Master of Arts in Sociology With Specialization In Gerontology (Thesis-Based)

at Lakehead University - Thunder Bay Campus Canada

The Faculty of Education at Lakehead University offers a Master of Education program designed to meet your professional and academic goals and interests. Our Master of Education (MEd) program provides you with a unique learning opportunity, which addresses the current landscape of both education and research. Our program consists of two distinct fields of study, Educational Studies and Education for Change.

The Educational Studies field refers to a wide range of educational research, theory, and practice within formal, non-formal, and informal contexts. This is a dynamic field of study in areas such as educational sociology, philosophy, psychology, law, policy, leadership, measurement, assessment, and curriculum content areas such as mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies, to name a few. 

The Gerontology Program actively collaborates with the Faculty of Education to provide you with an innovative, interdisciplinary learning perspective. You have the opportunity to access multifaceted resources and work together with complementary disciplines. Research and theory in Gerontology is reviewed, and the thesis or portfolio, where applicable, is taken in the collaborating academic unit and must have a gerontological focus.

The study of Sociology emphasizes the social relationships between people, communities and cultures. By exploring fundamental sociological theories, contemporary thinkers, and a variety of research methods, you will have the opportunity to examine topics including:

• Health and Aging
• Marriage and the Family
• Crime and Deviance
• Media and Popular Culture
• Science and Technology
• Gender and Sexuality
• Education
• Northern Communities
• Discrimination
• Social Change 

Women's Studies
The field of Women’s Studies has transformed dramatically since its introduction to Lakehead University in 1990. Alongside women’s experiences and gendered systems, you will examine elements of:

• Sexuality
• Queer Theory
• Law
• Masculinity
• Transnational Activism
• Ecofeminism
• Social Justice
• Pop Culture
• Embodiment

Through these topics and more, it is our goal to demonstrate how people are constrained by various ideological notions and how these notions can be challenged to facilitate equality.

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.

Physics
Physics is the study of how matter and energy interact in our everyday lives. Our experienced teachers and researchers will provide you with hands-on training that emphasizes problem solving, and the most advanced technology and mathematical methods.

As a Physics student, you will be exposed to cutting-edge information on the following topics:

• Mechanics and Gravitation
• Lasers and Optics
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Quantum Mechanics
• Solid State Physics
• Medical Physics

Graduate studies in Physics at Lakehead University is very rewarding. Students benefit from close working relationships with their advisors. These relationships help to facilitate students' research in Condensed Matter & Optical Physics (semiconductor, surface science, soft-condensed matter, and fibre optics). 

As well as the regular core courses, students are provided with special topics courses. This combination of general and thesis specific courses prepares students for further graduate work and provides a solid background in their area of specialization.

MSc Physics Co-operative Program Option:
Students enrolled in the MSc (Physics) program may take the Co-operative option subject to the approval of the Department. To obtain the MSc (Physics Co-operative Option) degree the student must satisfy all the academic requirements for the MSc (Physics) degree and in addition must completePhysics 5990 and 5992 successfully. The first and last terms of the student's program must be academic, and at least one of the work-terms must occur in a fall or winter session. The student may have the opportunity to work on a thesis during work-term placements.

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. The Gerontology Program collaborates with five departments including Sociology, to provide students with an innovative, interdisciplinary learning perspective. Students have the opportunity to access multifaceted resources and work together with complementary disciplines.

Research and theory in Gerontology is reviewed, and the thesis or major project taken in the collaborating academic unit will have a gerontological focus. For additional information on the Interdisciplinary Graduate Specialization in Gerontology, please visit the Gerontology website.

The Department of Women's Studies at Lakehead University is dedicated to furthering an understanding of the importance of gender as a category of analysis in scholarly inquiry. Through interdisciplinary instruction, students will critically assess the relevance of existing models of knowledge in reflecting women's experience and scholarship. The aim of the program is to encourage the development and integration of feminist teaching, learning, and research within the university community and the community at large. This Collaborative Master's program allows students to combine advanced disciplinary research with feminist scholarship from the interdisciplinary field of Women's Studies. Upon completion of the program, the degree awarded specifies the discipline of the participating academic unit and notes the Specialization in Women's Studies.

Psychology
Psychologists share a desire to make a positive contribution to human welfare through understanding and influencing the thoughts, emotions, and behaviour of individuals. They are concerned with what motivates us, what social, physical, and biological factors affect us, and what makes us unique.

Our multidisciplinary approach to Psychology provides you with the opportunity to explore these topics and the inner workings of the brain through either an Arts or Science stream, depending on your academic interests. Whichever stream you choose, you will graduate with the objective tools to develop theories, test them through scientific experimentation, and develop new knowledge through comprehensive research methods.

The breadth of study within our Psychology program is what sets Lakehead University apart. Throughout your undergraduate degree, you will gain at least one credit of exposure to all elements of the disciplines and sub-fields including Biological, Cognitive-Affective, Individual, Social, Abnormal, and Developmental, in addition to your stream electives.

Women's Studies
The field of Women’s Studies has transformed dramatically since its introduction to Lakehead University in 1990. Alongside women’s experiences and gendered systems, you will examine elements of:

• Sexuality
• Queer Theory
• Law
• Masculinity
• Transnational Activism
• Ecofeminism
• Social Justice
• Pop Culture
• Embodiment

Through these topics and more, it is our goal to demonstrate how people are constrained by various ideological notions and how these notions can be challenged to facilitate equality.

The field of Gender and Women's Studies has transformed dramatically since its introduction to Lakehead University in 1990. Alongside women’s experiences and gendered systems, you will examine elements of:

• Sexuality
• Queer Theory
• Law
• Masculinity
• Transnational Activism
• Ecofeminism
• Social Justice
• Pop Culture
• Embodiment

Through these topics and more, it is our goal to demonstrate how people are constrained by various ideological notions and how these notions can be challenged to facilitate equality.

Our Department of Women’s Studies takes an interdisciplinary approach to feminism. Our faculty members are prominent in the fields of feminist legal studies, women’s health, queer studies, cultural and new media studies and teach related courses that easily springboard our students into the Masters of Social Justice and related postgraduate programs, law schools across Canada, midwifery, policing, and many others.

As a Women’s Studies Honours student you are free to combine your studies with a joint major in Gerontology, Psychology, History, English, Indigenous Learning, Sociology, Outdoor Recreation, or Concurrent Education, as well as Concentration or Specialization options with Social Work.

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.

Computer science combines the intellectual challenge of a young discipline with the excitement of an innovative and rapidly expanding technology. Computer science has been an active area at Lakehead University for over 25 years. The department resides in the University's Advanced Technology and Academic Centre (ATAC), a striking building that houses many of the University’s computing activities. Faculty, staff, and students are equipped with state-of-the-art computing facilities including smart lecture rooms, labs, and a variety of computing technologies (e.g. Virtual Reality, Parallel Computing).

The Master's program in computer science provides an opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of advanced knowledge in the discipline. Students benefit from a selection of advanced courses and a chance to pursue research that aligns with their interests and aspirations.

Two program options are available to students; each option maintains a balance between coursework and research:

• Master's by Thesis, which requires fewer courses and involves a more substantial research project
• Master's by Project (2 years), which involves courses aligned with the IT industry needs and also includes a limited research project
• Master's by Course, which involves more courses and includes a limited research component

Co-op Information

• A graduate student will normally be admitted to the co-operative program option after completion of two terms, for a starting date in May. Students are expected to obtain an aggregate of 80% or more and must have taken at least 4 half credit courses (excluding non-credit courses, project and thesis).
• Co-op employment for 8 months (two terms) must be successfully completed to satisfy the co-op requirement for the degree. 
• Students interested in a co-op placement should inform the Department's Co-op Advisor at least four months in advance of the proposed date of the placement (e.g., by late December for placements beginning in May). The Department's decision as to the suitability of each candidate will be based primarily on academic performance. 

Social Work is a dynamic and growing profession that provides vital services to individuals, groups, families and communities that enhance well-being and facilitate positive change. Social Workers believe in the dignity and worth of each human being and the potential of all persons for continued growth and development throughout their life span.

The profession of Social Work encompasses a large spectrum of roles that include advocating for social justice, providing counseling and support services and developing social policies to assist marginalized populations. Social Workers assist clients with accessing resources and strengthening personal coping skills, while addressing larger socio-political-economic issues.

Our program is fully accredited by the Canadian Association of Social Work Education (CASWE) and provides students with an opportunity to learn the necessary knowledge and skills to begin a career as a professional social worker. We are committed to you -- our students -- through the use of small classes, innovative teaching methods and outstanding placement settings

Our courses blend in-class learning with field practice opportunities in supervised human service organizations. You will work in settings that include:

• Community Counselling Agencies
• Children’s Mental Health Services
• Addiction Recovery Facilities
• Medical Hospitals
• Correctional Facilities
• Elementary or Secondary Schools
• Advocacy Organizations