Program Overview

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Social Development Studies

Education for Social Impact

The common goal of those who study Social Development Studies is to help people, communities, and nations flourish. In Social Development Studies, you'll explore how human interactions are influenced by individual, collective, and structural forces including mental health, social relationships, economic conditions, education and politics, and movements for social justice and social change.

Through courses in psychology, sociology, and social work as well as hands-on community engagement opportunities, you’ll be well prepared for a meaningful career in social work, counselling, education, public services, human resources, law, or community and international service organizations. You can also enhance your learning experience by enrolling in co-op to apply what you learn in class to real work situations.

Why Study Social Development Studies at Waterloo?

• Develop a solid foundation across the social sciences, including Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work
• Learn through diverse course offerings in areas like social justice, social policy, community development, diversity and equity, and counselling
• Variety of program-specific experiential learning opportunities available
• Engage with your peers and instructors through small class sizes and a supportive learning environment

First-Year Courses and Beyond

September to December

• PSYCH 101R - Introductory Psychology
• SOCWK 120R - Introduction to Social Work
• SOC 101R - Introduction to Sociology
• One elective
• One elective

January to April

• PSYCH 253R/253 – Social Psychology
• SDS 150R - Lifespan Processes
• SDS 131R - Political Ideologies and Social Development
• ARTS 160 - Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
• One elective

Any course above with "R" in the code reflects being offered through Renison. Some courses are cross-listed and offered through main campus and/or online (e.g., PSYCH 101, PSYCH 253, SOC 101).

After First Year

About half of the classes you’ll take will be SDS courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.

In second year, you should take the required statistics (SDS 250R) and research methods (SDS 251R) courses.

Sample Upper-Year Courses

• PSYCH 334R – Theories of Individual Counselling Psychology
• SDS 350R – Adult Life Crises and Events
• SOCWK 321R – Social Work with Families
• SDS 425R – Educational Equity in Canada

Co-op = Relevant Paid Experience

The co-op plan is optional for students in the Honours SDS degree format. In co-op, students will alternate study terms and paid co-op work terms throughout their degree, exploring career areas, networking, and developing skills as interests evolve.

Sample Co-op Job Titles

• Client and sales support
• English teacher
• Training and documentation associate
• Project coordinator

Sample Co-op Employers

• Third Eye Solutions Inc.
• University of Waterloo
• Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort
• Avalon

Customize Your Degree

SDS is a flexible degree with lots of room to tailor your elective choices. You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including any of these specializations:

• Diversity and Equity
• Education
• Individual Well-being and Development
• Social Policy and Social Action
• Social Work

You can also enhance your résumé with optional research opportunities or practical experiences, track other minors or even a double-major available to UWaterloo students, or simply take courses that interest you.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Social Development Studies?

Graduates commonly pursue careers in support work, child and youth counselling, early childhood education, and more. They often work in schools, youth mentorship groups, counselling offices, hospitals, and a wide variety of government departments. Many will pursue additional education through college, professional training programs, or graduate degrees.

Recent Graduate Positions

• Senior Case Worker - Regional Municipality of Waterloo
• Probation Officer - Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
• Bereavement Coordinator - St. Paul's Hospital
• Coordinator, Newcomer Settlement – Multicultural Association of Perth-Huron
• Community Behaviour Consultant – Woodstock General Hospital
• Support Worker – Community Living North Halton
• Early Childhood Educator – Waterloo Catholic District School Board

Admission Requirements

• High School student/recent graduate: Admission average: Low 80s
  • Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including English 4U (minimum grade of 70% is required)
  • Mathematics of Data Management is recommended as helpful background for the program
• College student/recent graduate: Admission average: Minimum cumulative college average of 75%
  • Any Grade 12 English 4U (minimum grade of 70% is required), OR a college English/communications equivalency
• University student/recent graduate: Admission average: Minimum cumulative university average of 65%
  • Any Grade 12 English 4U (minimum grade of 70% is required)

Fees, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

Visit the Fees, Scholarships, and Financial Aid Page to learn about tuition and fees, as well as all of the entrance and continuing scholarships and awards for Social Development Studies students.

Study Options that Suit Your Needs

• Study SDS part-time or exclusively online and begin your studies in the Fall, Winter, or Spring term
• Apply to the 3-Year General degree or 4-Year Honours degree option
• Previously attended college or university? You may be eligible for transfer credits

SDS Living-Learning Community

As a first year student in SDS living on residence, you can choose to be part of the SDS Living-Learning Community. Students are typically grouped into "clusters" of 8-16 living onsite.

Upper-year dons and peer leaders will organize academic events, study skills workshops, or social activities throughout the year to show you the ropes.

Fast-Track Your BSW

Want to become a professional social worker? After completing a degree in SDS with specific courses, you can apply to the accredited 10-month/full-time Social Work program. Graduates from this program obtain a Bachelor of Social Work degree and can register with a provincial regulatory body to practice in the profession.