University of Waterloo

Overview

The Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social and Legal Studies at the University of Waterloo offer students the opportunity to develop advanced competencies in sociological theory, research methodologies, and critical analysis of law, inequality, governance, and social change. This interdisciplinary program allows students to engage with diverse topics, including crime and security, migration, and the intersections of culture and education.

What you'll study

The MA and PhD programs are research-focused and typically involve a combination of graduate coursework and supervised research, culminating in a thesis or dissertation.

MA (typical pathway)

• Engagement in graduate coursework that aligns with social and legal studies research themes, such as law, crime and security, inequality and public policy, migration and transnationalism, governance, and culture and education.
• Training in sociological theory and research methods.
• Completion of a thesis under the supervision of faculty members.

PhD (typical pathway)

• Participation in advanced graduate coursework, as required by the student's academic plan.
• Comprehensive development of research skills, including proposal writing and ongoing supervision.
• Research and writing of a dissertation that contributes original scholarship to the field.

Faculty and research environment

• Students benefit from the support of experienced faculty and a vibrant research community that includes affiliated and adjunct scholars throughout the University of Waterloo and its partner academic units.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically required to provide an academic background, a statement of academic interest, references, and proof of English proficiency, if applicable. GRE scores are optional for this program.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Social and Legal Studies program are well-prepared for various career paths, including roles in academia, research, public policy, social justice advocacy, and various positions in governmental and non-governmental organizations. The interdisciplinary nature of the program equips students with the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to navigate complex social issues and contribute meaningfully to their fields.