Sexualities, Relationships, and Families degree
Get ready to talk relationships
Go beyond basic anatomical knowledge and sexual health! Use different perspectives to explore relationships; communication; parenting; how media affects our understanding of gender, sex, and relationships; the impact of culture on sexual values; and more, all from an anti-oppressive, social justice perspective.
Meanwhile, the program itself has a real family vibe. You’ll enjoy small classes and a tight-knit community at St. Jerome’s University, one of Waterloo's on-campus University Colleges.
With your Waterloo degree, you can choose from a slew of high-impact career paths, including teaching, counselling, social services, community engagement, and more. And you can always explore them early through the co-op system of study.
What courses will you take?
First-year courses
As an Arts student, you’ll choose your major at the end of first year. You’re encouraged to explore a second major in first year to discover potential new interests.
You can choose to study Sexualities, Relationships, and Families through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.
Honours Arts
January to April
- SRF 204 – Introduction to Human Sexuality
- Prospective major #2
- 3 electives
This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.
Honours Arts and Business
This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.
After first year
40% of the classes you’ll take will be Sexualities, Relationships, and Families courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.
Customize your degree
Explore specializations and popular minors among students in your program to enhance your degree:
- Intensive Research Specialization
- Counselling specialization
- Human Services Practicum specialization
- Psychology minor
You can add additional areas of expertise by including one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students.
Faculty:
Faculty of Arts
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in Sexualities, Relationships, and Families
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
Yes
Build an awesome résumé. Looking for hands-on experience? We offer an eight-month practicum in fourth year and intensive research options. You can also gain 20 months of related paid co-op work experience through Waterloo’s Honours Arts and Business or Honours Arts programs.
15 electives = lots of choice. Our flexible curriculum includes 15 electives, freeing you up to add interests in other subjects (and opening the door to a double major, minor, or specialization). If you’re interested in counselling or social work, check out our counselling specialization.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.
Sample co-op job titles
- Intake and referral assistant
- Family support worker
- Youth services assistant
- Community outreach facilitator
- Sexual health education co-ordinator
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
Option one: If you choose to study Sexuality, Relationships, and Families through Honours Arts and Business, your first work term will be in the winter term of second year.
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
Option two: Your first work term will be in the spring term after second year, if you choose Honours Arts.
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Study | Co-op |
| Third | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Fourth | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fifth | Co-op | Study | - |
What can you do with a Sexualities, Relationships, and Families degree?
Graduates commonly pursue careers in teaching, youth support work, and sexual health education in schools, government, non-profit organizations, and more.
The careers listed below are examples of what you might be able to pursue. Through the courses you take, specializations you choose, extracurriculars, and any work experience you gain, you'll graduate with a degree that's uniquely you and be ready to pursue a career that's right for you!
Family support worker
You’ll work directly with families who may be facing challenges like financial stress, parenting struggles, or conflict at home. In this role, you would connect people to community resources and help them develop healthier communication and coping strategies.
Sexual health educator
You would design and deliver workshops or classroom lessons about topics like consent, relationships, and sexual wellness. This job lets you empower young people and communities with accurate, inclusive information in a safe and respectful way.
Youth outreach worker
You’ll build relationships with young people in schools, shelters, or community spaces to support their well-being. Your role might include mentoring, crisis support, and helping youth navigate issues related to identity, relationships, and mental health.
Community program coordinator
In this position, you would plan and run programs focused on topics like family support, healthy relationships, or inclusion. You’ll organize events, manage volunteers, and evaluate programs to make sure they meet community needs.
Crisis line responder
You would provide immediate support to people experiencing emotional distress, relationship challenges, or crisis situations. This role requires strong listening skills, empathy, and the ability to help callers feel heard and supported in difficult moments.
Advocacy and policy assistant
You’ll work with organizations that push for social change, such as improving access to sexual health services or promoting gender equality. In this job, you might research issues, help write reports, and support campaigns that influence public policy.
Human resources assistant
You would help create healthy workplace environments by supporting employee well-being, diversity, and inclusion efforts. Your background in relationships and communication can help you handle workplace concerns and build positive team dynamics.
Social services caseworker
You’ll assist individuals or families in navigating systems like housing, healthcare, or social assistance. This role involves assessing needs, creating support plans, and helping people access the services that improve their quality of life.
Public health outreach worker
In this role, you would promote health initiatives such as STI prevention, healthy relationships, and access to healthcare services. You’ll often work in communities, helping people understand and use available health resources.
Non-profit organization staff member
You could work for organizations focused on issues like domestic violence prevention, LGBTQ+ support, restorative justice, or family services. Your role might combine program delivery, fundraising, and community engagement.
Research assistant
You would support academic or community research projects related to relationships, families, or social trends. This role involves collecting data, analyzing results, and contributing to studies that help improve programs and policies.
Settlement or newcomer support worker
You’ll help immigrants and refugees adjust to life in a new country. Your work might involve supporting families, explaining services, and helping people navigate cultural differences around relationships and social norms.
Each of these paths shows how you can turn an interest in people, relationships, and social issues into a meaningful career that makes a difference in everyday lives.
Admission requirements
Ontario students
Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%)
Admission average: High 70s
Not studying in Ontario?
Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.
How to apply
Apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business and choose Sexualities, Relationships, and Families as your major at the end of first year.
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Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, careers?
Please contact Stavros Stavroulias, our Faculty of Arts recruitment co-ordinator who can answer any questions you have.