Sociology and Social Research | MA
Understand Social Issues and Shape What Comes Next
Get advanced academic and applied training in sociological theory and research methodologies with the Master of Arts in Sociology and Social Research at the University of Guelph.
Our program emphasizes methodological training, theoretical engagement, and the development of analytical competencies applicable to academic, policy, and professional settings. It equips you with a deep understanding of sociological theory and qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methods.
The program's academic and experiential learning opportunities will enhance your readiness for a range of research-focused careers. The curriculum fosters the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for the interpretation of complex social phenomena.
- Get Career-Ready
- Develop professional skills in research design, communication, and stakeholder engagement to prepare for careers in policy, community organizations, research settings, and more.
- Two Pathways
- Earn your master's degree in either a 10-month coursework format or a 2-year thesis-based format, depending on your goals and interests.
- World-Class Faculty
- Faculty in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology study topics that cover the breadth of the discipline, including crime, environment, gender, and labour.
Program Format and Courses
Sociology and Social Research is an in-person and full-time only program, offering you a traditional grad school experience. Benefit from the on-campus community, rich classroom discussions, and in-person faculty mentorship.
Timeline
The program runs from September to June, taking 10 months to complete.
Courses and Requirements
- Sociological Theory
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Data Science for Social and Applied Research
- Sociology and Social Research in Action (capstone)
- Three restricted electives
Capstone Course
The coursework stream culminates in a six-week intensive capstone course at the beginning of the summer semester.
You'll apply your knowledge of sociological theory and research methods to identify a contemporary social issue, design a feasible applied research or policy analysis, engage with relevant data and literature, and develop evidence-informed recommendations for academic, community, or governmental audiences.
Timeline
The program starts in September and typically takes 6 consecutive semesters to complete.
Courses and Requirements
- Sociological Theory
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Data Science for Social and Applied Research
- Professional seminar in sociology
- An elective course
- A research thesis on a topic of your choice
Optional Specializations
If you're interested in adding an interdisciplinary lens to your research, consider adding one of our specializations:
Finding an Advisor
When you apply to the thesis stream, you are strongly encouraged to identify a faculty member who has agreed to supervise your research project. Use our search tool to explore the faculty's specialties. If you're ready to take the next step, contact the faculty member you would like to work with and tell them about your research interests.
- Research-Oriented
- Synthesize sociological theory and research methods while producing evidence-informed analyses suitable for academic, community, or policy audiences.
- Diverse Perspectives
- The curriculum includes diverse perspectives and lived experiences across local, national, and global contexts, including Indigenous research methodologies and epistemologies.
- Mobilize Knowledge
- Learn to translate sociological findings for non-academic stakeholders through policy briefs, data visualizations, multimedia, and other tangible outputs.
What Sets Sociology and Social Research Apart?
Our department is home to 25+ sociologists who are active in the Canadian sociological community, regularly securing competitive grants, publishing in top journals, and presenting at national and international conferences.
Building on our decades of expertise in sociological education, the MA program has recently been refreshed to emphasize methodological versatility, applied research skills, and the capacity to translate sociological insight into real-world and policy-relevant outcomes.
As a student in Sociology and Social Research, you'll learn to:
- Synthesize sociological literatures to identify gaps and develop original, theory-informed research questions that address contemporary social issues.
- Develop methodological literacy to justify appropriate research designs and evaluate the reliability and validity of social scientific data.
- Design and conduct research-based projects that demonstrate independent inquiry, analytical depth, conceptual rigour, and critical engagement.
- Communicate sociological perspectives and findings clearly and persuasively using oral, written, and visual methods to engage with diverse audiences.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical practice in individual and collaborative research in varied settings, showing respect for diverse perspectives.
Meet our Students
My research interests are at the intersection of sociology, forensic psychology, public policy, and the justice system. I am particularly interested in how mental health and social policy shape legal outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations.
I'm researching the impact of Airbnb on the long-term rental market in Toronto. By situating Airbnb at the intersection of housing, policy, and digital platforms, I try to answer why it has become the widespread short-term rental model seen today and why it can contribute to rising housing prices.
Guaranteed Admission Pathway for U of G Students
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology is proud to offer guaranteed admission to eligible University of Guelph students.
This pathway reserves spots in the program for students who have graduated from one of the following Bachelor of Arts majors with a minimum 80% average in the last two years of study:
- Sociology (major or minor)
- Anthropology
- Criminal Justice and Public Policy
- International Development Studies
Apply for the Guaranteed Admission Pathway by December 18, 2026.
If you are applying to the thesis stream, you must identify a faculty member who has agreed to supervise your project when you complete the form.
Applying to Sociology and Social Research
Admission to our department is competitive. We consider applicants who meet the following requirements:
- Honours bachelor or arts (or equivalent) with a minimum B+ (77-79%) average in the last two years of study.
- Completion of foundational courses in sociology at the undergraduate level. If you do not have a background in sociology, you may be admitted to the program on the condition that you catch up on certain undergraduate courses.
Note: The requirements may be in progress at the time of application but must be completed by April 30 of the entrance year.
Visit the Office of Registrarial Services website for full details on domestic and international tuition per semester.
In the course-based stream, funding is reserved for students with an entrance GPA of 85% or higher. Your offer letter will specify how much funding the department is able to offer you.
Thesis students will be offered a funding package of at least $16,000 (domestic) or $24,000 (international), made up of scholarships and teaching assistant positions.
Applying to Scholarships
Applicants are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships in the fall of the year before entering the program. External award opportunities include, but are not limited to:
Applicants can also browse scholarships available to graduate students in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.
Learn more about funding your graduate studies.
Get in Touch
Questions about the program? Contact the Graduate Program Team at csahs.admissions@uoguelph.ca.