Dr. Shayne Dahl

Assistant Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Shayne Dahl. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

I specialize in anthropology of religion, focusing on Japanese mountain asceticism (Shugendō), Buddhism, and the intersections of history, spirituality, and consciousness. My research is based on long-term fieldwork in Japan, with additional studies in Mongolia, New Zealand, Peru, and Blackfoot communities in North America. I authored the book, 'Secret World of Shugendō: Sacred Mountains in Search of Meaning Post-Disaster Japan' (2025, UNC Press), which explores how religious practitioners negotiate secrecy, resilience, and meaning in the wake of catastrophe. At the University of Calgary, I teach courses in cultural anthropology, death ritual, and anthropological theory.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor (Teaching)

2019-01-01 — Present

University of Calgary • Calgary, AB

Teaching and researching in the field of cultural anthropology, focusing on death rituals and religious practices.

Awards

#

Governor General Academic Gold Medal

Courses

Anthropology of Death Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology Anthropological Theory of Religion in Inner Asia

Requirements for University of Calgary

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:97
GRE General
Verbal
Required:150
Quantitative
Required:159
Analytical Writing
Required:5.5
Overall
Required:5.5
Prerequisites
4-year Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent 3rd or 4th year course in Theory of Computation 3rd or 4th year course in Software Engineering 3rd or 4th year course in Systems (OS, Compilers, Networking) 3rd or 4th year course in Application (AI, Graphics, Databases)
Application Checklist
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Two Letters of Reference
Specialization Notes

Department of Computer Science Master's program. GRE scores are expected for international students.

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:97
Prerequisites
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or 4-year Bachelor's degree in another discipline 3000 hours of paid or volunteer work in human services Undergraduate Statistics course
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • Two References (one academic, one professional)
  • Departmental Information Form
  • Resume/CV
  • Self-Calculated GPA worksheet
Specialization Notes

Faculty of Social Work. Also listed as Department of Social Work.

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:97
PTE
Overall
Required:68
Prerequisites
Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) status Baccalaureate degree in Nursing (normally) Undergraduate Statistics course with minimum C grade Active nursing registration in Alberta (CRNA/CRPNA)
Application Checklist
  • Proof of Nursing Registration
  • Official Transcripts
  • References
  • Interview (if required)
Specialization Notes

Faculty of Nursing / Department of Nursing. Applicants must contact the Graduate Programs Office prior to applying.

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
GMAT
Total Score
Required:550
Overall
Required:550
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
4-year Bachelor's degree or equivalent Quantitative background for finance applicants
Application Checklist
  • Official Transcripts
  • GMAT or GRE Score Report
  • Resume
  • References
Specialization Notes

Department of Finance / Haskayne School of Business. Recommended GMAT is 550+ for MBA, 600+ for MFin.

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required: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:86
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field Identification of a potential supervisor (for thesis-based)
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • CV/Resume
  • References
  • Research Proposal (if applicable)
Specialization Notes

Covers Department of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Geomatics Engineering.

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:86
Prerequisites
Four-year degree in a relevant life science or health field Consent of a faculty supervisor
Application Checklist
  • Official Transcripts
  • References
  • Statement of Intent
  • CV
Specialization Notes

Covers Cumming School of Medicine programs including Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oncology, and Community Health Sciences.