Social and Legal Studies (Co-op) - Master of Arts (MA)

Hagey Hall expansion building

Hagey Hall Hub located on Waterloo's main campus

Sociology and Legal Studies at the University of Waterloo is a stimulating and expanding department, and consists of sociologists and socio-legal scholars engaging in innovative teaching styles and research programs.

Sociology is the study of social life and the social, economic, and political dynamics and dimensions of social relations and social change.

Legal studies is the study of law which is central to everything we do - how we carry on business, how we treat the environment, how we shape our governments and how we deal with other people.

The Master of Arts in Social and Legal Studies co-op program is coursework-based and can be completed in one year of full-time study or on a part-time basis for maximum flexibility. You’ll take graduate courses that cover both sociological theory and the sociological implications of the law, along with a co-op placement that will allow you to acquire paid, relevant work experience and build new professional skills to graduate career ready.

Graduates from the department have gone on to successful careers in policy development, law, research analysis, and more.

Program overview

Department/School: Sociology and Legal Studies
Faculty: Faculty of Arts
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Co-operative, Master's, Research
Length of program: 20 months (full-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Coursework

Application deadlines

  • January 15 (for admission in September)

Key contacts

Quinn Smith - Coordinator & Advisor, Graduate Studies
soc-gradoffice@uwaterloo.ca
519-888-4567, ext. 41953

Admission limitations

Due to funding restrictions, the Faculty of Arts is currently limiting the number of international students we can admit. Please contact the department's Associate Chair, Graduate Studies prior to applying to discuss your interest in this program.

Admission requirements

  • Normally an Honours Bachelor's degree or its equivalent in Sociology with at least a 78% overall standing.
  • A statement of academic interest (approximately a page, outlining areas of interest and reasons for choosing to study at the University of Waterloo).
  • Results from the General Section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (optional).

Degree requirements

  • Review the degree requirements on the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree

Application materials

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Supplementary information form (SIF)
    • The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
    • If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion
  • Transcript(s)
  • Writing sample
  • References
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
    • TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

Tuition and fees