About PhD Program,
We are very excited for you to begin your graduate studies with us at Western. Our award-winning faculty are internationally recognized leaders in the study of population dynamics and social inequality and we are a premier destination for training in quantitative analysis. We have a vibrant and well-known community of faculty who use multiple research methodologies to examine a wide range of social phenomena in areas such as aging and the life course; health and health inequality; inequality, power, and social regulation; social demography and migration; work, occupations and professions. Both the MA and PhD programs involve the completion of a research project because we feel that in addition to intellectual development, research training provides the best opportunity to develop transferable skills that will help you in the labour market. Our department is unique in its strong sense of community and we hope that you will join us.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Applicants should have an overall average of at least 78% (B+) in completed 3rd and 4th year courses. Students who have taken upper level courses as well as sociological theory, statistics and/or methods are preferred.
At the MASTERS level, we offer a one-year research paper stream (a three-term research-oriented program in which students combine course work with a research writing practicum and the completion of a research paper in an area of their choosing) as well as a two-year thesis stream (a six-term program of study combining course work with an opportunity to undertake original research and write a thesis). Our MA Program Structure page provides further details on entry into these streams.
All students in our MA program are expected to select a supervisor by OCTOBER 31. For a complete list of our full-time faculty who currently supervise graduate students please go to our Faculty Page by clicking here.
Students interested in the MA thesis stream should discuss their research with their supervisor and submit a preliminary thesis proposal (approx. 2-5 pages) that outlines their research plan and its appropriateness for the thesis stream, to the Graduate Committee by DECEMBER 1. Students will be transferred into the thesis following approval of the Graduate Committee.
PhD Funding Coverage,
Western recognizes that students who choose to undertake full-time graduate studies are choosing to delay their entry into the full-time workforce. To help off-set the cost of full-time graduate enrolment, Western provides funding support packages for eligible research-based Master’s and PhD students.
Our graduate funding support packages rank as some of the most competitive packages in Canada – they help to reduce the cost of undertaking full-time graduate studies, and reduce financial barriers for students who otherwise may be unable to pursue an advanced degree.
Funding support packages can be comprised of funds from a variety of sources and can differ from student to student. Funding sources include scholarships, graduate fellowships, and part-time employment such as graduate teaching assistantships.
Application Requirement,
Biographical information
Contact information
Academic background
Referee information – two academic references are required. For additional information, see FAQs (below)
Transcripts (upload digital academic record or scanned transcript into the application)
English proficiency score (required for applicants whose first language is not English unless she or he has studied for two or more years in an English speaking university in a country with English as the official language). For applicants required to submit an English proficiency score, further details are provided on our Admission Requirements website
Statement of academic interests and research plans (upload into the application). Statement (approximately 500 words in length) outlining academic interests related to graduate work in sociology. The statement also serves as writing sample and, therefore, care should be taken to ensure that it is well written and free of errors. For further information, see What should I include in my statement? (FAQs, below)
200 word statement that explains the direct fit with department’s research areas
Cover letter (optional) offering additional information or clarification of application items (upload into the application)
Application fee
Application Deadline,
Jan 15, 2025
Application Fee,
Please refer official website
