Make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities
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.
A 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.
Faculty:
Faculty of Arts
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
Yes
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 (BSW).
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.
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
- Child and youth worker
- Client and sales support
- Educational assistant
- English teacher
- Project coordinator
- Research assistant, digital innovation and design
- Training and documentation associate
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.
If you choose to study Social Development Studies through Honours Arts and Business, your first work term will be halfway through second year (January - April 2027).
| 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 | - |
or after second year (May to August 2027) if you choose to study Social Development Studies through 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 | - |
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. This is a perfect choice if you want to focus on SDS in first year and have spaces reserved for you in SDS courses. Available through the regular system of study.
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 between the co-op and regular systems of study.
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 between the co-op and regular systems of study.
Admissions
Apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business and choose Social Development Studies as your major at the end of first year.
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
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.
Learn about transfer credit pathways from college Social Service Worker programs.
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