Dr. Michael Ma

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Michael C.K. Ma is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. He focuses on areas such as social justice, community advocacy, anti-racism, and harm reduction, with a current research interest in drug use. As a founding member of the Social Justice Centre, he has actively contributed to community-based research and projects that aim to provide responsive solutions for individuals affected by the toxic drug crisis and related carceral policies. His extensive academic training includes sculpture, art history, and social/political thought, enabling him to ground his research in social theory. Ma’s work emphasizes collaborative efforts with community partners, particularly through research training initiatives and teaching, where he integrates harm-reduction practice and public scholarship. He has developed innovative pedagogical approaches, including the Inside-Out: Prison Education Program, which brings together university students and incarcerated individuals. His contributions to public discourse are also evident through conferences and a YouTube channel that discusses generative AI in academic practice. Ma has been recognized with multiple awards for his teaching and research efforts, including funding from NSERC and the BC Ministry of Health.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Teaching Professor

— Present

University of Victoria • Victoria, BC, Canada

Teach various courses in Sociology, focusing on Crime, Deviance, Drugs, and Society, incorporating harm-reduction practices and multimodal pedagogical strategies.

Awards

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NSERC CCSIF Award

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BC Ministry of Health Seed Grant

Requirements for University of Victoria

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
GRE General
Verbal
Required:130
Quantitative
Required:130
Analytical Writing
Required:0
Overall
Required:0
Prerequisites
BSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering or equivalent Background in Mathematics with emphasis on Computer Science
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Intent
  • Professional CV
  • Two assessment reports
  • Unofficial transcripts
Specialization Notes

Department: Department of Computer Science. GRE is highly recommended for international students.