Master of Arts - Course Based Program Applicants

  1. Official Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. Read the Requirements for Acceptance of Uploaded Transcripts.

  2. Statement of Intent [500 -1000 words, double spaced, paper size 8 1/2" x 11", 1" margin, 12 point font]: This document specifies your preferred area of study and explains your interest in the MA program. For area of study, it is helpful to make connections to the Department Research Areas, but you may also discuss other areas not represented there. The statement is an opportunity to discuss the issues or topics that interest you, your past experience in a sociology program, and what you hope to gain with a degree in sociology.

  3. Curriculum vitae (resume): Outline your past work, professional activities, and volunteer contributions. If you have any research experience, it is a good idea to include it here.

  4. Writing Sample [solely authored by you in English and not exceeding 7000 words, including references]: For the course-based MA program, the writing sample should be the best paper that you have written for an undergraduate course in sociology (a paper written in another discipline is permitted, but a sociology sample is preferred). If possible, submit a sample from an upper or senior level course where the paper was the primary assignment.
  5. Two Reference Letters. It is recommended that at least one of the letters be from a professor of an upper or senior level sociology course. Letters are nonetheless welcome from any professor and from any course, including courses in other disciplines.

Once you include the names and contact information of your letter writers in the online system, the university will email your reference writers inviting them to complete an appraisal form or reference letter. Please ensure that you submit your application early enough to allow your referees time to submit their reference prior to the application deadline. All references must be submitted by the deadline, in order for your application to be considered complete and move forward to the evaluation stage. Late references will not be accepted.

Writing reference letters is an important part of a professors’ role. They understand the necessity of providing letters to undergraduate students applying for graduate studies. Do not hesitate to contact any of our professors for a reference letter if you have taken a course with that professor. We recommend that you contact professors at least 4-6 weeks before the deadline.

6. Foreign Applicants only: All international students who have not completed a degree at an English-language university (recognized by the University of Alberta) must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) by completing an approved English Language exam. Note, the Department of Sociology has slightly higher ELP requirements than those that are stated on the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies website.

Applications are not considered complete until the nonrefundable application fee has been paid and all required documents in your checklist have been received.