Sociology (MA)
In this MA program, you'll learn graduate-level quantitative and qualitative methods and social theory. You’ll engage in coursework that will give you a foundation in sociology research. You'll create either a thesis or conduct a major research project.
Our research strengths include:
- ecology, global issues and social movements
- gender, racialization and ethnicity
- sociology of crime and law
- health, aging and society
You have the option of combining this program with the interdisciplinary Cultural, Social and Political Thought MA.
| Expected length | Project or thesis | Course-based |
|---|---|---|
| 2 years | Yes | No |
Quick facts
- Program options:
- Master's
- Study options:
- Full-time study
- Program delivery:
- On-campus
- Dynamic learning:
- Co-op optional
Outcomes
Graduates with an MA in sociology will be able to:
- use sociological approaches to analyze social issues and problems
- demonstrate expertise in at least one of the department’s four main areas of research
- synthesize, critique, and apply sociological theories and perspectives
- demonstrate competency in both qualitative and quantitative methods
- design and implement theory-guided and methodologically sound research
- communicate research effectively to broader audiences
- participate in professional activities and develop teaching skills
Find a supervisor
All graduate students in this program are assigned a faculty member who serves as their academic supervisor. When you apply:
- You should list one or more potential supervisors on your application
To find a supervisor, review the faculty contacts. When you've found a faculty member whose research complements your own, you are encouraged to contact that person to explore common interests before applying.
Aaron H. Devor
Chair in Transgender Studies and Professor Sex, gender and transgender
Anelyse Weiler
Assistant Professor food and agriculture, migrant workers, food security, food and farm workers, qualitative methods, political ecology
Athena Madan
Assistant Professor Global health, health equity, humanitarian intervention, therapeutic governance and reconciliation, decoloniality
Bruce Ravelli
Teaching Professor Community-Engaged Learning, Social Inequality, Instructional Design
Garry Gray
Associate Professor Criminology, Public Health, Ethics, Institutions, Socio-Legal Studies
Katelin Albert
Assistant Professor Health and Medicine, Vaccines, Health Technology, and Science and Technology Studies, Genders and Sexualities, Sexual Health, Social Theory & Feminist Theory, Sociology of Knowledge
Midori Ogasawara
Assistant Professor Surveillance, technology, identification, biometrics, colonialism, data justice
Min Zhou
Professor, Graduate Advisor International sociology, global change, quantitative methods, East Asian societies
Peyman Vahabzadeh
Professor. Undergraduate Advisor (July 2023-June 2024) Human action and social movements, social theory, phenomenology, postcolonial studies, violence and nonviolence
Tamara Humphrey
Assistant Professor criminology, development and life-course theories of crime, criminal justice system, quantitative methods, domestic violence, bullying, gender and crime
William K. Carroll
Professor Corporate capitalism, climate crisis, social movements and social change
Show me program details
Providing you accurate admission requirements, application deadlines, tuition fee estimates and scholarships depends on your situation. Tell us about yourself:
Your program details
Application deadlines
September – apply by January 15
If you don’t need funding, you have until May 31 to apply.
September – apply by January 15
If you don’t need funding, you have until May 31 to apply.
Admission requirements
Program specific requirements
You must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in sociology.
As part of your application, you must submit:
- a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to undertake sociological analysis (e.g. a copy of your honour’s thesis; or an assignment from a 4th year undergraduate class or graduate-level class)
- a letter of intent (1-2 pages in length) – a short essay which clearly states your research interests with references to relevant academic literature; which faculty member you would like to work with as a potential supervisor, and if you have contacted them; and why you are a good candidate for admission to the master’s program
- names and email addresses of 2 references
- post-secondary transcripts
Program specific requirements
You must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in sociology.
As part of your application, you must submit:
- a writing sample
- two reference names and their email addresses
- post-secondary transcripts
Completion requirements
View the minimum course requirements for this program.
View the minimum course requirements for this program.
Funding & aid
Tuition & fees
Estimated minimum program cost*
* Based on an average program length. For a per term fee breakdown view the tuition fee estimator.
Estimated values determined by the tuition fee estimator shall not be binding to the University of Victoria.
Ready to apply?
You can start your online application to UVic by creating a new profile or using an existing one.
Faculties & departments
Related programs
Need help?
Contact Aileen Chong at socigradsec@uvic.ca or 250-721-7572.