Program Overview

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Sociology (BA)

The Sociology program at Wilfrid Laurier University is designed to help students understand how society influences individuals and how individuals can influence society. Through this program, students will explore contemporary social issues and discover how individuals and groups work to improve communities.

Program Details

Degree Highlights

• Build a Career with Impact: Combine a Sociology major with a minor in Criminology or Policing to increase chances of successful admission to the Ontario Police College and careers in law enforcement and social services.
• Pathway to Grad School: Pursue a Master of Social Work degree after graduation or start the Sociology program with a conditional offer for the full-time MBA program.
• Advance Your Skills in Social Research: Specialize in Applied Social Research by taking advanced methods courses in later years to graduate equipped for impactful research on human and societal behavior.
• Accelerate Your Degree: Complete the degree in just three years by working with an Academic Advisor and taking courses during summer semesters.

Top Experiences

• Apply to Co-op: Complete three work terms of four months' duration to gain valuable experience during studies.
• Connect Learning to Impact: Participate in Community Service-Learning (CSL) courses that blend outside-the-classroom experiences with academic content.
• Meet Fellow Students: Join student groups like the Sociology Student Association or the Canadian Sociological Association (CSA) as a student member to interact with experts in the field.
• Ensure a Supportive Start: Ease the transition into university with first-year courses that help build foundations for academic success.

Courses, Options, and Pathways

Courses

Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your degree, including first-year core courses and sample upper-year courses.

First-Year Core Courses

• Introduction to Sociology I: Critical Foundations
• Introduction to Sociology II: Exploring Social Life

Sample First-Year Electives

• One Planet, Many Worlds
• Introduction to Psychology
• Introduction to Women and Gender Studies
• Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
• Philosophy of Happiness
• Canadian Communication in Context
• Cultures Today

Sample Upper-Year Courses

• Sociology of Families
• Sociology of Health and Illness
• Sociology of Race and Ethnicity
• Sociology of Crime
• Interviews and Focus Groups

Program Options

Explore a variety of courses, specializations, and pathway options to shape your degree around unique interests and goals.

Options and Minors

• Management Option: Add management-specific education to your degree.
• Other Options and Minors: Psychology Minor, Criminology Minor, Policing Minor, Public Safety Option, Legal Studies Option, Social Entrepreneurship Option, Teaching Option.

Specializations and Concentrations

Sociology students can choose to take advanced methods courses in their upper years and add the Applied Social Research Specialization to their honours degree.

Pathways

Pursue additional, related qualifications from another postsecondary institution, such as the Business Pathway or other pathways.

Admissions

Format

• Full-time or part-time

Duration

• Four years

Start

• September (fall term) or January (winter term)

How to Apply on OUAC

Use the OUAC codes to apply for the program, selecting Sociology as your subject of major interest and choosing your desired option from available program enhancements.

Ontario High School Admission Requirements

• Average admission range: mid 70s
• English at 60%

Canadian Admission Requirements (Outside of Ontario)

Review course equivalents by province to ensure you meet the admission requirements.

International Admission Requirements

• Average admission range: mid 70s or low 80s for direct-entry co-op
• Senior or grade 12 English at 60%

English-Proficiency Requirement

Provide evidence of English proficiency if your previous education was not in English.

Academic Transition Pathway (ATP) Program

Complete the ATP program through Wilfrid Laurier International College to meet the English-proficiency requirement.

Transfer Admission Requirements

Review transfer-specific requirements, including block transfer agreements for college graduates.

Your Career Awaits

Explore sample career options, including addictions counsellor, community development coordinator, criminologist, and more. Additional training and education may be required for some careers.

Your Co-op Experience

Engage in co-op to integrate classroom learning with practical experience, building your resume, earning money, and developing your network.

Tuition and Scholarships

Calculate your expenses and explore funding opportunities, such as scholarships and bursaries, to support your education.

Waterloo Campus

Experience university life firsthand on the Waterloo campus, with opportunities for hands-on learning, community engagement, and campus life.

Delivered In Person

Complete your program primarily through in-person courses, attending classes on scheduled days and times, and connecting face-to-face with professors and classmates.