Best Sociology Departments in Canada...?

[apop]

I'm an American hoping to pursue a PhD in Sociology in Canada in the future. However, in an attempt to understand the Canadian university system I'm hoping to compile a list of the best universities for Sociology. I've been searching for a list online but all I've found is McCleans which rates universities as a whole, not departments nor graduate level programs specifically. Any feedback you guys have would be helpful, thanks!

[socspice]

University of Toronto is definitely the top Canadian sociology program. On par with many top R1s in the US.

[Curlygrrl]

Would totally disagree- the UofT Soc department I heard is falling apart. But could be good for you depending on your specific focus. Always go more for the faculty then the university. York has some strong faculty that you should consider, McGill is always known to be strong - again depending on your personal interests. There are some amazing stars in faculty across the country and you will do yourself a service by basing your search on a personal level rather than ranking. Ranking is not really used here in Canada like in the US.

Best of luck with your search.

[lambspam]

As an American who was initially determined to go to a Canadian soc program, I'll warn you that it's hard to gain admission as an international student. From what I saw and experienced, I think the economic downturn resulted in strict quotas on the number of non-Canadian students they can accept. Word on the street is that some programs could take in no more than one international applicant.

Not to be a total buzzkill, but I wish I'd known before I applied to four Canadian programs.

[Curlygrrl]

Yes that might be unfortunately true. As a Canadian that applied to American programs the same is unfortunately true. So bottom line a strong application and a strong match with the department is key regardless where you call home. When it came to me being accepted in the US what helped was establishing strong ties and recognizing a strong fit between myself and certain faculty. It's why I stress get to know the faculty at schools your considering and e-mail them! Might not work with every school but if there is a strong fit it definitely won't hurt and might even help. In my case, I only recently learned my POI became my strongest advocate in the admissions committee.

If you want to go to school in Canada- apply, apply, apply! Best of luck!

As an American who was initially determined to go to a Canadian soc program, I'll warn you that it's hard to gain admission as an international student. From what I saw and experienced, I think the economic downturn resulted in strict quotas on the number of non-Canadian students they can accept. Word on the street is that some programs could take in no more than one international applicant.

Not to be a total buzzkill, but I wish I'd known before I applied to four Canadian programs.