Master of Arts in Sociology (Thesis-Based)

at Lakehead University - Thunder Bay Campus Canada

The MScF Thesis-Based program is a research-oriented degree designed to give graduates a firm foundation in the process of scientific inquiry. Most research projects and internships are undertaken in one or more of the biophysical forest sciences, but social science research may also be undertaken. Research projects and internships are designed jointly by the student, a Research Supervisor at the location of the internship and the faculty member who serves as the student's Faculty Supervisor.

 Students normally complete all requirements within six terms (2 years) of continuous registration.

The MScF Course-Based (non-thesis) option requirements are 2.5 FCE required courses (including domestic or international field school), 1.5 FCE  elective courses, and an internship that is equivalent to 1.0 FCE for a total of 5 FCEs over three semesters (12-months).

Students will also participate in Field School, joining the existing initiatives offered to HBEM and HBScF students – either in a Canadian setting or International, and take a capstone course (0.5 FCE) in Professional Communication in the second semester.

The emphasis of the Course-Based offering of the MScF will be professionalism, communication and planning at a strategic level beyond basic natural resources management.  

Students in the course-based option complete a research internship designed jointly by the student, a Research Supervisor at the location of the internship and the faculty member who serves as the student's Faculty Supervisor.  The research internship will be closely coordinated by the Faculty and may involve local, regional, national as well as international collaborators. Students normally must complete all requirements within three terms (1 year) of continuous registration.

Our Geoarchaeology program is truly unique, and one of the few offered in North America. Our location in Northwestern Ontario, among diverse landscapes, soils, and natural features, makes Lakehead University a great place to study the hands-on discipline. 

The program is a collaboration between the departments of Anthropology, Geography, and Geology, and focuses on applying the concepts and methods in these fields to interpret artifacts left behind by ancient societies. 

You will explore very diverse topics, related to humankind and Earth, including: 

• Archaeological Site Formation 
• Physical and Natural Science 
• Ancient Cultures 
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 
• Human Evolution 

If you are inquisitive and enjoy being outdoors and learning about different cultures, Geoarchaeology is the program for you. You will have opportunities to immerse yourself in adventure and discovery with training in the field, access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities, and research collaboration with faculty members.

Government policies influence virtually every aspect of our lives, from housing to education to crime. Our Political Science program studies the institutions, ideas, practices, and power that shape government and policy at all levels. Students will gain a thorough understanding of political systems - with a particular focus on Canadian politics - and overarching notions of freedom, equality, and justice.

Our goal is to provide a well-rounded Political Science education by applying both theoretical and practical modes of analysis to examine sociological, economic, and historical contexts. If you have an interest in political systems abroad, you will also have the opportunity to explore the politics of America, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Additionally, you will study:

• International Relations
• Political Theory
• Law and Politics
• Public Administration and Policy
• Indigenous Governance
• Comparative Politics

Biology is the study of plants, animals and the diversity of life in an evolutionary context. As a Biology student you will gain insight into how organisms interact, how genes are inherited, how creatures evolve and much more. Our programs are practical and hands-on with research and fieldwork opportunities in almost every course to enhance in-class learning.

You will be exposed to the central aspects of Biology including:

• Form and Function
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Evolution
• Biodiversity
• Systematics
• Ecology and Environmental Biology 

You have the freedom to study Biology in a way that suits your career aspirations. You may choose courses that will prepare you to become a professional biologist, or you can combine your biological studies with a major in Chemistry, Geography, Environmental Studies or Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism.

As a student in our School of Kinesiology you will study the science of human movement, physical activity, and their relationship to health, well-being and performance. Our multidisciplinary Kinesiology programs explore how the body moves by studying:

• Anatomy
• Physiology 
• Biomechanics
• Ergonomics
• Musculo-skeletal Injuries
• Motor Development and Control
• Nutrition 
• Adaptive Physical Activity
• Health, Wellness and Fitness

Additionally, you will learn about the psychological, sociological and cultural factors that influence physical activity in all populations. This breadth of study will teach you to work collaboratively as part of an interprofessional team to deliver the best quality of care in diverse healthcare settings. Our balance of in-class and hands-on courses will provide you with the experience necessary to assess movement across the lifespan.

If you are interested in becoming a Registered Kinesiologist, our broad-based learning curriculum successfully prepares you to challenge the registration exam for the regulatory college license requirements to practice in Ontario. 

The Lakehead Advantage

You will gain hands-on assessment experience from day one through a series of applied, lab-based courses and through our Practice of Kinesiology applied courses. Multiple small lab sections allow for considerable one-on-one time with professors and fellow students. 

We have academic advisors exclusively for the School of Kinesiology who are available to all students at any point during the year. It is our goal to ensure you receive the guidance and mentorship necessary to achieve the utmost success with your undergraduate degree and beyond. 

We are one of few Kinesiology programs in Canada with a formalized co-operative program for our undergraduate students. Applications are due before Christmas break in second year. Successful applicants are required to complete a minimum of 4 four month paid work terms.   Following successful completion of the work terms students will return to complete the final academic year in the program.. This practical experience gives you a competitive edge when entering the workforce or pursuing professional certifications.

The Department of Sociology is committed to fostering the development of socially responsible citizens of the world. We offer a graduate program dedicated to enhancing students' knowledge of the societies in which they live, while increasing their ability to think independently and critically about important social issues.

MA in Sociology: Social Justice Studies Specialization

The Social Justice Studies specialization enables students to conduct original research on social justice issues by drawing on the disciplinary tools provided by Sociology. Students may investigate any topic relevant to social justice studies, by utilizing appropriate theoretical frameworks and research methodologies from Sociology. While a strong foundation in Sociology is emphasized, interdisciplinary work, public engagement, and community activism are also encouraged where appropriate.

Biology is the study of plants, animals and the diversity of life in an evolutionary context. As a Biology student you will gain insight into how organisms interact, how genes are inherited, how creatures evolve and much more. Our programs are practical and hands-on with research and fieldwork opportunities in almost every course to enhance in-class learning.

You will be exposed to the central aspects of Biology including:

• Form and Function
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Evolution
• Biodiversity
• Systematics
• Ecology and Environmental Biology 

You have the freedom to study Biology in a way that suits your career aspirations. You may choose courses that will prepare you to become a professional biologist, or you can combine your biological studies with a major in Chemistry, Geography, Environmental Studies or Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism.

History
The academic and professional pursuit of History is the process of bringing the past to life. The study of History encompasses all aspects of human experience, from wars to celebrity culture, and is constantly evolving as our knowledge and perspectives advance.

As a History student you will have the flexibility to pursue your own interests within the discipline and the ability to regularly collaborate with your professors due to our small class sizes. Our courses provide you with various approaches to the study of History and the necessary skills to analyze any issue within its historical context. You will examine historical topics from North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa and South Asia including:

• Aboriginal History
• Digital History
• Environmental History
• Gender History
• International Development
• Political History
• Medical History
• Military History
• Social History

Philosophy
While the pursuit of knowledge has evolved into specialized disciplines, philosophy continues to address the larger, fundamental questions underlying these disciplines such as "What is knowledge?", "What is truth?", "What is justice?". By studying philosophy, you will learn about the intellectual foundations of our society, but you will also develop critical thinking and problem solving skills that will enable you to re-examine society with an inquisitive mind and a discerning lens.

We will explore fundamental philosophical concepts, from Ancient Greek to the modern era, in order to understand contemporary thinking about ethics and justice in context. Our programs emphasize reasoning skills, oral debate, and writing proficiency with the balance of coursework dedicated to such philosophical topics as

• Gender
• Popular Culture
• Paranormal
• Love
• Biomedical Ethics
• Existentialism 
• Environmental

You will graduate from our program with the ability to:

• Analyze and interpret arguments
• Justify beliefs with reference to standards of proof
• Describe major philosophical trends
• Apply a historical understanding to key philosophical questions
• Identify theoretical assumptions 
• Plan and conduct research that is accurate, thorough, and broadly based

Due to the multidisciplinary relevance of the field, you may combine your studies with disciplines such as English, History, French, Indigenous Learning, Psychology, or Political Science.  We are also one of the few universities in Canada to offer a minor in Professional Ethics. This is a great option if you are interested in examining ethical issues in business, biomedical science, the environment, or digital technology.

Mathematics seeks hidden patterns that help us to understand life and the complex problems that surround us. This discipline of numbers, quantity, and space can be applied to many fields and industries, from Life Science to Finance. As a student in our Department of Mathematics, you will develop advanced analytical and critical thinking skills in addition to: 

• Research techniques 
• Scholarly writing proficiency 
• Comprehensive understanding of mathematical structures 
• Mathematical proof formulation and solution skills 

Mathematics is a very diverse and intellectually stimulating field of study. In addition to our traditional Mathematics programs, we offer Mathematical Physics and the flexibility to combine your Mathematics degree with a degree in Education, Economics, or Physics. You will benefit from our small class sizes, world-class faculty, unique research opportunities, and the ability to pursue mathematical topics you find most appealing.

Our graduates have gone on to pursue rewarding careers in both government and the private sector in research, leadership, and applied capacities.

The sustainability of our environment and natural resources is a pressing 21st century issue. Our Honours Bachelor of Science in Resource and Environmental Economics program combines the academic structure of an economics degree with the scientific depth of an environmental science degree to help you understand how economic activity impacts the world around us. In light of growing concerns of climate change, Environmental Economists are in high demand in an effort to improve management strategies.

As a Resource and Environmental Economics student, you will examine resource allocation and decision-making processes with respect to policies related to water quality, air pollution, waste disposal, and climate change. The natural resources component of the program will focus on the economics of resource extraction, resource depletion, and sustainability.

Our program combines fundamentals from the following disciplines:

• Economics
• Environmental Studies
• Mathematics
• Political Science
• Biology
• Philosophy
• History

Much like the economy, the environment and the discussion surrounding is constantly evolving. New theories and topics are always emerging in the field, making Resource and Environmental Economics a very exciting and ground-breaking discipline.