Excellence in Sociological Research
The Department of Sociology fosters a critical understanding of society alongside expertise in social research.
We enable students to develop a thoughtful, critical and systematic approach to understanding patterns of contemporary life in Canada and throughout the world.
Our graduate programs are collegial and well-resourced. Our graduates pursue successful careers in academia, professional programs, marketing, law, media, management, the non-profit sector including international development and social, health, education, and counselling services.
There are many defining aspects of the department, but what stands out to me is the degree of support and mentorship. I felt tremendously supported by the faculty here throughout the completion of my PhD. From early communication when I was applying and got accepted into the program, I got the sense that the department was collegial and encouraging. My experiences over the last five years have only further confirmed my initial gut feeling. Beyond those I work closely with, the faculty here overall are so approachable and willing to mentor you in any small way they can. Mentorship in the department also translates into the professional development opportunities available (e.g., teaching large courses or specialized seminars). The department puts a lot of trust in PhD students and you will quickly feel like a fellow colleague. This level of trust is empowering and invaluable for professional development as a PhD student.
Jayzer Flores, PhD Candidate, 2026
How to Apply
All applicants must complete the online application form through the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.
The application portal will open in Fall 2026 for the September 2027 intake.
Deadline: January 25, 2027
Admission Requirements
MA: BA Honours undergraduate degree in Sociology or equivalent with a minimum B+ standing.
PhD: BA Honours undergraduate degree and Master's degree in Sociology or equivalent with a minimum A- standing. We also welcome applications from students with alternative academic backgrounds, particularly those with degrees from disciplines or interdisciplinary programs related to our specialty areas, for example, Communications, Criminology, Law, Gender Studies, Media Studies, Cultural Studies.
Required Documentation
As part of the online application form, applicants must include:
- Statement of Interest: MA applicants will vary in what they put in their statement of interest. Some have a very precise project in mind and they outline that particular project and indicate someone they feel would be able to best supervise them. But some applicants haven't narrowed in on a precise project so they indicate the area in which they are interested in studying. For the MA, we do not expect original research but demonstrated mastery of a given body of sociological literature related to a focused research question. If known, you could indicate whether you wish to pursue the essay or thesis option. Some MA students choose to do field work, but it is not mandatory. The length of the statement is about a page although it might be longer if you have a precise project (so 300 to 500 words in general).
- References: Two (2) academic letters of recommendation are required.
- Official Transcripts
Applicants must also submit the following by email to the Graduate Program Advising Coordinator.
- Writing Sample: The writing sample is a paper submitted in a sociology course or equivalent, typically 10-15 pages in length.
- Curriculum Vitae (C.V.)
Applicants to the Master’s program are not required to select a research area or find a suitable supervisor in advance.
As part of the online application form, applicants must include:
- Statement of Interest: Doctoral applicants will vary in what they put in their statement of interest. Some have a very precise project in mind and they outline that particular project and indicate the people they feel would be able to best supervise them. But some applicants haven't narrowed in on a precise project so they indicate the area in which they are interested in studying, the outlines of a possible project, and again indicate who might best supervise them. It is also a good idea to indicate why you have chosen Queen's Sociology -- what is there in particular about the program or people that makes this a good fit for your doctoral work. The length is probably about a page although it might be longer if you have a precise project (so 300 to 500 words in general). PhD applicants must identify one of the three research areas as their primary specialty area and secure a faculty member in the Department who is willing to supervisor the work.
- References: Two (2) academic letters of recommendation are required.
- Official Transcripts
Applicants must also submit the following by email to the Graduate Program Advising Coordinator.
- Writing Sample: The writing sample is a paper submitted in a sociology course or equivalent, typically 10-15 pages in length.
- Curriculum Vitae (C.V.)
To complete an application to the PhD program, applicants must have an agreement of supervision by a faculty member with a full time, joint, or cross appointment with the Department.
Additional Application Information
Applicants must include official, up-to-date transcripts for all current and previous post-secondary studies in their application.
Transcripts can be submitted in the following ways:
- Uploaded to the online application, as PDF files.
- If a transcript(s cannot be successfully uploaded, applicants are responsible for ensuring that official transcript(s) are sent to the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs by all universities previously attended. All hard copy transcripts must be received in sealed envelopes.
Final Transcripts: Original official transcript showing degree completion and conferral will be required from all applicants who accept an offer of admission to graduate studies at Queen's University. Final transcripts are to be sent directly from the issuing institutions to the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.
Issuing university(s) can send final transcripts by email or mail.
Final transcripts can be emailed to sgspa.reception@queensu.ca, or mailed to:
School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
Queen's University
Gordon Hall Room 425
74 Union Street
Kingston, Ontario
Canada K7L 3N6
Please review submission options as outlined by the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.
Entry into our program is highly competitive. We are looking for students who demonstrate strong research potential, are a good fit with our areas of expertise, and who fall within our areas of supervisory capacity. The Admissions Committee closely reviews statements of interest, transcripts, and academic letters of reference to determine the most qualified and suitable candidates.
The application review process begins on January 25 and continues through the Spring. Applications must be submitted by January 25 to be considered for internal awards. We start to send out offers of acceptance in late February. Late applications received after January 25 are accepted from domestic applicants, and successful applicants may be offered funding, on a case-by-case basis, so please reach out for more information or begin your application. Late applications do not apply to international applicants.
We do welcome part-time status applicants at both the MA and PhD level. However, part-time places in our graduate programs carry no financial support from the University.
Part-time students may be able to TA, but full-time students will be offered such opportunities first.
Academic letters of recommendation should be provided by professors who have worked with you in the past and can comment directly on your academic performance.
If you have been out of university for more than 5 years, one or more professional recommendations may be included.
Please note: Your referees will not receive an email with a link to Queen's secure online reference form system until you submit your application.
Apply Now!
Please note that the SGSPA Application Portal will re-open for the September 2027 intake in October 2026.
Application deadline for September 2027 intake:
🗓️ January 25, 2027
Applications received after the deadline may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Graduate Program Advising Coordinator for more information.
ApplyQuestions?
Contact the Graduate Program Advising Coordinator:
Celina Caswell
Email: socygrad@queensu.ca
Phone: (613) 533-6000 ext. 77452
Office: Mackintosh-Corry Hall, Room B411
Contact the Graduate Coordinator:
Dr. Nicole Myers
Email: nicole.myers@queensu.ca
Phone: (613) 533-2167
Office: Mackintosh-Corry Hall, Room D524