BA Sociology Degree Guide

This is a degree guide about the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology at the University of Alberta Faculty of Arts.

Overview

Sociology is the study of the social aspects of human existence. If you’ve wondered about the impact of social media, felt peer pressure, wanted to understand the dynamics of poverty and wealth, or noticed the changing world of family and work, Sociology could be the major for you!

This program offers courses in

  • Crime and deviance.
  • Family and the life course.
  • Gender and sexuality.
  • Global and transnational issues.
  • Health and medicine.
  • Policy and social change.
  • Race, ethnicity, and decolonization.
  •  Religion.
  • Social inequality.
  • Work and economy.

Complete your major requirements and test out different classes. Design your academic plan. Remember: you’re in control!

Major Course Requirements

A major in Sociology requires:

  • SOC 100 - Introductory Sociology
  • SOC 210 - Intro to Social Statistics
  • SOC 212 - Classical Social Theory
  • SOC 315 - Intro to Social Methodology
  • SOC 335 - Themes in Contemporary Social Theory
  • Six credits in SOC at the 300- or 400-level
  • Six credits in SOC at the 400-level

Two of:

  • SOC 241 - Social Psychology
  • SOC 251 - Population & Society
  • SOC 260 - Inequality & Social Stratification
  • SOC 269 - Intro Sociology of Globalization

To verify your Major and BA Common Requirements, check the University Calendar and speak to an advisor.

The percentage breakdown of the components of the BA Sociology (Major) are as follows:

  • Required Sociology Courses (Major) (27.5%).
  • BA Basic Requirements (12.5%).
  • Second Major, Minor(s), Certificates, Electives (60%).

What Can I Do With a Sociology Degree?

I could be a community outreach co-ordinator, policy analyst, human resources representative, population research analyst, public relations specialist, mental health worker, media planner, management consultant, crime analyst, victim advocate, or youth counsellor.

Top 5 Reasons to Study Sociology

  1. Work with leading scholars and outstanding teachers to learn about multiple interrelated facets of social life.
  2. Gain cultural awareness while developing knowledge of community resources, public policies, and social structures.

  3. Integrate in-class instruction with community-based experiences such as Community Service-Learning (CSL).
  4. Learn how to collect and analyze data, co-ordinate research projects, and communicate research findings by completing the Certificate in Applied Social Science Research.
  5. Study abroad for a fall or winter semester at KU Leuven, Belgium - one of Europe's best universities, situated at the heart of the continent in Belgium. 


Enhance Your Degree

Your university experience is about what happens inside and outside of the classroom. Plan to complement your academics with hands-on learning outside of the classroom and take advantage of student activities. Each new step will help you explore your options, take measured risks, and inform your next step. Being informed and engaged leads to a richer journey throughout your degree and beyond!

Add a certificate in:

  • Applied Social Science Research.
  • Community Engagement and Service Learning.
  • Engaged Leadership and Citizenship in Arts and Science.
  • International Learning.
  • Peace and Post-Conflict Studies.

Participate in experiential learning:

  • Arts work experience, community service-learning, study abroad.

The following suggested opportunities are organized in four themes (Gain Experience, Global Perspective, Navigate Courses, Seek Out Connections) and by early, mid, and late stages of your degree. Learn more about Indigenous peoples, perspectives, and worldviews throughout your degree.

Early degree

  • Expand your career options, be proactive, and test possibilities. Join a student group.
  • Gain experience:Take a course that offers a Community Service-Learning experience.
  • Global perspective: have inspired conversations and animated debates about global topics during International Week on campus.
  • Focus your degree: ask the undergrad advisor about sample pathways through the Sociology major.
  • Seek out connections: join the Sociology Undergraduate Student Association.

Mid-degree

  • Take risks, try new things, ask for and offer help to people you know and people you meet.
  • Gain experience: apply to Arts Work Experience and gain full time, paid work experience.
  • Global perspective: take a course with a global emphasis, such as Racism and Decolonization..
  • Gain research experience: check out the Certificate in Applied Social Science Research or Sociology Honors!
  • Seek out connections: get an inside look at professional life in the Job Shadow Week program.

Late Degree

  • Develop and revise your career story based on your values, interests, and what you learn.
  • Gain experience: let the Career Centre support your job search with career advising, resume/cover letter reviews, and networking events!
  • Global perspective: study abroad and receive guaranteed credit in Cortona or e3 Programs.
  • Navigate courses: ready to toss your cap in the air? Apply to graduate!
  • Seek out connections: ask professors to be academic references.

Student Supports

These are services that enable you to pursue academic and personal success:

  • Academic advising.
  • Student ombuds.
  • Indigenous student supports.
  • Academic support.
  • Health and wellness.
  • Campus food bank.
  •  Libraries
  • International student supports.
  • Accessibility resources.
  • Financial aid and awards.
  • Professional and career development.
  • Mental health supports.

Department Contact Information
Office:             5-27 Tory Building
Phone: 780-492-0468
Email: socundergrad@ualberta.ca
Website: ualberta.ca/sociology

Blog: medium.com/ualberta-arts-insider
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Facebook: UofAArts   

We are all treaty people. The University of Alberta respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Treaty 6 territory, traditional lands of First Nations and Métis people.