Application System opens: October 15, 2025
Deadline: December 14, 2025. The 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 is 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 2025. All results MUST be received no later than February 1, 2026. (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 It 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 directly from your past universities to McMaster.
Research Plan
Please upload a one-page, single-spaced proposed plan of research in the “statement of interest” portion of the application site. This research plan should be tied directly to the research areas of the department. 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. Please identify one or more potential faculty supervisors within your plan of research.
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.
Supervisor
Please review the profiles of the supervisors within the department. You are welcome to contact faculty members to confirm your proposed research aligns with the departments’ research areas and faculty current research interests.
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 with 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 at the graduate level. 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 includes all scholarships awarded, all conferences attended and any publications. It is not necessary to list 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. For further information regarding the payment, please see the SGS How to Apply page.