Program Descriptions 

The M.A. Program

The Department of Sociology at Queen's offers a program of graduate study and research leading to the Master of Arts degree.

i. Thesis option: students take the core course, Theoretical and Methodological Issues in Sociology, two additional half-courses, and write a thesis weighted at one-half of the total program; or

ii. Essay option: students take the core course (as above), four additional half-courses, and write an essay weighted at one-quarter of the total program.

The program reflects the special expertise of the faculty in its emphasis on four major areas.

• Critical Sociology Theory
• Feminist Sociology
• Social Control, Deviance and Criminology, Socio-Legal Studies
• Sociology of Communication and Information Technology

Since the number of graduate students admitted in any one year is limited, we are able to provide individual attention and a very thorough preparation for all students, those who go on to the doctorate, and those who do not.

 

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The Ph.D. Program

The Department admitted its first class of Ph.D. students in 1997-98. In addition to mandatory courses in sociological theory and methods, the program offers four core areas:

• Communication and Information Technology
• Critical and Sociology Theory
• Feminist Sociology
• Socio-legal Studies

Students are required to do 4 courses in Year 1, including 1 survey course in sociological theory and a survey course in sociological methods. Research and writing of a thesis will normally begin at the start of the third term. The student is expected to complete a detailed thesis proposal by the end of the fourth term. During the seventh term there will be a 2-part comprehensive, including a written examination and an oral defence of the student's thesis proposal and of theoretical, methodological and substantive areas germane to the thesis. Normally the thesis will be formally defended at the end of the 4th year.

Applicants are accepted under the general regulations of the School of Graduate Studies and Research as set out in the calendar of the School.

Normally, first-class standing in a Master's program is required for admission.

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