205
Graduate Programs
205.72
Sociology
205.72 Sociology
Department of Sociology
5-21 Tory Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H4
E-mail: socgrad2@ualberta.ca
205.72.1 General Information
The Department of Sociology offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy. Four MA programs are available: (1) a course-based MA; (2) a thesis-based MA; (3) a course-based MA in criminal justice; and (4) a thesis-based MA in demography.
The PhD in Sociology strives to educate scholars with a breadth of knowledge of the discipline and specialized in-depth knowledge of particular fields within the discipline.
The Department of Sociology encourages all outstanding applicants to submit a completed application by December 15 in order to be considered for recruitment scholarships and other university awards. Furthermore, all applications completed before January 15 will be considered for admission, awards and graduate assistantship funding.
Application forms for admission are available on-line at www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca. Detailed graduate program information is available on the Department's homepage at www.arts.ualberta.ca/~socweb.
Entrance Requirements
The Department's minimum admission requirements for the course-based and thesis-based MA programs in sociology and demography are a four-year undergraduate degree majoring in Sociology (honors preferred), or a related discipline, and a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 in the last two years of undergraduate study at the University of Alberta (20 single-term courses), or equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution. The Department requires as part of the application package a clearly defined statement of research interests that will be developed into a research proposal as partial fulfilment of the MA degree.
Minimum admission requirements for the MA in criminal justice (course-based) are a four-year BA (Criminology), or equivalent, or a four-year undergraduate degree in sociology or a related discipline and a minimum of one year of full-time work experience in the criminal justice system. Students must have completed introductory courses in criminology, criminal justice administration, statistics and research methodology prior to admission. The minimum average is 3.2 (on the 4-point letter grading system), or equivalent, in the last two years of undergraduate study.
For admission to the PhD program, the minimum requirements are a master's degree with an average of 3.5 on all graduate courses and undergraduate coursework taken in the final two years (20 single-term courses) at the University of Alberta, or equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution.
Where applicable (refer to §203.2.4), applicants require a TOEFL score of 100 (internet-based) or 600 (paper-based) or higher to be considered for admission.
Financial Assistance
Graduate assistantships are available on a highly competitive basis for students in full-time study who make satisfactory progress toward a degree. Students will be expected to apply for competitive awards. Exceptionally qualified PhD applicants may be nominated by the Department for a University of Alberta Doctoral Scholarship or an FS Chia Doctoral Scholarship (see www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca). Support for dissertation research is available on a competitive basis through internally administered Sociology Doctoral Research Grants.
205.72.2 The Degree of MA
Program Requirements
Required courses (normally at the 500-level) depend on the area of specialization and the undergraduate background of the student.
The course-based MA program in sociology is an intensive year of study, a fast-track route, for outstanding students planning advanced work at the doctoral level. Required coursework consists of 
24, including core courses in classical and contemporary theory, research design, research methods and statistics, SOC 900 (research project), and completion of the mandatory ethics training requirement.
The Department assigns, or students may select, a Supervisor who directs a course of independent study (SOC 503, Fall Term) leading to a critical appraisal of the literature and formulation of a research topic in the subject area of interest. During the Winter Term, and concurrent with a course in research design (SOC 533), the topic is developed into a research proposal which demonstrates both the student's ability to work in a scholarly manner and the promise of an original contribution to the field. The capping exercise consists of an oral examination in which the student successfully defends the proposed research project (SOC 900).
Thesis MA programs require registration in a combination of coursework and thesis research comprising a minimum of 24, and completion of the mandatory ethics training requirement. For the thesis MA in sociology, coursework consists of at least 18, including core courses in theory, research design, methods and statistics. For the thesis MA in demography, coursework consists of at least 18, including core courses in statistics, methods, theory, demographic analysis, and two of fertility, mortality, and migration. Candidates will be examined orally on their completed thesis.
The MA in criminal justice program is designed for students who are pursuing a career in one of the components of the criminal justice system. The program requires 24 at the graduate-level, plus a project equivalent to 3, and completion of the mandatory ethics training requirement. Depending on the student's background, two full-time field placements of four months each may be required. Coursework must include SOC 525 and an additional 9 in criminology. Coursework in related disciplines is encouraged.
There is no language requirement for the MA degrees.
The minimum period of residence for the MA course-based degree in sociology is two four-month terms of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta. The other MA programs do not have a residence requirement.
Length of Program
The time required to complete an MA program will vary according to the previous education of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken. Normally, the course-based MA degree will be completed in one academic year, the thesis MA (normally through full-time study) in four terms and the MA in criminal justice (normally through part-time study) within four years.
205.72.3 The Degree of PhD
Program Requirements
The PhD requires registration in a combination of coursework and thesis research comprising a minimum of 36, and completion of the mandatory ethics training requirement. PhD candidates are required to complete 18 beyond the foundational courses of the course-based MA at the University of Alberta, or equivalent. At least 15 of the required coursework (normally taken in the first year) consists of graded 500- and 600-level courses: 12 sociology courses and a 3 course or equivalent taken outside the Department. The ‘outside' course may be approved at the 500-level. At least 3 of ungraded sociology seminars at the 600-level are normally required (1.5 each). Ungraded seminars are usually taken in the second year. Students must also complete a Seminar in Teaching and Professional Skills. Specific courses taken to meet the requirements are chosen in consultation with the Associate Chair (Graduate) and the student's supervisor. In addition to coursework, candidates must: demonstrate reading proficiency in a second language or pass a 600-level quantitative course; pass a specialization area examination in an area distinct from the thesis; and pass an oral candidacy examination taken in the subject field of the thesis research. Depending on the supervisory committee or student preference, a written examination may also be taken in the thesis subject, prior to the oral candidacy examination. The above requirements are normally completed within the first two years.
Candidates proceed to the completion of the degree, normally within two years, by conducting thesis research and related scholarly activity leading to conference presentations and publication. Candidates present their thesis research to the Department in the form of a public seminar prior to the thesis defence. Finally, the thesis is defended at an oral examination (see §203.12).
The normal period of residence is two academic years of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.
Length of Program
The time required to complete the PhD degree will vary according to the previous education of the applicant and the nature of the thesis research; however, four years is normally required. Candidates must complete their degree program within six years of the time they first register.
205.72.4 Graduate Courses
Graduate courses can be found in §231, Course Listings, under the subject heading Sociology (SOC).
