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

Apply Now

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
English proficiency scores (if applicable): Applicants born outside of Canada whose first language is not English must provide an English proficiency score. Exemptions may be requested by those applicants who have studied for at least two years in an English-speaking university in a country where English was the primary language. Students may submit their scores from either of the two tests listed below. The test must have been administered within the last two years.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Minimum score for admission: 625 (paper-based), 263 (computer-based), or 107 (Internet-based). Western’s TOEFL ID is 0984.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing Service). Minimum score for admission: 8.

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).