Sociology (Co-op) - Master of Arts (MA)

Hagey Hall expansion building

Hagey Hall Hub located on Waterloo's main campus

Combine research with classical theory and analyze the most pressing issues confronting societies today in the supportive, friendly and intellectually vibrant environment of the University of Waterloo’s Sociology department.

You’ll gain a strong understanding of social, political, economic, and cultural relations through sociological theory and methods, critical analysis, and interdisciplinary research training, preparing you for a career in policy development, law, research analysis, or academia. 

The Master of Arts in Sociology (Co-op) program covers topics such as sociological theory and social research, with electives ranging from feminism and governance to the sociology of religion. It can be completed on a full- or part-time basis with the option of a thesis or major research paper so you can customize your degree to fit your needs. You’ll complete at least one term of a co-op placement, allowing you to acquire paid, relevant work experience and build new professional skills to graduate career ready.  

Research areas and degree options

  • Crime, Law, and Security
  • Knowledge, Education, and Digital Culture
  • Migration, Borders, and Transnationalism
  • Social Inequality and Public Policy

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: 24 months (full-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Thesis, Master's Research Paper

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.

Supervisors

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