Sociology degree

A group of students have a conversation outdoors

Because understanding your roommate's weird habits is a life skill

Overview

Co-op

Careers

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People are complicated. Study Sociology so they make sense. If you’re curious about how society works, Sociology helps you understand how social forces shape the modern world.

You’ll study human activity and interaction, while learning to think and write clearly about complex issues. Some are serious: inequality, poverty, crime, and criminal justice. Others reveal surprising truths about everyday interactions. (Why do long lines form in some countries and not others?)

This is a program where you’ll wrestle with pressing questions — and develop the tools to create solutions to local and global challenges.

You’ll explore topics such as age, class, ethnicity, religion, gender, criminality, education, work, social change, and politics. You'll also develop key research skills that can help you succeed in a wide range of careers.

When you study Sociology at Waterloo, which is ranked 5th in Canada (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026), you’ll learn from leading experts committed to creating an outstanding classroom experience. Choose the co-op system of study and graduate with 20 months of valuable work experience.

You’ve always suspected your family gatherings are a microcosm of society. With a degree in Sociology you’ll know why!

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 Sociology through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.

Honours Arts

September to December

  • SOC 101 – Introduction to Sociology
  • ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
  • Prospective major #2
  • 2 electives

January to April

This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.

Honours Arts and Business

September to December

  • ARBUS 101 – Introduction to Business in North America
  • ECON 101 – Introduction to Microeconomics
  • SOC 101 – Introduction to Sociology
  • Prospective major #2
  • Elective

January to April

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 Sociology courses. You can then choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo, such as law, psychology, and social sciences.

Sample upper-year courses

SOC 207 – Sociology of Education
SOC 223 – Deviance: Perspectives and Processes
SOC 418 – Culture and Society
SOC 434 – Sociology of At-Risk Youth

Customize your degree in Sociology

You can add additional areas of expertise by including one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students.

Popular minors for Sociology students include Legal Studies, Political Science, and History.

Faculty:
Faculty of Arts

Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Available as a co-op program?
Yes

Available as a regular program?
Yes

Available as a minor?
Yes

Sociology major = flexibility. Our flexible curriculum leaves plenty of room to explore your interests through minors or double majors, while co-op opportunities are also available.

Academic and social support. The student-led Sociology Society coordinates movie nights, student and prof mixers, academic help sessions, special lectures, and more.

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

  • Human rights, equity and inclusion support and engagement coordinator
  • Business analyst identity access and privacy
  • Research assistant
  • Technical writer
  • Community relations coordinator

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 Sociology 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 -


Learn more about co-op →

What can you do with a degree in Sociology?

Waterloo Sociology graduates often pursue careers in social work, research, education, human resources, and recruiting. They commonly work for government, social service departments, counselling centres, and a wide variety of businesses.

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!

Teacher

You’ll help students learn, grow, and develop the skills they need for the future. Sociology helps you understand how people interact and learn, preparing you to support students from a variety of backgrounds.

Policy analyst

You’d research social issues and help evaluate public policies. By developing quantitative and qualitative research skills, Sociology trains you to look at big systems and understand how decisions affect different groups.

Community outreach coordinator

You would work with organizations to connect people to programs and services. Sociology helps you understand community needs and build trust across diverse groups.

Market or social research analyst

In this career, you’d study opinions, behaviours, or trends through surveys and data. Rigorous methods training in Sociology prepares you to ask meaningful questions and interpret results carefully.

Human resources manager

You would support hiring, training, and workplace policies. Understanding group dynamics and inequality helps you build fair and effective workplaces.

Non-profit program specialist

You would help plan and manage programs that support communities or social causes. This role values organization, communication, and understanding social impact.

Public service or government officer

You’d work in local, provincial, or federal government supporting public programs. Sociology helps you understand how laws and systems shape everyday life.

Journalist or content writer

In this role, you would research topics and write about social issues for public audiences. Sociology strengthens your ability to provide context and explain complex ideas clearly.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion coordinator

You would support efforts to create inclusive environments in workplaces or institutions. Sociology helps you recognize systemic barriers and promote fair practices.

Criminal justice or corrections support worker

You’d work with individuals involved in the justice system, supporting rehabilitation and reintegration. Sociology provides insight into crime, inequality, and social structures.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) director

You would help organizations develop ethical practices and community partnerships. Sociological thinking helps businesses understand their role in society.

Advocacy or social justice officer

You’ll work with organizations that promote equity, rights, and social change. This career focuses on both public education and system‑level change.

Graduate studies in sociology or related fields

If you enjoy research and theory, you could continue into graduate school. This path can lead to careers in research, teaching, or advanced policy work.

If you’re curious about how society works, enjoy learning about people and communities, and want skills that apply across many fields, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology offers a strong and flexible foundation.

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

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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 Sociology as your major at the end of first year.

Related programs

Social Development Studies

Social Development Studies/Social Work Double Degree

Psychology (Arts)

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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, careers?

Please contact Stavros Stavroulias, our Faculty of Arts recruitment co-ordinator who can answer any questions you have.