Sociology (BA)

Faculty of Arts

waterloo

Co-op

Analyze the social world and investigate the ways in which people shape and are shaped by society. Gain a better understanding of contemporary social issues and the ways in which people work to change communities for the better. Explore how different parts of society, from health and health care to law and public policy to government, crime, education, identity, and much more, interact to define our social experience. Graduate with sought after skills for success in many careers in the private or social sector.

Apply Your Learning

Make the most out of your university career by taking advantage of all that Laurier has to offer you. Volunteer work, campus clubs, leadership programs, studying abroad, work experience – there are so many ways you can extend your classroom experience into the real world.

Here are just a few examples of the experiences you can add to your Sociology program:

Apply for co-op at the end of your first year and gain real-world work experience.
Complete the Experiential Certificate in the Non-Profit Sector offered through the Career Development Centre.
Study abroad for an academic term.
Join the Canadian Sociological Association (CSA) as a student member for opportunities to attend conferences and hear from experts in the field.
Thinking about graduate studies? Participate in faculty-led research opportunities.

Check out the Sociology Experience Guide for more!

2020 graduates who secured employment or went on to postgraduate studies

Laurier ranks in the top 6 percent of universities worldwide*

students who gained hands-on learning experiences at Laurier in 2019/20

*Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)

Admissions

Format: full time or part time Duration: four years Start: September (fall term) OUAC code: UH

Your Next Steps

Apply Now Strengthen Your Application Important Dates

Program Options and Courses

Specialization

Sociology students can choose to take advanced methods courses in their upper years and add an Applied Social Research Specialization to their honours Sociology degree. This will prepare you to conduct research related to human and societal behaviour.

Options and Minors

In addition, consider adding any of these popular academic opportunities that allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

Community Engagement Option
Legal Studies Option
Management Option
Social Entrepreneurship Option

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

First-Year Courses

Introduction to Sociology I: Critical Foundations
Introduction to Sociology II: Exploring Social Life
Introduction to Academic Writing
3.5 elective credits in courses that interest you

Sample First-Year Electives

Harry Potter and Medieval Culture
Introduction to Psychology
Mediterranean Culture and Civilization

Sample Upper-Year Courses

Bodies, Bioethics, and Boundaries
Constructions of Parenthood and Childhood in Canada
Sociology of Health, Illness and Gender

Similar Programs

Psychology (BA) | Waterloo
Religion and Culture (BA) | Waterloo
Global Studies (BA) | Waterloo
North American Studies (BA in Combination) | Waterloo
Archaeology and Heritage Studies (BA) | Waterloo
Anthropology (BA in Combination) | Waterloo

Watch Our Info Session

Learn more about how you can optimize your Arts degree

Favourite Courses and Professors

Start planning what courses you'll take in first year at Laurier

Memorable Experiences

Current Arts students recount their most memorable experiences while at Laurier

Watch Our Info Session

Learn more about how you can optimize your Arts degree

Favourite Courses and Professors

Start planning what courses you'll take in first year at Laurier

Memorable Experiences

Current Arts students recount their most memorable experiences while at Laurier

Co-op

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.

You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete paid work terms lasting 12 to 16 weeks.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

"This program does not only teach you about the academic world but also your position within the society. It allows for self-growth, a quality that is not present in all programs or fields. [...] I can proudly say that I am not only leaving with a piece of paper, in other words, the degree but also with an abundance of memories and knowledge that I can use in the future."

Nurul Noor, Sociology graduate

"Being able to explore multiple streams of Sociology has allowed me to not only grow as a student, but a person as well, and it has helped me discover the exact career path that I will enjoy most after graduation."

Lindsay McConnell-Chaddock, Sociology graduate

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

addictions counsellor
community development coordinator
criminologist
disability/diversity consultant
health care administrator
lawyer/paralegal
marriage and family therapist
mediator/labour relations
public relations specialist
social worker
victims advocate

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

"I love learning about sociology from a sociological lens. I love to see how it applies to different aspects of my life and how I could use it in my future endeavours. I also think the professors are all passionate about what they do, especially how they teach to affect change. I also love how close the faculty is with the Laurier Sociology Students Association."

Sashauna Bent, Sociology graduate