Sociology and Social Research | MA
Degree
- MA (Master of Arts)
Program Type
- Coursework
- Thesis
Delivery
- On-campus
Entry Terms & Deadlines
- Fall (September): January 20
Duration
Coursework:
- Full Time: 10 months
Thesis:
- Full Time: 24 months
Admission Average
B+ (77% - 79%)Understand Social Issues and Shape What Comes Next
Get advanced academic and applied training in sociological theory and research methods in the Master of Arts in Sociology and Social Research at the University of Guelph.
Our program combines rigorous theoretical engagement with hands-on training in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methods, equipping you with the skills to investigate complex social issues in areas like:
- Criminology and socio-legal studies
- Intersectionality and inequality
- Environments, livelihoods, and healthy communities
- Culture and institutions
- Media, technology, and digital society
- Get Career-Ready
- Develop practical skills in research design, communication, and stakeholder engagement to prepare for careers in policy, community organizations, research settings, and beyond.
- Two Pathways
- Choose the pathway that fits your goals: complete your master's degree in 10 months through coursework or pursue a 2-year thesis-based degree.
- World-Class Faculty
- Learn from faculty whose research spans the breadth of sociology, including crime, environment, gender, labour, and other areas of contemporary social life.
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.
- Research-Oriented
- Synthesize sociological theory and research methods while producing evidence-informed analyses for academic, community, and policy audiences.
- Diverse Perspectives
- Engage with diverse sociological perspectives, research, and lived experiences across local, national, and global contexts, including Indigenous epistemologies.
- Mobilize Knowledge
- Learn to translate findings for a variety of audiences through journal articles, presentations, policy briefs, data visualizations, multimedia, and more.
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 leading journals, and presenting at national and international conferences.
Under the mentorship of the faculty, you will learn to:
- Develop important sociological questions by synthesizing existing research, identifying gaps in the literature, and formulating original, theoretically informed research questions.
- Apply appropriate research methods by developing methodological expertise and critically evaluating qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research.
- Design and conduct research that demonstrates analytical depth, conceptual rigour, and critical engagement with contemporary social issues.
- Communicate research effectively through oral, written, and visual formats for academic, community, policy, and other audiences.
- Conduct research responsibly and collaboratively, engaging thoughtfully with diverse perspectives and research contexts.
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.
My research interests include the school-to-prison pipeline, youth crime, intersectionality, and the educational system. I'm examining how the school system often contributes to the harsh treatment of marginalized youth, subsequently increasing their likelihood of criminal justice involvement.
My thesis critically examines how Canadian mainstream newspapers have represented Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit people. Through qualitative content analysis, I explore how language and victim portrayals align with or diverge from the National Inquiry's Calls for Justice directed at media.
My research interests include femicide in the context of sex work and human trafficking, femicide of mothers, responses to and prevention of femicide and gender based violence, criminalization of survivors, and living victims of femicide.
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
Get in Touch
Questions about the program? Contact the Graduate Program Team at csahs.admissions@uoguelph.ca.