Sociology - Applied Social Research Nipissing University

Overview

The Sociology - Applied Social Research programme at Nipissing University provides students with a sophisticated understanding of social theories and diverse research methodologies. This degree is specifically designed to address the unique social challenges faced by northern, rural, and Indigenous communities in Canada and across the globe.

The curriculum integrates expertise from various disciplines, including Gerontology, Anthropology, and Criminology. Students benefit from a research-intensive environment that combines theoretical foundations with practical applications. This approach ensures graduates are prepared for professional roles in policy analysis and evaluation.

Active community involvement and partnerships with government agencies are central to the learning experience.

Why Sociology - Applied Social Research at Nipissing University?

Nipissing University hosts the only Statistics Canada Research Data Centre in northern Ontario. This facility provides students with exclusive access to micro-level Canadian census and survey data. Such resources are vital for conducting specialised research on population, health, and economic trends.

The Sociology Lab is equipped with over 40 personal computers featuring advanced statistical software like SPSS, Stata, and NVivo. These tools allow students to manage complex data sets and perform high-level quantitative and qualitative analysis. Technical support is provided by the university's certified technology services.

Students also benefit from the Institute for Applied Social Research, which conducts projects in policing, mental health, and education. The Graduate Student Centre offers a modern, shared space with individual study carrels and wireless internet. The award-winning Harris Learning Library further supports research with extensive electronic databases.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 9333 per year
• National fee: CAD 4032 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The programme offers two distinct routes: the Major Research Paper and the Thesis Research Project. Both pathways require a core foundation of advanced sociological studies. Modules may include:

• Advanced Sociological Theory
• Research Design
• Quantitative Analysis
• Qualitative Analysis

Careers with Sociology - Applied Social Research

Graduates are well-equipped for diverse roles in government, non-profit, and private sectors. Common career paths include working as policy analysts, social epidemiologists, or statistical data analysts. Many graduates also find success as research evaluators for community organisations or 'big data' companies.

The programme provides a strong foundation for those pursuing social service, probation, or customs officer roles. Additionally, the rigorous academic training prepares students for doctoral studies in Sociology, Anthropology, or Criminology. Graduates possess the analytical skills required to interpret complex social trends in various industries.