University of Saskatchewan

What you'll study

The MA in Sociology combines advanced training in social theory, research methods and substantive areas of contemporary social life. Students follow either a thesis-based route or a coursework/major paper route, both of which prioritise rigorous research design and ethical engagement with communities.

• Core subjects: contemporary sociological theory, qualitative research methods, quantitative methods and research design.
• Research training: advanced courses in survey design, ethnography, interview techniques, content analysis, statistics for social sciences and GIS for social research when relevant.
• Specialist areas: Indigenous and decolonial studies, rural and northern communities, health and illness, gender and sexuality, criminology and justice, labour and organisations, migration and multiculturalism, environment and resource governance.
• Thesis / major research project: thesis-route students complete an original research thesis under supervisory guidance; coursework-route students complete a substantial research paper or practicum-based project demonstrating applied research skills.
• Seminars and professional development: departmental research seminars, grant-writing workshops, teaching opportunities and collaboration with interdisciplinary centres across the university.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a four-year honours bachelor’s degree or equivalent in sociology or a related social science with strong academic performance. The department typically looks for evidence of research potential and relevant preparation in sociology or methods.

• Academic transcript: a good honours-level undergraduate degree in sociology or closely related discipline.
• Statement of intent / research proposal: a clear statement outlining research interests, relevant background and intended supervisors or areas of supervision for thesis applicants.
• References: two academic referees who can speak to research ability; professional references may be accepted for applicants with substantial relevant experience.
• Writing sample: an academic paper, honours thesis chapter or equivalent writing sample that demonstrates research and writing skills.
• English language proficiency: required if your first language is not English; recognised test scores or equivalent proof of proficiency must be provided.
• Additional considerations: relevant work or community experience, prior coursework in methods, and alignment with faculty expertise strengthen an application. Specific minimum grade requirements and supporting document instructions are available from the university’s graduate admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates from the MA in Sociology enter a wide range of careers that value advanced research, analysis and critical thinking. The programme prepares students for both academic and applied roles across sectors.

• Academic pathways: progression to PhD study and careers in teaching and academic research.
• Public sector and policy: research and policy analyst positions in municipal, provincial and federal government departments, health agencies and Indigenous governance bodies.
• Community and non-profit sector: programme evaluation, community development, advocacy, and project coordination roles in NGOs and Indigenous organisations.
• Research and data roles: social research positions in market research firms, think-tanks, and survey organisations; data analyst roles that build on quantitative training.
• Private sector: human resources, organisational consulting, corporate social responsibility and roles requiring stakeholder engagement and social impact assessment.

Why study at University of Saskatchewan

The Department of Sociology at the University of Saskatchewan has a strong reputation for research on Indigenous issues, rural and northern communities, and applied social policy relevant to prairie contexts. Graduate students benefit from supervision by faculty who are active researchers across qualitative and quantitative traditions and who collaborate with interdisciplinary institutes on campus.

• Research strengths: opportunities to work on community-engaged projects and to access centres focused on Indigenous studies, health research and rural development.
• Supervision and mentorship: accessible faculty supervisors and regular departmental seminars that support professional development and peer learning.
• Facilities and support: access to university libraries, research labs, statistical consulting, and graduate funding through scholarships, teaching assistantships and research assistant positions.
• Location advantages: Saskatoon provides a supportive urban setting with proximity to Indigenous communities and rural regions for fieldwork, alongside collaborative networks across the province.