Sociology (MA)
From the family unit to the global stage, how did we develop the societies we live in?
Our Masters of Arts program is distinct in its focus on applied social research with an emphasis on social justice.
By “applied” we mean research that focuses on current societal concerns and with a view to problem-solving, or more generally, research that has some practical utility. By “social-justice” we mean research that promotes social equality and people’s democratic right to participate in decisions that affect their own and other’s well-being.
Conseiller aux études
Dr. Lynne Gouliquer, Coordinator
Téléphone : 705-675-1151 ext. 4243
Courriel : lgouliquer@laurentian.ca
Bureau : Department of Sociology
Emphasis on applied social research and the opportunity to study in either of Canada’s official languages are the program’s distinguishing features. Students learn to investigate social relation from variety of methodological perspectives and using a broad spectrum of research techniques. These can include participatory action research, critical analysis of official discourse and social policy, political economy, feminist research, program evaluation, institutional ethnography, critical statistical analyses, historical sociological approaches, human rights indices and assessments, and social impact studies.
Candidates must have a Sociology Honours degree or equivalent social science degree with an average of at least 75% (or B+). Since the focus of the program is on applied social research, candidates should have a sound background in sociological research methodology and statistics. Those with an academic background other than sociology will have their qualifications examined and may be required to complete additional course work or a qualifying year.
The supervisor must be a core faculty member of the Laurentian University Sociology Department. While students may have a co-supervisor from outside the department, their “supervisor" is required from the core faculty of the Sociology Department. All supervisors and co-supervisors must be accredited by the Faculty of Graduate Studies at LU.
Application Process
Step 1. Contact the Graduate Coordinator and/or individual faculty member about the possibility of becoming a student. Students are encouraged to consult the faculty list on the Faculty Members tab in order to identify a potential supervisor (i.e. a faculty member they would like to work with).
Step 2. Click here to submit the online application. Once students have applied, they will receive instructions (typically within 48 hours) from the Office of Admissions leading them to the MyLaurentian portal. Students can access the portal at my.laurentian.ca; sign in credentials will be provided in the correspondence received from the Office of Admissions upon successful completion of an application. The following documents will be required in order to complete an application.
Documents:
- Three Reference Forms (to begin the process at my.laurentian.ca click on "Reference Submission" on the left-hand navigation menu)
- Statement of Interest, maximum two pages double-spaced and clearly identify the intended research field/project/interests. (to be uploaded via MyLaurentian)
- Supervisor form (found in MyLaurentian to be signed by potential supervisor)
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume (to be uploaded via MyLaurentian)
- Academic Writing Sample (to be uploaded via MyLaurentian)
- Official Academic Transcript(s) from all post secondary studies* (Please note that current or prior Laurentian University students do not need to request transcripts)
*Please note that official transcripts or WES course-by-course (for institutions attended outside of North America) must come directly to the Office of Admissions from the previous post secondary institution by requesting at the time of your application or by contacting the institution's Registrar's Office.
Step 3. Once the Admissions Office receives all information and the application is deemed complete, the application will be forwarded to the department. An Admissions Committee meets to review the applications.
Step 4. The Admissions Committee will review all applications on file and make a decision regarding the suitability of each applicant. The Admissions Committee will then make a recommendation to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at Laurentian University. The Graduate Studies office will verify the dossier and if satisfactory, the Dean of Graduate Studies will forward the recommendation to the Office of Admissions at Laurentian University for admission.
Step 5: If approved for admission, the Office of Admissions will send the student an Offer of Admission via MyLaurentian. Applicants wishing to accept the offer of admission must indicate their response on MyLaurentian within 3 weeks of receiving the offer. Once the student has accepted the offer, a transition to the registration process occurs.
Note pour les étudiants actuels
Les options de grade ci-dessous seront offertes lors de la prochaine année universitaire et ne le sont pas cette année. Si vous cherchez les cours à suivre afin de compléter les options d'un programme d'une année universitaire antérieure, svp consultez avec un conseiller académique.
Students must follow these regulations while in the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Approved Field of Study:
- Applied Social Reseach
Option I - Thesis
SOCI 5106 - Theory and Society
SOCI 5217 - Advanced Statistical Methods
SOCI-5417 - Qualitative Inquiry
Two additonal 3 credit courses
Submit and defend a master's thesis (SOCI 5000)
Option II - Essay
SOCI 5106 - Theory and Society
SOCI 5217 - Advanced Statistical Methods
SOCI-5417 - Qualitative Inquiry
Four additional 3 credit courses
Submit and defend a master's essay (SOCI 5005)
Program Regulations
In order to sucessfully complete the program, students must not receive a grade of less than «B» (70%) in more than one course.