The objective of the MA program is to guide students in developing strong theoretical foundations in sociology alongside great research design and methodological expertise. The program provides excellent training for those who plan to work in positions requiring research and analytic skills in the public and private sectors. It also provides a fantastic foundation in sociological training for those who plan to pursue a doctoral degree in sociology. Students achieve the objectives of the MA program by successfully completing a well-designed sequence of courses, participating in seminars organized in the department, and often working as research assistants or teaching assistants to professors. Some of our MA students also complete the Master’s Research paper, a thesis which is of publishable quality.
All master’s students are required to take the following three courses as part of their course requirements:
- SOC 6001H Classical Sociological Theory
- SOC 6302H Statistics for Sociologists
- SOC 6712H Qualitative Methods I
In addition to these courses, students have two options for completing the MA program. The first option requires students to take five more half-year courses (eight total). The second option requires students to take three more half-year courses (six total) and write the Master's Research Paper (MRP).
Students must maintain a B average throughout their coursework to be recommended to receive their MA degree.
MRP Information
Potential reasons for doing an MRP:
A) a compelling reason for doing such a project in your MA year versus in the PhD
B) a clear outline / proposal of the project (including theoretical framing and empirical strategy) by Fall
C) access to existing data
D) tentative arrangement with at least one faculty willing to supervise the project
Master's Degree Level Expectations
The School for Graduate Studies (SGS) provides a general set of expectations and achievements for earning the Master's Degree: University of Toronto's Graduate Degree Level Expectations