Get ready to talk relationships.
The only one of its kind in Canada, this program goes far beyond basic anatomical knowledge and sexual health. Use different perspectives to explore relationships, communication, parenting skills, how media affects our understanding of gender/sex/relationships, the impact of culture on sexual values, and more, all from a 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 degree, you can choose from a slew of high-impact career paths, including teaching, counselling, social services, community engagement, and more.
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.
Build an awesome résumé
Looking for hands-on experience? We offer an 8-month practicum in fourth year and intensive research options.
You can also gain related co-op work experience through Waterloo’s Honours Arts and Business program.
About the program
Available as a 
Apply via Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business
Earn a Bachelor of Arts degree
International exchanges in 25 countries
Offered by the Faculty of Arts
Available as a major and minor
Admissions
- Apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business and choose Sexuality, Marriage and Family Studies as your major at the end of first year.
First-year courses
September to December
SMF 101 - Introduction to Relationships and Families
Arts First requirement 1*
3 additional courses
January to April
SMF 204 - Introduction to Human Sexuality
Arts First requirement 2*
3 additional courses
After first year
40% of the classes you’ll take will be Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Studies courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.
Sample upper-year courses
SMF 207 – Parents, Children, and Family Relations
SMF 211 – Dynamics of Dating
SMF 215 – Sexuality and Popular Culture
SMF 310 – Sexual and Relational Ethics
Customize your Bachelor of Arts degree
You can also add additional areas of interest and expertise by including a minor (or minors) as part of your degree.
Co-op
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. Co-op is available if you study Sexuality, Marriage and Family Studies through Honours Arts and Business.
Sample careers
- Teacher, Thames Valley District School Board
- Youth Support Worker, Argus Residence for Young People
- Knowledge-Transfer Exchange Coordinator, Gay Men's Sexual Health Alliance
- Sexual Health Educator, SHORE Centre
- Registered Psychotherapist, Private Practice
Helpful links
- Email Sam Wiebe, our Arts recruitment co-ordinator, who can answer any questions about Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Studies
- Visit the Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Studies website
- Related programs: Psychology, Gender and Social Justice
