Join us at Laurier

Becoming a Golden Hawk means more than just cheering on our (really good) varsity teams – it means being a student who cares about your community, who works hard in the classroom, and who takes advantage of all the learning opportunities that can happen outside the classroom, too.

Steps to Apply

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Steps to Apply

Undergraduate AdmissionsGraduate Admissions

Sociology (BA)

waterloo

Sociology is the study of the social world, including how people are shaped by and shape society. Study sociology to better understand contemporary social issues and how to change communities for the better. Learn to use sociological theory and research methods to tackle problems facing individual health, government policy, law, education and more. Your ability to make data-driven decisions will be an asset to many careers in the private and social sectors.

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.
  • Attend a Meet the Prof event and get to know your professors and fellow students outside of the classroom.
  • 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.

Check out the Sociology Experience Guide.

 

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
Ontario High School Admission Requirements
  • Minimum admission range: low 70s.
  • Competitive admission range based on last year’s admitted students: low 80s.
  • English at 60%.
Canadian Admission Requirements (Outside of Ontario)

Students applying to this program from a Canadian province outside of Ontario are encouraged to review our course equivalents by province chart. This chart will show you what courses from your province are equivalent to the admission requirements listed under Ontario High School Admission Requirements.
International Admission Requirements

Students applying to this program from an international curriculum are encouraged to review our curriculum-specific requirements; you must also meet all program-specific requirements listed under the Ontario High School Admission Requirements section.

English-Proficiency Requirement

Laurier's language of instruction is English, and so we may require you to provide evidence of your English proficiency to help make sure you experience success in your academic courses.

Your three most recent years of full-time education must be in English without taking any ESL (English as a Second Language) courses. If you do not meet this requirement, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency.

We reserve the right to request an English-language test from any applicant.

If you do not meet Laurier's English proficiency requirement but are academically qualified for your program, you may be eligible for a conditional offer of admission.

Laurier English and Academic Foundation (LEAF) Program

The Laurier English and Academic Foundation (LEAF) program is an academic English program for Laurier applicants who have to prove English proficiency. If you have received an offer to Laurier with a condition to meet our English- proficiency requirement, you can meet that condition by successfully completing the LEAF program.
College Pathways

Graduates from a two-year general Arts and Science diploma program can apply to Sociology within the Faculty of Arts on Laurier’s Waterloo campus. To be considered for admission to the Faculty of Arts, graduates must have an overall average of 75% in their program and achieve a minimum of 60% in a 4U English course or equivalent.

Learn more about our college transfer agreement.

Other Admission Requirements

Visit our admission requirements section to find specific requirements for university students, indigenous applicants, mature learners, homeschooled applicants, senior citizens, refugees, and more. 

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

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.

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"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

Interested in More Info?

Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 519.884.0710 x3385 or see all contact information.

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