Phd Students

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the PhD program should have an overall average of at least 78% (B+) in their graduate-level courses. 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 welcome 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 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 PhD program includes:

• Biographical and contact information
• Two academic references
• Transcripts
• Statement of interest (approximately 500-1000 words) that discusses why you are interested in pursuing graduate coursework and research in sociology, as well as your proposed research plans.
• Statement of fit (approximately 200 words) that discusses how your interests are a fit with our department’s areas of strength
• Writing sample (maximum of 25 double-spaced pages)
• 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).