Master of Arts (MA) in Social and Legal Studies

The program information below was valid for the spring 2019 term (May 1, 2019 - August 31, 2019). This is the archived version; the most up-to-date program information is available through the current Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

The Graduate Studies Academic Calendar is updated 3 times per year, at the start of each academic term (January 1, May 1, September 1). Graduate Studies Academic Calendars from previous terms can be found in the archives.

Students are responsible for reviewing the general information and regulations section of the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

Program information

  • Admit term(s) 
    • Fall
    • Winter
    • Spring
  • Delivery mode 
    • On-campus
  • Program type 
    • Master's
    • Research
  • Registration option(s) 
    • Full-time
    • Part-time
  • Study option(s) 

Admission requirements

  • Minimum 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).
  • Application materials 
    • Curriculum vitae
    • Supplementary information form
    • Transcript(s)
      • From all other post-secondary institutions.
    • Writing sample
  • References 
    • Number of references:  3
    • Type of references: 

      academic
  • English language proficiency (ELP) (if applicable)

Degree requirements

    Note: Coursework beyond these minima may be required at the discretion of the Associate Chair, Graduate Affairs. If additional coursework is required, the student will be notified in writing at the time of entry into the program. Additional coursework may be required by those who in the estimation of the Associate Chair, Graduate Affairs, do not possess the equivalent of an Honours Bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Waterloo.

    Coursework option:

  • Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)
  • Courses 
    • Students must complete the following courses:
      • Theory: 1 of SOC 700 Sociological Theory or SOC 708 Contemporary Debates in Sociological Theory
      • Methods: SOC 712 Elements of Social Research
      • Statistics: SOC 710 Intermediate Social Statistics
      • At least 5 other graduate courses with a minimum 0.50 unit weight each. These courses must also require a substantial piece of research (project or essay).
      • Students may take a maximum of 1 reading course from University of Waterloo Sociology and Legal Studies Faculty or adjuncts.
    • In order to complete a course satisfactorily, students must complete all course requirements as specified by the instructor and receive a minimum grade of 75%.
    • The Coursework option only requires that all 8 courses are completed by the end of the third term (typically at the end of August).
  • Link(s) to courses
  • Academic Integrity Workshop
Department of Sociology and Legal Studies website