Sociology

“I will be forever grateful for my experience at Nipissing. The ability to complete both my undergraduate and graduate degree at the same university has led to many advantages. During my undergraduate degree, one of my professors — Dr. Amir Erfani — took me “under his wing” and helped guide me in the right direction to achieve both my academic and professional goals. This mentorship led to completing an undergraduate thesis in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police, on the implementation of the amber-red advanced warning light system on school buses in Ontario. As a result, I had the opportunity to present my research to Ontario’s Legislative Assembly. During my graduate degree, I once again had the opportunity to work under the supervision of Dr. Erfani on my Master’s thesis research project. The smaller class sizes at Nipissing allow for students to build these relationships with their professors, that would likely not occur at other universities.

Nipissing offers undergraduate level advanced statistical methods, and survey research courses. These courses adequately prepare students and ensure they have a well rounded understanding of various research and statistical analysis methodologies. This is extremely beneficial when taking the graduate level courses. I have noticed that some of my fellow classmates who did not take the research courses during undergrad, were less prepared and further had a more difficult time comprehending the material being delivered to us. I highly recommend the Sociology: Applied Social Research program to anyone who is considering a career in a research-based field.”

Megan Odd, BA (Hon.) '20, MA Sociology: Applied Social Research '22

Housing and Homelessness Planner and Analyst, DNSSAB

"Nipissing University's Sociology program distinguishes itself through its small class sizes and the approachable nature of many of the professors within the department. The research I conducted with my previous advisor (Dr. David Zarifa) provided the foundation for my current studies at the graduate level. Further, this experience fostered a long-lasting connection, as he continues to act as one of my mentors."

Brittany Etmanski, - BA (Hon.) ‘13, MA ‘15, PhD candidate

"My experience at Nipissing University is one I am forever grateful for. Aside from meeting amazing people, I was able form special relationships with the faculty. The small class sizes allowed for a better learning environment. I went to a much larger university prior to attending Nipissing and the amount of knowledge gained in the courses and hands on experience, and the amount of care the faculty has towards their students is unbelievable at Nipissing. I was learning how to properly read theoretical and epistemological literature in my second year and sophisticated survey methodology and quantitative analyses in my fourth year: something that my fellow peers at graduate school were learning for the first time. I am still able to maintain these relationships with these Professors today and it is amazing to see how much they care about where you are now. My educational experience at Nipissing within the Sociology department is one that I hope other students will some day experience. I believe I would not be where I am today as a Research Assistant for the Women's College Hospital for violence against women if it wasn't for the care and passion for teaching within this institution."

Cassandra Hill - BA (Hon.) ‘11, MA ‘16

Research Assistant for the Women's College Hospital

"I had a fantastic experience at Nipissing University. The small class sizes ensure that every student has the opportunity to get to know their fellow classmates, and everyone gets a lot of hands-on attention from the professors. I had the opportunity to work as a research assistant and a teaching assistant alongside my thesis supervisor, Dr. Amir Erfani--experience that it unheard of at the undergraduate level in other universities, which I feel was a great advantage to me in grad school. I was also fortunate enough to learn advanced statistical methods during my undergrad, which have greatly helped me both academically and professionally."

Victoria Spofford, - BA (Hon.) '11, MA '16, PhD candidate

​Research/Data Manager at Health Canada

"The availability and helpfulness of professors provided for an excellent experience during my time as a student at Nipissing University. When I had academic challenges, my professors were always available to assist, but beyond that, I received their constant encouragement. My sociology professor Dr. Amir Erfani, for instance, encouraged me to enroll in an upper year statistics course, something I did not think I could do. He assured me that he knew that I was capable, and he was right. I excelled in the course and he then supported me in completing my thesis, which I had up until that point no plans of pursuing. After graduating, he and other professors went out of their way to assist with recommendations for scholarships and graduate school applications and I appreciated that each was able to speak to me as a student, and not just a grade point average."

Katie Bedard - BA ‘11

Client Service Administrator at ListenUP! Canada