The requirements of the PhD programme consist of

• seven graduate courses beyond the MA These courses must:

(a) meet the methodology requirement (this includes the fulfilment of two methods requirements. Quantitative (Sociol 740) plus either Qualitative (Sociol 742) or Historical (Sociol 743).

(b) meet the theory requirement (Sociol 750 or 751)

(c) include two quarter courses on professional development (Sociol 724 and 725)

(d) include at least two regularly scheduled 700-level courses offered by the Department in addition to those taken to meet the methodology and theory requirements;

(e) optionally include no more than one Sociology supervised research course (Sociol 730 or 731) or a one graduate course offered by another McMaster department or by a Sociology Department in another university

• no 600 level courses are permitted.
• the completion of two comprehensive examinations
• in some cases, a foreign language proficiency examination
• an approved one-page dissertation abstract
• an approved proposal for a Ph.D. dissertation; and,
• the writing and oral defence of a Ph.D. dissertation consisting of original research.

The application competition for September 2024 is closed.

September 2025 Competition

Application System opens:   October 15, 2025

Deadline:   December 14, 2025   Deadline is firm.

Entrance period:  September 2026 only

Program is offered full time in person.

Admissions Requirements

• an M.A. degree in Sociology.
• minimum A- average in MA coursework (first-class standing, 80%, 10.0/12.0 or 3.7/4.0).
• demonstration of an excellent record of academic achievement.
• a strong plan for sociological research.
• a research alignment with the expertise of the current faculty members in the Department.

The department will consider applications from those with closely related social scientific degrees.

Note: International applicants must have completed at least five years full-time study at the B.A. and M.A. level in Sociology to be eligible for the Ph.D. program.

The admissions process is competitive; meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. 

Due to volume, we cannot pre-assess an applicant’s suitability for our graduate program, nor do we open email attachments. All admissions material must be uploaded to the application system.

English Language Proficiency

English is the language of instruction and evaluation at McMaster University. Hence it is essential that all students be able to communicate effectively in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English will be required to furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language.

• University degree at which English was the language of Instruction.
• TOEFL: minimum score of 92 (internet based), minimum of 20 per band.
• IELTS (Academic): minimum overall score of 6.5, with at least 5.5 in each section.
• CAEL: minimum overall score of 70, with at least 60 per band.
• MELAB: minimum score of 85.
• PTE Academic: minimum score of 63.
• York University course: YUELI Level 6 with a minimum final grade of B.University of Toronto course: Academic Level 60 with a minimum final grade of B

This score should not have been obtained prior to January 2024. All results MUST be received no later than February 1, 2025. (Note: The TOEFL institution code for McMaster is “0936”; the Department code is “96”).

Online Application

Applicants apply via an on-line application. Please review the School of Graduate Studies website for complete information regarding the application process.

Transcripts

Upload a scan of all post-secondary transcripts to the application system. Include one copy of the legend page from the back of your transcript. Please do not submit an unofficial transcript or “student records print” unless the document includes, your full name, the University name and all courses and grades.

Fall 2025 grades are part of the evaluation. If you apply before these grades are available, it is your responsibility to send an updated scan of your official transcript to socgrad@mcmaster.ca Its is expected that all such documents arrive by January 15 for priority consideration.

If an offer of admission is extended, you will receive directions to submit formal transcripts in institutionally sealed envelopes.

Research Plan

Please upload a one-page, single-spaced proposed plan of research in the “statement of interest” upload portion of the application site. This research plan should be tied directly to the research areas of the department.  Please identify one or more potential faculty supervisors with whom you would like to work.

Applicants who do not have a BA or MA degree in Sociology should add an additional statement (maximum 500 words) outlining their preparation for graduate study in Sociology, e.g., completed courses with substantial sociological content, sociological research and sociologists that have informed your own work, related research experience, etc.

Department Areas/Supervisor

It is not necessary to arrange for a supervisor as part of the admissions process. However, you should review the department areas of expertise, doctoral comprehensive examination areas and course offerings to determine if your research interests align with those of the department. Supervisors will be assigned to new students in the summer of 2025 just prior to the fall enrolment period.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

McMaster Sociology is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Please review the Equity and Inclusion Office website and submit a one-paragraph description of your background and experience with EDI and/or how you could contribute to EDI initiatives.  This paragraph can be added directly into the space provided on the application or it can be uploaded as a separate document.

Writing Sample

Please also upload a sample of written academic work that demonstrates your ability to do sociological research and your ability to write. This sample may be a course paper, part of a course paper, a thesis chapter, or a single author publication. Please do not submit an entire thesis. Formatting should be set at least one-inch margins and 12-point type.

Letters of Recommendation

Two confidential reference letters are required from instructors most familiar with your academic work. The electronic referencing system will send an e-Reference request on your behalf. Please do not submit letters from employers even if they are academic employers (TA or RA); the reference must be from an instructor who can evaluate your potential as a graduate student.

Curriculum Vitae

PhD applicants should submit a CV that contains all scholarships awarded, all conferences attended and any publications.  It is not necessary to list any non-academic employment.

Application Fee

The system will charge a non-refundable application fee. Please have a valid credit or debit card ready to pay the application fee. The fee will not be refunded or waived.

The Department of Sociology at McMaster University offers financial support to incoming graduate students to help them to excel at their studies and to complete their graduate programs in a timely manner.  Funding for graduate study usually comprises a combination of monies from graduate scholarships ,  teaching assistantships and research assistantships.

Domestic Applicants

Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGSM)

All Master’s applicants should apply for this federal scholarship if they meet the eligibility requirements. Please choose McMaster as one of your three choices for university. Students receiving this award must complete either the major research paper option or thesis option.  Value: $17,500 one academic year;  non-renewable.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship and Ontario Graduate Fellowship

All applicants for the CGSM scholarship above will also be considered for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship and Ontario Graduate Fellowship. Value $15,000 one academic year.

Daniel G. Hill Entrance Scholarship

McMaster Sociology has established the Daniel G. Hill Scholarship to support the graduate education of Black students. Please indicate your eligibility on your application.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis Awards

Please apply directly to the following scholarships
• Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarship
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship for Indigenous Students

International Applicants

Given limited available funding, you are strongly encouraged to pursue additional funding opportunities from outside of the university.

Resources for international applicants

• Tuition, Fees and Scholarships
• External Scholarships
• International Student Services
• UHIP (International Students Health Insurance)
• Graduate Studies Information for International Students (intended for incoming students but the  information is useful for applicants as well)
  • Accommodations
  • Cost of Living
  • Living in Canada
  • Working in Canada

Additional Information

For additional information, please visit the School of Graduate Studies Tuition, Fees and Scholarships website.

Students are assigned a PhD supervisor at the time of their acceptance into the program. The supervisor will be a faculty member of the Department of Sociology. An interim supervisor may sometimes be appointed by the chairperson of the Graduate Studies Committee until an appropriate supervisor is identified. In exceptional circumstances, a student may make a request to the Graduate Chair that they be assigned a different PhD supervisor.

The PhD supervisor acts as the chair of the student’s Supervisory Committee, and serves as the student’s primary research and academic advisor through the entire program.