Program Overview

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Master of Arts in Social and Legal Studies

The Master of Arts in Social and Legal Studies is a graduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the social and legal aspects of society. The program is offered by the Department of Sociology and Legal Studies at the University of Waterloo.

Introduction

The purpose of this program is to provide graduate students with the information they require to navigate the program. The program is normally 3 terms (1 year) in length, and students may undertake it full-time or part-time.

Program Length

The coursework MA is normally 3 terms (1 year). Students may undertake this program full-time or part-time.

Degree Requirements

Coursework Master's students must complete the following:

1. SOC 700 'Sociological Theory' or 708 'Contemporary Debates in Sociological Theory'
2. SOC 710 'Applied Statistical Methods'
3. SOC 716 'Qualitative Research Methods'
4. SOC 726 'Law and Society'
5. at least other graduate courses with a minimum weight of 0.5 unit each.

Some students may also be required to take additional undergraduate courses or graduate courses as a condition of admission.

Courses

The MA coursework option requires 8 courses, including the required courses (as above). Courses are normally to be chosen from those offered by the Department of Sociology and Legal Studies.

All 8 courses should be completed by the end of the third term (typically at the end of August). A 3 fall courses / 3 winter courses / 2 spring courses progression is recommended.

In some circumstances, students can take graduate courses offered by other departments at the University of Waterloo, or by other Ontario universities. This requires permission of the Associate Chair, Graduate Studies, as well as the student’s supervisor and the course instructor. Usually only one external course is permitted in an MA program.

Students are also able to take a maximum of one “directed readings” course (SOC 789) in their program. This requires identifying a course topic in consultation with a faculty member (normally in the Department of Sociology and Legal Studies). While reading courses are largely discouraged, to be approved it must generally be the case that a) the topic area is not covered by regular offerings, and either b) the topic area directly contributes to the theoretical/methodological background required for their thesis/MRP/dissertation research, or c) degree progress would be hindered by lack of options (e.g., no other courses offered in a term). A written rationale must also be provided. Course instructor and graduate committee approval must be obtained.

In order to complete a course satisfactorily, students must complete all course requirements, as specified by the instructor and receive a minimum passing grade of 75%. Students may receive a grade of “incomplete” (INC) on a graduate course, if there is an agreement with the course instructor that outstanding work will be submitted, normally within one term. Evidence of that agreement should be submitted to the Graduate Coordinator. Grades of INC will revert to “failure to complete” (FTC) after two terms.

Graduation

Once you have successfully completed your coursework, you must do the following:

1. Contact the Graduate Coordinator to request that a Program Completion Form be completed. This certifies that you have met all of the Department’s requirements and are able to graduate.
2. Complete the intention to graduate form.

If you have any further questions regarding the graduation process, please contact the Graduate Coordinator.

The University of Waterloo hosts two convocations per year (Spring and Fall), in the Physical Activities Complex (PAC) on campus. You may select your preferred convocation date in the Intent to Graduate form.

Funding

Student funding is described in the offer of admission. Normally, MA coursework students receive 3 terms of funding, in the form of Teaching Assistantships and scholarships from the University. Funding is conditional on maintaining an average of 80% in graduate program courses. Information on awards and funding is available from the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs office. The Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs office also offers a Research Travel Assistantship to cover expenses related to conference travel.

Students can also find resources on the Student Financial Services webpage.

The Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs office also offers a Research Travel Assistantship to cover expenses related to conference travel.

Co-op

Graduate students may combine academic studies with paid work experience through the Department’s graduate co-op programs. Co-op placements normally occur in the third and fourth (Spring and Fall) semesters of full-time enrolment. Once a co-op placement is completed and the student returns to campus, a work report must be submitted to the departmental co-op officer. Students may then proceed to complete the final requirements for their degrees. Co-op placements are arranged by students with the assistance of the University's Department of Cooperative Education and Career Services. While the University will make every effort to assist students in finding suitable co-op placements, it cannot guarantee co-op employment. Only Canadian citizens and holders of Permanent Resident status may choose the co-op option.

For more information regarding the graduate co-op program and opportunities, visit the Co-operative Education website or contact the Department’s Graduate Coordinator.

Inactive terms and changing between full- and part-time

Students may change between full- and part-time studies with approval of the Associate Chair, Graduate Studies. Part-time students will normally not receive funding. Students may choose to change their status to “inactive” for a maximum of two terms, with permission of the Associate Chair. Inactive students will not receive funding.

Departmental activities

The department aims to create an environment of ongoing constructive discussion and relevant support regarding its members’ research interests and training. To that end, many scientific activities are organized throughout the academic year, including the departmental seminar series, professional development workshops, TA training, etc. You are strongly encouraged to participate and engage in as many of these activities as possible.

Social, emotional and physical well-being

The overall well-being of graduate students is a top priority for the department. The department as well as the University of Waterloo offers a wide range of resources, most available free of charge, to ensure the continued well-being of its students. Below is a list of some of these key resources:

• Graduate Student Association
• Mental Health Services and Campus Wellness
• Campus Safety and Security

Department Graduate Coordinator

The Department Graduate Coordinator is responsible for providing support and guidance to graduate students in the Department of Sociology and Legal Studies.

University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.