Specializations in Social Development Studies
Specializations are a way to enhance your SDS degree by taking courses focused in a specific area. Current SDS Specializations include:
- Diversity and Equity
- Education
- Individual Well-Being and Development
- Social Policy and Social Action
- Social Work
Any courses in these specializations that appear on the list of approved SDS courses will be included among your SDS electives (see Degree and plan requirements). Any non-SDS courses (i.e. PACS, PHIL, GERON, etc.,) will not be included among your SDS electives, but will count towards the specialization and will be included among your remaining general electives.
New specialization plans are in effect as of September 2020.
- The Cultural Diversity Specialization has been discontinued and replaced by the Diversity and Equity Specialization.
- The Social Work Specialization (effective Fall 2016) has not changed.
- If you declared a specialization plan between Fall 2016 to Spring 2020, please refer to Specialization plans effective Fall 2016-Spring 2020 for applicable checklists.
Diversity and Equity Specialization
The Diversity and Equity Specialization allows students to develop a concentration of courses related to diversity, equity, and social development that will be noted on their transcripts. It is designed for students interested in undertaking critical analysis of power and privilege in relation to various forms of diversity (culture, religion, gender, sexuality, disability, etc.) that help them to understand and work with people from diverse backgrounds both within Canada and internationally.
Be sure to refer to the Notes below for further information.
Diversity and Equity Specialization Checklist - effective Fall 2020
Education Specialization
The Education Specialization allows Social Development Studies students to develop a concentration of courses related to studies in education that will be noted on their transcript. It is designed for students interested in professions within the private and public sectors and in graduate studies that focus on teaching and learning, children and youth, program development and evaluation, and policy analysis. Open to any student in good standing completing a degree in Social Development Studies.
Be sure to refer to the Notes below for further information.
Available online - ask your SDS advisor to learn more
Individual Well-being and Development Specialization
The Individual Well-being and Development Specialization allows Social Development Studies students to develop a concentration of courses in individual human development that will be noted on their transcript. In addition to the benefits to their own personal development, students taking the specialization will be well-prepared for careers in areas such as life coaching and training, leadership development, and human resources. Open to any student in good standing completing a degree in Social Development Studies.
Be sure to refer to the Notes below for further information.
Available online - ask your SDS advisor to learn more
Social Policy and Social Action Specialization
The Social Policy and Social Action Specialization allows Social Development Studies students to develop a concentration of courses in social policy and social action that will be noted on their transcript. It is designed for students with career interests in law, global governance, human rights, health, housing, environment, and public service. Open to any student in good standing completing a degree in Social Development Studies.
Be sure to refer to the Notes below for further information.
Social Work Specialization
The Social Work Specialization allows Social Development Studies students in good standing to develop a concentration of courses related to studies in social work that will be noted on their transcript. It is designed for students interested in social work, and includes many prerequisite courses that will prepare students who plan to apply to the Bachelor of Social Work program at Renison.
Be sure to refer to the Notes below for further information.
Available online - ask your SDS advisor to learn more
Notes:
- SDS major students may select as many specializations as they choose if they are following the requirements that came into effect September 2016 or later.
- Other courses may be considered as approved upon written request to, and written confirmation from, the Chair of Social Development Studies.
- Specialization requirements may change from year to year, or courses may be added or removed. Check the specialization requirements in the Undergraduate Calendar corresponding to the year you are following.
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The Social Work Specialization does not include all of the prerequisite courses required for application to the Bachelor of Social Work program at Renison University College. Students should contact the School of Social Work, the Renison Admissions Officer, or an academic advisor for guidance on the remaining required courses.
- All 450R series, 490R series, SDS 495R, SDS 496R, SDS 499A/B require department consent in order to count towards your chosen specialization. Check the courses requiring applications section for more information.