On this page: Programs offered | Admission requirements | Application procedures | Program requirements | SSOM courses
Programs offered
The Department (SSoM) offers graduate studies in two programs:
- one in medical anthropology given jointly with the Department of Anthropology
- two in medical sociology, given jointly with the Department of Sociology.
In each program, the student may work towards the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. All degrees are awarded by the relevant Faculty of Arts department. For further information regarding these departments, please consult Anthropology, History, or Sociology sections.
The Department (SSoM) is interdisciplinary, having faculty in the fields of medical anthropology, medical history, and medical sociology. In its programs of graduate studies, it attempts to provide two things: a training that is solidly grounded in the discipline of the chosen program, i.e. in anthropology, history or sociology; and, through seminars and interaction with Department members and other graduate students, an exposure to the other disciplines that are represented in the Department. The Department aims to instill in its graduates a combination of disciplinary competence and interdisciplinary perspective.
Admission requirements
M.A. in Medical Anthropology
The program is open to students with backgrounds in the social sciences, the medical professions, or the medical sciences.
M.A. in Medical Sociology
The program is open to students with a background in social sciences, health professions or health sciences. It aims to prepare candidates for a career of teaching and research in medical sociology, and there is consequently a preference for applicants with the potential to proceed to the doctoral degree.
Ph.D. Programs
Candidates for a Ph.D. will normally have taken their M.A. in the same field. Please refer to the appropriate Department - Anthropology, History, or Sociology.
Application procedures
M.A. in Medical Anthropology
Admission is granted by a joint admissions committee made up of representatives from Anthropology and SSOM. For details concerning applications, teaching assistantships, fellowships, etc. see Department of Anthropology.
M.A. in Medical Sociology
Admission is granted by representatives from Sociology and SSOM. For details concerning applications, teaching, assistantships, fellowships, etc., see Department of Sociology.
Ph.D. Programs
Please refer to the appropriate Department - Anthropology, History, or Sociology.
**Students applying to begin a Ph.D. in the history of medicine in 2011-2012 at McGill University are eligible for a newly created fellowship: the CRC doctoral fellowship in the history of modern medicine. This award, which may be renewed twice contingent upon student performance and funding, is reserved for an exceptionally meritorious applicant. The annual stipend is $35,000 per year. Students applying for the Ph.D. track in the history of modern medicine will automatically be eligible for this fellowship**.
Program requirements
Click course title for course credit weight and term information.
Search the Class Schedule by term for course sections offered. This includes class times, locations and instructors.
Please note: not all courses are offered each year.
M.A. in Medical Anthropology
For Anthropology courses, see Department of Anthropology. For SSOM seminars, see below.
M.A. in Medical Anthropology (Thesis) (48 credits)
Required Courses (42 credits)
HSSM 605
Medical Anthropology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Humanities & Soc Stud in Med: Seminar in the anthropology of medicine.
Offered by: Social Studies of Medicine
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2023 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
ANTH 615
Sem in Medical Anthropology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Anthropology: Overview of the theories and methods of contemporary medical anthropology.
Offered by: Anthropology
ANTH 694
M.A. Thesis Tutorial 1
6 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Anthropology: Individualized guided research for the Master's thesis.
Offered by: Anthropology
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
ANTH 695
M.A. Thesis Tutorial 2
6 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Anthropology: Individualized guided research for the Master's thesis.
Offered by: Anthropology
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
ANTH 699
M.A. Thesis
21 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Anthropology: Writing of M.A. thesis.
Offered by: Anthropology
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
Complementary Courses (6 credits)
Two Anthropology courses.
M.A. in Medical Sociology
Students may choose between two programs: MA thesis or non-thesis. For Sociology courses, see Department of Sociology. For SSOM seminars, see below.
M.A. in Medical Sociology (Thesis) (48 credits)
This includes 18 credits of course work and a research thesis that is based on original research (30 credits).
Required Courses (12 credits)
SOCI 504
Quantitative Methods 1
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): An introduction to basic regression techniques commonly used in the social sciences. Covers the least squares linear regression model in depth and may introduce models for discrete dependent variables as well as the maximum-likelihood approach to statistical inference. Emphasis on the assumptions behind regression models and correct interpretation of results. Assignments will emphasize practical aspects of quantitative analysis.
Offered by: Sociology
SOCI 540
Comparative Ethnicity and Race
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Introduction to the sociological study of ethnicity and ‘race’. Exploration of the range of meanings and the contours of theoretical debates across a range of places in order to put in perspective the North-American experience.
Offered by: Sociology
- Restriction: Open to graduate students. Undergraduate students admitted with permission of instructor.
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2023 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
SOCI 580
Social Res Design&Practice
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Asking researchable sociological questions and evaluation of different research designs used to answer such questions. Development of cogent research proposals, including data collection procedures. Principles, dynamics, strengths and practical limitations of research designs. Examples from recent publications.
Offered by: Sociology
- Restriction: Open to U3 and graduate students
SOCI 652
Current Sociological Theory
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Examination of works in some major areas of Sociology with a focus on: antecedent thought and research in the area; the internal structure and consistency of these works; the validity of the major claims made; and the implications for future theoretical development and research.
Offered by: Sociology
Complementary Courses (6 credits) one of the following two courses:
SOCI 515
Medicine and Society
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): The sociology of health and illness. Reading in areas of interest, such as: the sociology of illness, health services occupations, organizational settings of health care, the politics of change in national health service systems, and contemporary ethical issues in medical care and research.
Offered by: Sociology
- Prerequisite: Undergraduate students require permission of instructor
SOCI 538
Sel Top in Soc of Biomed Know
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): The seminar will examine recent work in the sociology of biomedical knowledge. It will focus on the technological shaping of biomedical knowledge, i.e., on the impact of new technologies and equipments on the development of biomedical knowledge.
Offered by: Sociology
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2023 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
plus one course in the History of Medicine
Thesis Component - Required (30 credits)
SOCI 690
M.A. Thesis 1
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Exploratory thesis research for the selection of a thesis topic.
Offered by: Sociology
- Restriction: Open only to graduate students registered in the M.A. thesis program of the Sociology Department.
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
SOCI 691
M.A. Thesis 2
6 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Preparation, submission and approval of the thesis proposal by the student to his/her committee.
Offered by: Sociology
- Restriction: Open only to graduate students registered in the M.A. thesis program of the Sociology Department.
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
SOCI 692
M.A. Thesis 3
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Fieldwork and data analysis on the thesis. Progress report to the supervisor.
Offered by: Sociology
- Restriction: Open only to graduate students registered in the M.A. thesis program of the Sociology Department.
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2023 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
SOCI 693
M.A. Thesis 4
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Fieldwork and data analysis on the thesis. Progress report to the supervisor.
Offered by: Sociology
- Restriction: Open only to graduate students registered in the M.A. thesis program of the Sociology Department.
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
SOCI 695
M.A. Thesis 6
15 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Completion, submission, and approval of the M.A. Thesis by the committee and the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office.
Offered by: Sociology
- Restriction: Open only to graduate students registered in the Medical Sociology thesis program.
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2023 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
M.A. in Medical Sociology (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)
This includes 27 credits of course work and a research paper based on original research (18 credits).
Required Courses (36 credits)
SOCI 504
Quantitative Methods 1
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): An introduction to basic regression techniques commonly used in the social sciences. Covers the least squares linear regression model in depth and may introduce models for discrete dependent variables as well as the maximum-likelihood approach to statistical inference. Emphasis on the assumptions behind regression models and correct interpretation of results. Assignments will emphasize practical aspects of quantitative analysis.
Offered by: Sociology
SOCI 540
Comparative Ethnicity and Race
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Introduction to the sociological study of ethnicity and ‘race’. Exploration of the range of meanings and the contours of theoretical debates across a range of places in order to put in perspective the North-American experience.
Offered by: Sociology
- Restriction: Open to graduate students. Undergraduate students admitted with permission of instructor.
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2023 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
SOCI 580
Social Res Design&Practice
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Asking researchable sociological questions and evaluation of different research designs used to answer such questions. Development of cogent research proposals, including data collection procedures. Principles, dynamics, strengths and practical limitations of research designs. Examples from recent publications.
Offered by: Sociology
- Restriction: Open to U3 and graduate students
SOCI 603
Bibliographic Methods 1
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Research-related skills for the production of a research bibliography under the supervision of a faculty member.
Offered by: Sociology
- Corequisite: SOCI 604.
- Restriction: Restricted to Sociology M.A. students.
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
SOCI 604
Bibliographic Methods 2
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Advanced research-related skills for the production of a research bibliography under the supervision of a faculty member.
Offered by: Sociology
- Corequisite: SOCI 603.
- Restriction: Restricted to Sociology M.A. students.
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
SOCI 652
Current Sociological Theory
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Examination of works in some major areas of Sociology with a focus on: antecedent thought and research in the area; the internal structure and consistency of these works; the validity of the major claims made; and the implications for future theoretical development and research.
Offered by: Sociology
SOCI 696
Research Paper 1
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Exploratory research for the selection of a research topic.
Offered by: Sociology
- Restriction: Open only to graduate students registered in the M.A. thesis program of the Sociology Department.
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
SOCI 697
Research Paper 2
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Preparation, submission and approval of the proposal by the student to his/her supervisor.
Offered by: Sociology
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
SOCI 699
Research Paper 4
12 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): Completion, submission and approval of the research paper by the committee.
Offered by: Sociology
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
* All students must have taken SOCI 504, 540, 580 and 652, or take them during the first year of the program. Students granted an exemption from any one or more of these courses by the Graduate Studies Committee must substitute another substantative seminar in its place.
Complementary Courses (9 credits)
3 credits, one of the following courses:
SOCI 515
Medicine and Society
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): The sociology of health and illness. Reading in areas of interest, such as: the sociology of illness, health services occupations, organizational settings of health care, the politics of change in national health service systems, and contemporary ethical issues in medical care and research.
Offered by: Sociology
- Prerequisite: Undergraduate students require permission of instructor
SOCI 538
Sel Top in Soc of Biomed Know
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Sociology (Arts): The seminar will examine recent work in the sociology of biomedical knowledge. It will focus on the technological shaping of biomedical knowledge, i.e., on the impact of new technologies and equipments on the development of biomedical knowledge.
Offered by: Sociology
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2023 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
3 credits, one graduate-level course in the History of Medicine
3 credits, one graduate-level course in Social Studies of Medicine
PH.D PROGRAMS
For information on the doctoral programs, please refer to the appropriate Department - Anthropology, History, or Sociology
SSoM Courses
Students preparing to register should consult the Web at www.mcgill.ca/minerva (click on Class Schedule) for the most up-to-date list of courses available; courses may have been added, rescheduled or cancelled. Class Schedule lists courses by term and includes days, times, locations, and names of instructors.
Courses with numbers ending D1 and D2 are taught in two consecutive terms (most commonly Fall and Winter). Students must register for both the D1 and D2 components. No credit will be given unless both components (D1 and D2) are successfully completed in consecutive terms.
Click course title for course credit weight
HSSM 604
History of Medicine
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Humanities & Soc Stud in Med: Tutorial.
Offered by: Social Studies of Medicine
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2023 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
HSSM 605
Medical Anthropology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Humanities & Soc Stud in Med: Seminar in the anthropology of medicine.
Offered by: Social Studies of Medicine
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2023 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
HSSM 606
Course not available
HSSM 610
Sociology of Medicine
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Humanities & Soc Stud in Med: Seminar in the sociology of medicine.
Offered by: Social Studies of Medicine
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2023 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year
HSSM 611
Course not available