Master of Arts - Thesis Program & PhD 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 provides the admissions committee with an idea of what you are interested in studying, how these interests fit into ongoing departmental research, and whether this Department is the right place for you to pursue your academic goals. Students are encouraged to identify an academic supervisor in their applications.

  3. Research Statement [maximum 1000 words, double spaced, paper size 8 1/2" x 11", 1" margin, 12 point font]: Applicants to the MA and PhD Thesis programs must include a clearly defined statement of research interest that will be developed into an MA thesis or doctoral dissertation. This statement does not bind you in terms of your eventual research project; however, this description signals to us that you are capable of identifying a research topic that can be supervised by faculty members in our department. Ensure that your statement is as specific as possible, refers to relevant academic literature, and is well-written. For PhD Applicants, it is important to indicate how your proposed research builds upon your Master's work OR offer a rationale for your new research focus.

  4. Curriculum vitae (resume): Outline your past work, professional activities, and volunteer contributions. If you have any research experience or outputs (e.g., publications, presentations), it is a good idea to include them here.

  5. Writing Sample [solely authored by you in English and not exceeding 7000 words, including references]: The sample is an academic paper that you have written in your area of interest (when possible), that is substantial in content and analysis. This includes a successful term paper written for a course; published article; or article manuscript. An MA thesis section or part thereof is acceptable. The Department's Graduate Admissions and Awards Committee will use the writing sample to assess your analytical and writing abilities.

  6. Two Reference Letters. Both references should be academic in nature from persons who are qualified to comment on your academic work and potential for graduate study. Where possible, one or more of the references should be from a person(s) from the institute last attended.
Once you include the names and contact information of your letter writers on 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.

7. 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.