MA Programs

We offer two graduate pathways to the MA in Sociology:

  1. Coursework + Master’s Research Paper (MRP) consisting of 6 courses + MRP; designed for completion in 1 year of full-time study
  2. Coursework + Thesis consisting of 5 courses + Thesis; designed for completion in 2 years of full-time study

Master’s Research Paper (MRP) Option

The MRP option is ideal for students who wish to pursue advanced graduate training in Sociology without writing a full thesis. The program may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.

Program Goals

Students in the MRP program will:

  • deepen their understanding of sociological theory and methods;
  • build the capacity to conceptualize and complete independent research;
  • develop critical thinking and analytical skills; and
  • strengthen their academic writing and communication abilities.

Program Requirements

Students must complete:

  • Six graduate courses (24 credit hours), including:
    • Four required core courses:
      • SOCI 6040 – Advanced Quantitative Methods
      • SOCI 6041 – Advanced Qualitative Methods
      • SOCI 6150 – Social Theory
      • SOCI 6880 – Sociology Graduate Seminar
    • Two electives at the 6000 level (may include courses from other departments)
  • SOCI 6900 – Master’s Research Paper, followed by a departmental presentation of the completed paper.

Recommended Schedule

Fall Semester

  • SOCI 6040 – Advanced Quantitative Methods
  • SOCI 6150 – Social Theory
  • SOCI 6880 – Graduate Seminar

Winter Semester

  • SOCI 6041 – Advanced Qualitative Methods
  • Two 6000-level elective courses

Spring Semester

  • Submit MRP draft by end of June
  • Revise and submit final MRP by second week of August
  • Present at departmental seminar in third week of August
  • Submit final MRP for evaluation by end of August

 

MRP Guidelines and Presentation

The MRP should reflect the depth of two graduate-level courses and meet the academic standards of a thesis in clarity, rigour, and organization. While original data collection is not required, the MRP must advance a clear thesis or argument and engage critically with scholarly literature.

Length: 40–60 double-spaced pages (12pt font). Alternative formats (e.g., journal article style) must be approved by the supervisor.

Structure:

  • Introduction with thesis/argument and key questions
  • Literature review with critical synthesis of scholarship
  • Conclusion with the student’s position, future research, or policy implications
  • Consistent referencing (APA or other approved style)
  • Cover page formatted to thesis standards

Departmental Seminar: MRP students must present a 20–30 minute formal talk and respond to questions. The presentation typically occurs in the third week of August. The final revised MRP is submitted by the start of the last week of August.

Evaluation and Submission

  • Final evaluation is based on the post-presentation version of the MRP.
  • It is graded independently by the Supervisor and a Second Reader. If their grades differ by more than 10 points, a Third Reader will be assigned. Their grade is final.
  • A spiral-bound or PDF version of the final MRP must be submitted to the department (email Marina Lethbridge) before graduation paperwork is completed.

Master’s Thesis Option

The thesis-based option is designed for students seeking to carry out substantial, original research over the course of their MA. This program is ideal for those considering future doctoral study or professional work involving independent research.

Program Goals

Students in the thesis stream will:

  • develop advanced skills in theory and research methodology;
  • conceptualize and manage a full-scale sociological research project;
  • collect and analyze original data (as applicable);
  • improve their writing, presentation, and communication skills; and
  • gain professional competencies valuable in academia and beyond.

Program Requirements

Students must complete:

  • Five graduate courses (15 credit hours):
    • SOCI 6040 – Advanced Quantitative Methods
    • SOCI 6041 – Advanced Qualitative Methods
    • SOCI 6150 – Social Theory
    • SOCI 6880 – Graduate Seminar
    • One 6000-level elective (may be from Sociology or another department)
  • A thesis proposal, normally 15–20 pages, including literature review, research design, and proposed schedule.
  • If applicable, an ethics application submitted to ICEHR. Students must have proposal approval from their supervisor(s) before submitting for ethics clearance.
  • A Master’s thesis, completed in one of the formats described below.
  • A departmental presentation and final thesis examination.

Thesis Format Options

Students must consult with their co-supervisors and receive approval for the selected format.

  • Traditional Thesis: Typically 125–175 pages (12pt font, double-spaced, excluding references). Must use a consistent citation style (APA recommended) and follow SGS formatting guidelines.
  • Manuscript Thesis: A set of cohesive scholarly papers (normally with the student as lead or sole author), framed by an introduction and conclusion that unite the work into a single research program.

Departmental Presentation and Examination

  • All thesis students must deliver a 20–30 minute presentation of their work at a departmental seminar.
  • Co-supervisors and the Graduate Officer (or delegate) must attend.
  • Feedback from this presentation should be incorporated into the final thesis—or a written rationale provided if not.

Examiners:

  • One external examiner (outside Memorial)
  • One internal examiner (Memorial or Grenfell)

Examiners are approved by SGS upon departmental recommendation. Students submit electronic (and, if required, hard copy) versions of the thesis to the Sociology main office. Examiners are given 4–6 weeks to review.

Final Submission and Graduation

To graduate, students must:

After clearance by SGS, students will receive official confirmation of graduation.