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 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, preparing you for a career 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: Master's, Research
Length of program: 12 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
- Three academic references are required
- 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
- Visit the graduate program tuition page on the Finance website to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program
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Review living costs and housing
- Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students