Social Development Studies

Make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities

Students in the Social Development Studies program at the University of Waterloo.

Explore how human interactions are influenced by individual, collective, and structural forces such as mental health, social relationships, economic conditions, education and politics, and movements for social justice and social change. The common goal of those who study Social Development Studies is to help people, communities, and nations flourish.

Through courses in areas such as psychology, sociology, and social work as well as hands-on community engagement opportunities, you’ll be well prepared for a meaningful career in social work, counselling, education, public services, human resources, law, or community and international service organizations. You can also enhance your learning experience by enrolling in co-op and applying what you learn in class to real work situations.

International exchanges in 25 countries

briefcase Co-op available through Honours Arts and Honours Arts and Business

Available as a major and minor

Admission requirements

Ontario students

Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including English 4U (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
Mathematics of Data Management is recommended as helpful background for the program.

Admission average: Low 80s

We recommend completing the Admission Information Form once you've applied.

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

Learn about transfer credit pathways from college Social Service Worker programs.

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Marielle chose a Social Development Studies degree because it can lead to careers in teaching, counselling, and social work.

Applying to Social Development Studies (SDS)

There are several ways to choose SDS as your major. Please email us if you have questions about any of the options.

Apply directly

You can apply directly to the SDS major on your application. This is a perfect choice if you want to focus on SDS in first year and to have spaces reserved for you in SDS courses.

Honours Arts

With considerable flexibility, Honours Arts lets you explore several majors in Arts, including SDS. At the end of first year, you can select SDS as your major.

Choose the regular system of study or add paid co-op terms to earn money and explore career opportunities.

Honours Arts and Business

Apply to Honours Arts and Business and choose SDS as your major at the end of first year to add valuable business courses to your degree.

Choose the regular system of study or add paid co-op terms to earn money and explore career opportunities.

Get tips from Waterloo students

Monthly topics include how to choose a university program, what it's like to be a Waterloo student, and more.

Questions? Ask a student!

Contact an Arts student ambassador to learn about their experience.

Ask them questions such as why they chose their program, what the classes are like, and how you can get involved on campus.

First-year courses and beyond

September to December

PSYCH 101R - Introductory Psychology
SOCWK 120R - Introduction to Social Work
SOC 101R - Introduction to Sociology
ARTS 140 - Information and Analysis*
One elective

January to April

SDS 150R - Lifespan Processes
SDS 131R - Political Ideologies and Social Development
ARTS 130 - Inquiry and Communication*
PSYCH 253R/253 – Social Psychology
One elective

*The Arts First requirement consists of two first-year courses that are capped at 25 students: ARTS 130 - Inquiry and Communication and ARTS 140 - Information and Analysis. Instead of listening to a lecture and trying to capture notes, Arts First courses will have you and your classmates working together to respond to a challenge posed by the instructor.

After first year

About half of the classes you’ll take will be SDS courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.

Sample upper-year courses

PSYCH 334R – Theories of Individual Counselling Psychology
SDS 350R – Adult Life Crises and Events
SOCWK 321R – Social Work with Families
SDS 425R – Educational Equity in Canada

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

Alternate school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, exploring career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.

Sample co-op job titles

Client and sales support
English teacher
Training and documentation associate
Project coordinator

Sample co-op employers

Third Eye Solutions Inc.
University of Waterloo
Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort
BlackBerry

Customize your degree

You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one of the areas of focus in the program.

Diversity and Equity
Education
Individual Well-being and Development
Social Policy and Social Action
Social Work

You can also include one of the minors available to all Waterloo students. Popular areas of focus for SDS students include Psychology; Sociology; and Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Studies.

What can you do with a degree in Social Development Studies?

Graduates commonly pursue careers in support work, child and youth counselling, early childhood education, and more. They often work in schools, youth mentorship groups, counselling offices, hospitals, and a wide variety of government departments.

Recent graduates

Senior Case Worker - Regional Municipality of Waterloo
Probation Officer - Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
Bereavement Coordinator - St. Paul's Hospital
Coordinator, Newcomer Settlement – Multicultural Association of Perth-Huron
Community Behaviour Consultant – Woodstock General Hospital
Support Worker – Community Living North Halton
Early Childhood Educator – Waterloo Catholic District School Board

Learn about the future of careers in arts, humanities, social sciences, languages, and creative arts.

Arrow pointing up and clicking Apply directly or choose SDS as a major at the end of first year

Offered by the Faculty of Arts

Graduation cap Earn a Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies

Ready to learn more?

Visit the Social Development Studies website
Contact Samantha Boehmer, our Arts recruitment co-ordinator, who can answer questions about the program
Subscribe to our newsletter to get tips and advice from current students
Related programs

Student stories

Visit our Beyond Ideas website to learn about Social Development Studies at Waterloo, studying abroad, the student experience, co-op, and more.

Get some serious experience

Enhance your résumé with an apprenticeship, where you’ll get experience by volunteering in a local community agency or by helping a professor conduct their research.

Fast-track your BSW

Want to become a professional social worker? After completing SDS, you can apply directly to our accredited one-year Social Work program and earn a Bachelor of Social Work.