduate course listings for details). The admissions selection process is competitive. Not all students who meet the minimum requirements will be admitted. Typically, 10 to 12 master’s students are admitted to the program each year.

Deadlines

• With financial support: January 15th (for September entry)
• Without financial support: 31 May (for September entry)

The department offers three options leading to the MA degree. Students wishing to pursue the CSPT option must receive permission from the Cultural, Social, and Political Thought program. All other MA students must elect to pursue either the thesis or major research paper option by the end of their first year in the program.

The programs leading to the Master of Arts degree in Sociology, while containing a core of theory and method, are designed to provide flexibility for students and reflect the diversity that characterizes the discipline. Individual programs beyond the core are designed to fit students’ interests and supplement areas in which they may require additional work, insofar as faculty resources and specializations permit.

Normally, work as a research assistant or teaching assistant is an integral part of the master’s program in Sociology.

Students are urged to consult the most recent edition of A Guide to Graduate Studies in Sociology, which may be obtained at the departmental office and on our website. The Guide provides further details of the program and specifies additional requirements for program completion.

Program length

The department expects full-time students to spend two years completing their master's degree. Students who take the Cooperative Education option can expect to take close to three years to complete the master's degree. Students who complete the master's degree part-time can expect to take three to four years, depending on how many terms involve full-time enrolment and how many involve part-time enrolment.

These are the test eligibilities for the MA in Sociology to qualify.

The international student tuition fees and costs for MA in Sociology in Canada.

All graduate students must have a faculty member who serves as their academic supervisor. When you apply:

• You must list a potential supervisor on your application
• This faculty member must agree to be your supervisor and recommend your admission.

To find a supervisor, review the faculty contacts. When you've found a faculty member whose research complements your own, contact them by email.

Contact the graduate secretary at socigradsec@uvic.ca or 250-721-7572.

Graduate students registered in full-time programs are automatically considered for a fellowship. This is based on a qualifying GPA.

Individual award amounts may vary depending on the program.

UVic Fellowship Awards

• Up to $17,500 per year (masters)
• Up to $20,000 per year (Ph.D.)

UVic Graduate Awards

• Up to $10,000 per year (masters and PhD)

Eligibility

• The minimum requirement for funding consideration is an A- average on the last two years of coursework
• Domestic and international students are considered equally for funding
• Full-time registration (3.0 units) for UVic Fellowship holders and at least part-time registration (1.5 units) for UVic Graduate Award holders
• Full-time registration for students registered with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) is 1.5 units

Every year we employ many graduate students to assist with teaching, research, and lab instruction.

• Their academic units hire teaching assistants (TAs) to assist with teaching and grading courses. These are unionized, hourly positions.
• Faculty members hire research assistants (RAs) to help with their research. These roles are sometimes called scientific assistants or laboratory instructors. RA salaries come from faculty members’ research grants. Because of this, RA hours, salary, and other details are worked out between you and the faculty member.

Work-study

The work-study program offers part-time jobs on campus that fit your course schedule.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a full-time student
• Demonstrate financial need
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Co-operative Education Program (co-op)

UVic is home to the largest graduate co-op program in Canada. You can add a co-op to your master’s or doctoral studies for work experience in your field of study.

Bursaries

We offer non-repayable bursaries based on financial needs.

To be eligible for a bursary, you must be:

• Already receiving the maximum government student loans available to you
• In full-time status as determined by the Faculty of Graduate Studies
• In good academic standing