Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Social and Legal Studies program is a coursework-based program that can be completed in one year of full-time study or on a part-time basis for maximum flexibility. The program is offered by the Department of Sociology and Legal Studies, Faculty of Arts, at the University of Waterloo.

Program Details

• Department/School: Sociology and Legal Studies
• Faculty: Faculty of Arts
• Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
• Delivery mode: On-campus
• Program type: Master's, Research
• Length of program: 12 months (full-time)
• Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
• Study option(s): Coursework

Admission Requirements

• Normally an honours bachelor's degree or its equivalent in sociology with at least a 78% overall standing.
• A statement of academic interest (approximately a page, outlining areas of interest and reasons for choosing to study at the University of Waterloo).
• Results from the General Section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (optional).

Application Deadlines

• January 15 (for admission in September)

Application Materials

• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of interest: A statement of maximum 500 words explaining your interest in and fit for the program you’re applying to.
• Transcript(s)
• Writing sample
• References: Three academic references are required.
• Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable: TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

Degree Requirements

• Review the degree requirements on the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree.
• Check out recent submissions from the Department of Sociology and Legal Studies graduate students.

Tuition and Fees

• Visit the graduate program tuition page to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program.
• Review living costs and housing.

Program Description

Sociology and Legal Studies at the University of Waterloo is a stimulating and expanding department, and consists of sociologists and socio-legal scholars engaging in innovative teaching styles and research programs. Sociology is the study of social life and the social, economic, and political dynamics and dimensions of social relations and social change. Legal studies is the study of law which is central to everything we do - how we carry on business, how we treat the environment, how we shape our governments and how we deal with other people. The Master of Arts in Social and Legal Studies program prepares you for a career in policy development, law, research analysis, and more.

Admission Limitations

Due to funding restrictions, the Faculty of Arts is currently limiting the number of international students we can admit. Please discuss your interest in this program with the department's Associate Chair, Graduate Studies prior to applying.