Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology

The Doctor of Philosophy program prepares students for careers in teaching and research. The program trains students to conduct theoretically informed and methodologically sophisticated state-of-the-art sociological research. Graduates will be able to conduct independent research and to communicate their research in a variety of contexts. Therefore, the program is designed to provide both a broad knowledge of the discipline and training in basic research. Students are expected to acquire autonomy in conducting research, preparing scholarly publications, and participating in professional conferences. These objectives are achieved through a combination of coursework, participation in seminars, preparation of comprehensive examinations, paid work as research and teaching assistants, preparing papers for conference presentation, and supervised dissertation research.

The normal requirement is completion of the University of Toronto MA, with at least an A– standing. All students must demonstrate that their master's degree program included coursework equivalent to Classical Social Theory, Social Statistics, and Qualitative Methods I. Some students may be required to take prescribed additional courses.

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

The department may recommend admission directly after completion of an appropriate bachelor's degree. Direct entry of this kind will only be recommended for outstanding students who have provided a clear and detailed plan for thesis research.

English language requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Required score: 7.0 (Academic) with at least 6.5 for each component.
Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) Including Writing and Speaking Sections: Overall score: 93; Writing: 22; Speaking: 22
Academic English Level 60: Required score: B
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Online: Required score: 70 minimum total with at least 60 in each part.
The Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE): Required score: 76 minimum total with at least 22 in each component and 32 in writing
Cambridge Assessment English: Required score: minimum 185 overall with at least 176 in each component.