University of Waterloo campus

Arts & Humanities

Sociology - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at University of Waterloo

University of Waterloo, Canada

Programme overview

Combine research with classical theory and analyze the most pressing issues confronting societies today in the supportive, friendly and intellectually vibrant environment of Sociology at the University of Waterloo. The PhD program combines rich sociological theory with practical applications in our key research areas, preparing you for careers inside and outside of academia like policy development, law, and research analysis. You’ll have the opportunity to work on faculty research projects and as a full-time PhD student, will be supported with funding for four years allowing you to complete all the requirements for your degree.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts  |  Department: Sociology and Legal Studies  |  Duration: 48 months (full-time)  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Intake: Fall (September - December); application deadlines: January 15 (for admission in September)  |  Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

What you will study

Research fields: Crime, Law, and Security, Knowledge, Education, and Digital Culture, Migration, Borders, and Transnationalism, Social Inequality and Public Policy. Study option(s): Thesis.

Career pathways

The PhD program combines rich sociological theory with practical applications in our key research areas, preparing you for careers inside and outside of academia like policy development, law, and research analysis.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally a master's degree or its equivalent in sociology with at least an 83% average in course work. A statement of academic interest (approximately a page, outlining areas of interest and reasons for choosing to study at the University of Waterloo). Students may choose to submit results from the Graduate Record Examination (both the General Section and the Special Field, Sociology).

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are made online through the Graduate Studies Application and the non-refundable application fee is $150 CAD per program. Deadlines are set by each programme.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.apply.uwaterloo.ca/apply/

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities

Anthropology

University of Waterloo, Canada

Degree
Bachelor's
Next intake
First-year students are admitted for the September (fall) term only. Terms: fall (September to Decem

Arts & Humanities

Architecture

University of Waterloo, Canada

Degree
Bachelor's
Next intake
First-year students are admitted for the September (fall) term only. Terms: fall (September to Decem

Arts & Humanities

Classical Studies

University of Waterloo, Canada

Degree
Bachelor's
Next intake
First-year students are admitted for the September (fall) term only. Terms: fall (September to Decem

Arts & Humanities

Communication Studies

University of Waterloo, Canada

Degree
Bachelor's
Next intake
First-year students are admitted for the September (fall) term only. Terms: fall (September to Decem

View all study programmes →

Ready to start your study abroad journey?

Book a free consultation with our expert counsellors and take the first step towards your dream university.

Copyrights © 2026 StudyMapped. All rights reserved.