Human Ecology [Graduate]

Department of Human Ecology
3-02 Human Ecology Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2N1
E-mail: hec.grad@ualberta.ca

General Information

The Department of Human Ecology offers a PhD in Human Ecology, and master’s degrees in Textiles and Clothing, Material Culture, Family Ecology and Practice, and Aging. Students come from a variety of academic backgrounds and upon graduation have taken employment in a wide range of careers in social service agencies, museums and cultural agencies, government, research and teaching.

Entrance Requirements

Applicants to the PhD program must possess a thesis-based master’s degree from a recognized institution and have achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4 point scale, or its equivalent, in the last ★60. Applicants who have the equivalent of an honor’s baccalaureate degree in a related field from a recognized institution, and who present a minimum grade point average of 3.7 on a 4 point scale, or its equivalent, in the last ★60, may also be considered for admission to the doctoral program. Applicants also will be required to provide evidence of research potential as demonstrated by previous scholarly work.

Candidates for the MSc or MA degrees should hold a four-year bachelors degree with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the last ★60 at the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. An applicant proceeding from either a three-year program in a related field, or a four-year program in a different field, may be admitted as a qualifying student.

Applicants to all programs will also be required to present three letters of reference from individuals knowledgeable about their academic and research capabilities, and may be required to present a minimum TOEFL score of 580 (paper-based) or 92 (Internet-based) where applicable (see English Language Requirement ).

Academic Standing Requirements

The Department of Human Ecology requires higher grades than those acceptable to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (see Failure in or Failure to Complete a Course or Research Work ). The minimum acceptable grade in any course taken by students registered in the master’s and doctoral programs in Human Ecology is a grade of B-. Grades below a B- count as failing grades for graduate students in Human Ecology.

The Department of Human Ecology also requires higher cumulative grade point averages than those acceptable to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (see Failure in or Failure to Complete a Course or Research Work ). All students pursuing a master’s degree in Human Ecology must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 throughout the course of the program. All students pursuing a doctoral degree in Human Ecology must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.3 throughout the course of the program. Students whose cumulative grade point average falls below the required minimum may be required to withdraw at any time.

Financial Assistance

A limited number of teaching and research assistantships are available for well-qualified students.

Graduate Program Requirements

Graduate Courses

Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings , under the subject heading Human Ecology (HECOL).