At University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, Canada, Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology is offered as a doctorate in Sociology programme. The programme runs for 4 years, delivered on campus. Tuition for international students is CAD 5,541 per semester (CAD 3,056 per semester for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Doctorate
Field:Sociology
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On Campus
Local tuition: CAD 3,056 / semester
International tuition: CAD 5,541 / semester
Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
This is the doctoral program in UNB's Department of Sociology, a dissertation-based research degree typically completed in about four years, with required coursework delivered in person on the Fredericton campus. The program aims to build students' capacity to undertake independent research leading to an original contribution to the discipline, alongside transferable skills in problem-solving, project management, and professional writing. Admission requires a master's degree in sociology with a minimum GPA of 3.7, and the department sets application deadlines of December 15 for funding consideration and May 1 as a final deadline. The department positions itself as small enough for close faculty attention while offering a range of research specializations. Graduates go on to careers in government, academia, research institutions, private industry, and the nonprofit sector. The program suits sociology graduates holding a master's degree who are ready to undertake an extended, independent dissertation project under close faculty supervision.
Requirements
Minimum GPA:3.70
Admission Requirements: Applicants to UNB's PhD in Sociology should hold a Master of Arts in Sociology; those from related social science disciplines are considered at a minimum GPA of 3.7, against the department's standard MA-level benchmark of 3.5 (B+). Application materials mirror the MA program: an official transcript, three letters of reference (at least two academic), a statement of interest, a writing sample, and a CV, plus prior faculty contact to confirm supervisor availability and a WES ICAP evaluation for international credentials. Non-native English speakers must provide IELTS 7.5 overall with a minimum writing score of 7.5, or TOEFL 102, or an equivalent. The program admits Fall only, normally over four years, with application deadlines of December 15 (early, for funding) or May 1 (final).
Application Details
Start Date:Fall
Application Deadline:Domestic and international applicants apply through UNB's own application portal by the same published dates: for Fall 2027 entry the general deadline is 31 March 2027, and for Winter 2027 entry it is 15 November 2026, with undergraduate scholarship applications due 1 March 2027. UNB continues to accept applications after these dates while seats remain in the program, so admission is effectively rolling once the deadline passes. UNB publishes no international-specific deadline distinct from these dates. Limited-enrolment programmes close earlier: the Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education (Fredericton) close 1 December 2026, and the Bachelor of Nursing closes 15 February 2027. These are institution-wide dates; this programme publishes no deadline of its own.
