Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology

The requirements of the Ph.D. programme consist of:

• seven graduate courses beyond the M.A. These courses must:

(a) meet the methodology requirement (this includes the fulfilment of two methods requirements [quantitative and qualitative or historical]) (see C, below)

(b) meet the theory requirement (see D, below)

(c) include two quarter courses on professional development

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

• other than Sociology 6Z03, no 600-level courses are permitted
• fulfilment of two methods requirements (quantitative and qualitative or historical)
• the completion of comprehensive examinations in two special areas
• 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 defense of a Ph.D. dissertation consisting of original research.

Detailed regulations for the Ph.D. are contained in the department Handbook. Others are provided in the School of Graduate Studies Calendar. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with these regulations, and are subject to all regulations which were in effect at the time they entered the programme.

 Detailed information on the admissions and application process and frequently asked questions. 

The Department of Sociology at McMaster University offers financial support of 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. Many current and incoming graduate students receive additional funding from external agencies (see below). Please also see awards and funding, School of Graduate Studies.

Applicants are advised to apply for federal scholarships (not applicable for international applicants).

Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program Doctoral Scholarships, and SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships.
If you are currently in a Master's program, you are required to apply via your home university. Check with your current department for the internal deadline; typically it is in October.