SOSA requirements

Specific information for admission to SOSA grad programs

Our program is a full-time thesis based program.  We admit once a year; always in September.  Applicants should apply to our program by the January 15th deadline. Students who apply after January 15th may be considered for admission, but only if space is available.

Preference is given to applicants with degrees in Sociology or Anthropology with an average of A- or higher. Students with degrees in other disciplines may be considered if space is available, but they are generally required to do extra coursework to fill in any gaps in their backgrounds.

We encourage students to shape up something of a prospective research focus and project before reaching out to possible supervisors. With this in hand, you can reach out to a potential supervisor whose research area is in alignment with yours. 

Please Note: Some external scholarships, like those granted by SSHRC, have deadlines earlier in the Fall. Check the Faculty of Graduate Studies website for scholarship information and deadlines. In addition, you will find detailed information about the FGS Harmonized Scholarship process here.  

HOW TO APPLY: 

*PLEASE E-MAIL ALL DOCUMENTS to: sosagrad@dal.ca
  1. Complete the Dalhousie online application.  The online application will give you an opportunity to input the e-mail addresses of your TWO ACADEMIC REFEREES.  Once this is complete, the referees will receive a notification from Dalhousie to complete their reference for you.
  2. We will accept un-official transcripts for your initial application to us.  Please send transcripts from all academic institutions attended to:  sosagrad@dal.ca.  Note that final original transcripts will be required should you be offered official admission to the program.  (*Please see the FGS transcript submission guidelines below)
  3. If applicable, please provide a Proof of English language competency test (e.g. TOEFL).  **More information about English Language Requirements can be found on the FGS website
  4. E-mail sosagrad@dal.ca a statement of interest (1-2 pages for MA applicants; 2-4 pages for PhD applicants)
  5. E-mail sosagrad@dal.ca a résumé (CV)
  6. E-mail sosagrad@dal.ca a writing sample (e.g. course paper or thesis chapter)