Fully Funded Master’s in Sociology at University of Alberta

About PhD Program,

Most faculty members and graduate students in the Department of Sociology focus their research interests within the following three broad and inclusive areas of research excellence, however it is also possible to pursue graduate studies in related areas:

• Social Structure and Policy
• Social Theory and Cultural Studies
• Criminology, criminal justice: socio-legal studies

The Department of Sociology offers the following Masters’ programs:

1. Master’s – Thesis Based
2. Master’s – Course Based

PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,   

• Normally, a four-year undergraduate degree with a major in Sociology (honors preferred), or a related discipline.
• A minimum grade-point average of 3.5 (3.7 is considered competitive) in the last two years of undergraduate study at the University of Alberta (20 single-term courses), or equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to have completed coursework in statistics (I.e., SOC 210), research methodology (I.e., SOC 315), and two sociological theory courses (I.e., SOC 212, SOC 335), or their equivalents.

PhD Funding Coverage,

The Department of Sociology provides competitive funding packages to all full-time graduate students in the department. Our funding approach-which includes employment, scholarships, and research and travel awards-is designed to support both the scholarly and the professional development of each graduate student.

Guaranteed Funding

All full-time graduate students receive guaranteed funding in the form of research and teaching assistantships (normally twelve hours/week), and, for post-candidacy PhD students, the opportunity to teach as a Principal Instructor. Students pay their tuition and fees out of these incomes. Whenever possible, the department also covers additional tuition fees for international students.

• MA (course-based)three terms over 1.5 years of guaranteed funding (excluding Spring/Summer) for full-time students (value = ~$27,600)

MA (thesis-based) four terms over 2 years of guaranteed funding (excluding Spring/Summer) for full-time students (value = ~$36,800)

• PhDtwelve terms over 4 years  of guaranteed funding (value = ~$115,000)

MA students within their guaranteed funding window receive funding in the Fall and Winter terms only (September – April). Funding is not offered during the Spring and Summer terms (May – August). PhD students within their guaranteed funding window receive funding in the Fall, Winter and Spring, Summer terms (September – August).

Amounts paid for assistantships and principal instruction are determined through the Association of Employed Graduate Students’ Collective Agreement. Prospective students can visit the FGPS website for an estimate of the cost of living in Edmonton as well as the latest schedule for tuition and fees.

Application Requirement,

1. Official transcriptsfrom all post-secondary institutions attended. Read the Requirements for Acceptance of Uploaded Transcripts.
2. A Statement of Intentspecifying your area of interest and plans for study in the graduate program in this department. This letter of intent can be up to a maximum of 1000 words, double spaced, (paper size 8 1/2″ x 11″, 1″ margin, 12 point font). This is the Department’s first introduction to you, and gives us an idea of what you are interested in studying, how these interests fit into ongoing departmental research and whether we are the right place for you to pursue your academic goals.
3. Research Interests:Applicants to the MA and PhD Thesis programs must include a clearly defined statement of research interest which will be developed into an MA thesis or doctoral dissertation. This statement does not bind you in terms of your eventual research project, however, this description signals to us that you are capable of identifying a research topic that can be supervised by faculty members in our department. Ensure your statement is as specific as possible, refers to relevant academic literature, is well-written, and is no longer than 1000 words in length, double spaced, (paper size 8 1/2 x 11″, 1″ margin, 12 point font). PhD Applicants: Indicate the ways in which your proposed research builds upon your Master’s work OR offer a rationale for your new research focus. This is not required of applicants applying to a Course-based program.
4. A detailed curriculum vitae (resume)outlining your scholarly studies. Include editorial credentials, work and professional activities and volunteer contributions.
5. An academic paperyou have written (in English, not exceeding the maximum of 7000 words including references) in your area of interest (when possible), that is substantial in content and analysis. This should be solely authored by you in English. A successful term paper written for a course, published article, article manuscript, MA thesis or part thereof are acceptable. The Department’s Graduate Admissions and Awards Committee will also use this to assess your analytical writing abilities.
6. Three references.At least two of the three references should be academic in nature from persons who are qualified to comment on your academic work and potential for graduate study. Where possible, one or more of the references should be from a person(s) from the institute last attended. The on-line application form has appraisal forms for your referees to complete (“Letter to Support Application for Graduate Admission”), and upload to the online application system. Note: electronic notifications will not be sent to your referees until you submit your application (and pay the application fee). Please ensure you submit your application early enough to allow your referees time to submit their reference prior to the application deadline. All three references must be in by January 15, in order for your application to be considered complete and move forward to the evaluation stage. Late references will not be accepted.
7. All foreign students who have not completed a degree at an English-language university (recognized by the University of Alberta) must demonstrate English Language Proficiency(ELP) by completing an approved English Language exam. Note, the Department of Sociology has slightly higher ELP requirements than those that are stated on the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research website.

Applications are not complete until the nonrefundable application fee has been paid.

Application Deadline,

Jan 15, 2025

Application Fee,

A $135 CAD non-refundable application fee is required to submit your application. This fee is non-transferable.