PhD Students

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the PhD program should have a master's degree in sociology or a related field and an overall average of at least 78% (B+) in their graduate-level coursework. Prior coursework in research methods, statistics, and sociological theory is preferred. Students with a master's degree from outside of sociology - particularly from a related social science field including economics, psychology, political science, education, urban studies, or geography - are also encouraged to apply.

In exceptional cases, the admissions committee may recommend direct admission into our PhD program following the completion of an honours or four-year bachelor’s degree. Such students would proceed immediately to the PhD program but would complete both the MA and PhD coursework.

How to Apply

Applications open each year on October 1, and the deadline is December 1. 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 PhD program includes:

• Biographical and contact information
• Two academic references
• Transcripts
• Statement of research interests (approximately 500-1000 words) that discusses why you are interested in pursuing graduate studies in sociology and outlines a prospective research project or agenda
• Statement of fit (approximately 200 words) that identifies how your interests align with one of our department's research areas and which faculty members you might want to work with
• Writing sample 
• 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).