Sociology — Bachelor of Arts

FEATURES:

• Co-op semester(s) provide paid work experience in your field of study
• Study abroad to gain a global education
• Program eligible for financial aid

Gain a framework to understand societal structures and evaluate global social challenges including inequality, poverty, sexism, racism, violence, and climate change.

Sociology major

Study of the development, structure, and functioning of human societies.

Start your studies by delving into sociology's key ideas and concepts, while building an understanding of culture, social change, socialization, stratification, social structure, institutions, race and ethnicity, gender, and age and class. In your third and fourth year, study advanced sociological topics, while gaining practical skills in qualitative and quantitative research.

When you graduate, you have developed the rational thinking, presentation, and  writing skills that are key for academic and professional success.

View program outline in the UFV Academic Calendar.

Sociology extended minor/minor

Pair a Sociology minor or extended minor with a major or minor/extended minor in another program such as Latin American Studies, Media/Communications Studies, or Anthropology.

View program outline in the UFV Academic Calendar

Sociology major with Social Research concentration

Develop the strong analysis and research skills that are in high demand in both the public and private sectors by adding a Social Research concentration to your Sociology major. Become familiar with statistical, quantative and qualitative research methods, and learn to present your findings clearly and concisely.

Sociology/Anthropology major

Gain a broad understanding of your society, sharpen your cross-cultural skills, and develop sought-after research, analysis, and writing skills with a Sociology/Anthropology major.

Read more about UFV's Sociology/Anthropology major

Additional opportunities

Develop professional work experience, earn academic credit, and be better equipped for the workforce by completing a domestic or international internship. You may find opportunities with the Canadian government, non-governmental organizations, or related businesses to put your knowledge into practice. Get the details.

Attend informational seminars, public discussion panels, weekly gatherings and student events. Contact SAUS to learn more and get involved.

Drop by Kipp Research Lab to enjoy a study space on the Abbotsford and Chilliwack campuses.

A Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology is excellent preparation for future graduate work in sociology in order to become a professor, researcher, or applied sociologist. Sociology is also a good foundation for further studies in law, education, medicine, social work, and counselling.

You may also consider leveraging your strong investigative, writing, and cross-cultural skills in careers such as journalism, politics, public relations, urban planning, or public administration.

WorkBC forecasts an increase in openings for professional social scientists with strong analysis and research skills to manage and interpret large sets of human behaviour data on behalf of large organizations such as research institutes, global marketing and analytics companies, non-profit associations, government agencies, service organizations, and private corporations.

View full entrance requirements in the UFV Academic Calendar.

This program is open to international students

• How to apply

Students who do not meet the entrance requirements can upgrade in order to meet prerequisites for university classes.

Make an appointment with a Upgrading and University Preparation advisor to discuss your upgrading needs.

1. Students can demonstrate an understanding of the discipline of sociology and its role in contributing to our understanding of social reality.
2. Students can demonstrate the role of theory in sociology
3. Students can demonstrate understanding of the role of evidence and qualitative and quantitative methods
4. Students can: retrieve information from the Internet; use computers for data analysis; write in appropriate social science style to convey findings; apply principles of ethical practice
5. Students can demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of: culture, social change, socialization, stratification, social structure, institutions, race/ethnicity, gender, age, class
6. Students can articulate an understanding of how culture and social structure operate: institutions; social change; variance of culture and structure across time and place; implications of social policy
7. Students can articulate the reciprocal relationship between individuals and society
8. Students can articulate the macro/micro distinction and show they can apply it to their thinking/analysis
9. Students can articulate at least two specialty areas within sociology in depth
10. Students can articulate the internal diversity of Canada and its place in the international context
11. Students can demonstrate critical thinking
12. Students will develop values: articulate the utility of the sociological perspective; negative effects of social inequality
13. Students can communicate effectively
14. Students can effectively engage in problem-solving activities