Masters Students

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the MA program should have an overall average of at least 78% (B+) in their 3rd and 4th year undergraduate courses. We are especially interested in students’ prior coursework in research methods, statistics, and/or theory. Students from outside of sociology – including those who majored in economics, psychology, political science, education, urban studies, or geography – are also encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Applications open each year in mid-October, and the deadline is January 15. While the Graduate Admissions Committee may continue to review applications on a rolling basis, priority is given to students who submit their applications before the deadline. General instructions for applying can be found here.

A complete application for the MA program includes:

• Biographical and contact information
• Two academic references
• Transcripts
• Statement of interest (approximately 500 words) that discusses why you are interested in pursuing graduate coursework and research in sociology. This statement also serves as a writing sample, so please take care in ensuring that it is well written and free of errors.
• Statement of fit (approximately 200 words) that discusses how your interests are a fit with our department’s areas of strength
• Cover letter (optional) that provides additional information or clarification of other application materials
• Application fee
• Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language by a satisfactory achievement within the last two years in one of the following:
  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). iBT (internet-Based Test):
    • For tests taken before January 21, 2026, Western requires a minimum overall score of 86, with no individual section score below 20. Some programs may require a higher minimum and/or specific band scores. Western’s TOEFL ID is 0984.
    • For tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, Western requires a minimum overall score of 4.5, with no individual section score below 4. Some programs may require a higher minimum and/or specific band scores. Western’s TOEFL ID is 0984.
  • The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS Academic). The minimum acceptable score is 6.5 out of 9.
  • The Duolingo English Test. The minimum acceptable score is 115.
  • The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL Assessment). The minimum acceptable score is 60.
  • Western English Language Centre. The requirement is successful completion of the High-Advanced level.
  • Fanshawe College’s ESL Program. The requirement is graduation from Level 10, English for Academic Purposes, with a minimum 80% in all components.

For additional details on these materials, particularly the references and statements, please see the Frequently Asked Questions.

In addition to applying to our program, students are strongly encouraged to apply for an Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS).