The Master of Arts (MA) in Sociology – Applied Social Research at Nipissing University is an applied social research degree focusing on the application of social theories and research methodologies that assist with understanding and addressing social problems and development challenges in northern and rural communities, including Indigenous communities. The program brings together faculty expertise in applied sociology, health and population studies, gerontology, anthropology, science and environmental studies, criminology and criminal justice, and will appeal to those with interests from across the broad range of social science and health studies disciplines. Active involvement of community and government agency partners, a curriculum of research intensive courses, and practicum placements provide students with a theoretical foundation, opportunities to hone quantitative and qualitative research skills, and occasion to sharpen evaluation and policy studies in government, not-for-profit and private sector organizations. Students will be well prepared for more advanced studies in sociology, anthropology and criminology at the doctoral level.

The Major Research Paper (MRP) will be completed during the Fall, Winter, and Summer semesters. This option is designed for those who decide to conduct library-based research, including reviews of literature and secondary analyses of data (e.g. census and survey data) that focus on social issues and policy analysis. It is intended for those who plan to seek employment opportunities as research or policy analysts/evaluators within government and/or the social services sector.

Those who choose this option will be supervised by a MRP committee that is made up of one faculty supervisor, and one consulting committee member from a government, community, or private sector organization whose experience is directly related to the student's MRP topic. They will complete a total of 18 credits, including required courses in Sociological Theory, Research Design, and either Quantitative Analysis or Qualitative Analysis, along with three additional elective courses, which may include a practicum placement with a government, community, or private agency.

It is required that applicants reach out to potential supervisors before applying to ensure they will have someone available and willing to supervise them. The Thesis Research Project (TRP) option takes two years to complete over six semesters. It is designed for those who plan to undertake original, primary source empirical research that explores a social problem or social issue, and for those who plan to continue on to further academic studies or to work in a front-line research capacity with a community, private sector organization, or with the government. A TRP committee made up of a faculty supervisor, an additional two faculty members, and one consulting committee member from a government, community or private sector organization with experience directly related to a student's TRP topic will supervise and advise their project.