Programs

Social Development Studies (SDS) is a multi-faceted Bachelor of Arts program that gives you a well-rounded background in psychology, sociology, social work, and a set of unique SDS courses. You'll learn how physical and mental health, socioeconomic realities, education, and emotional support affect the well-being of individuals and communities - locally, nationally, and internationally. 

Do you love learning about people in many different contexts? Do you have a wide variety of interests? Honours Arts gives you the flexibility to study broad interests and encourages you to explore subjects within the humanities, social sciences, fine and performing arts, and languages and cultures. Do you want to study business, but feel a traditional business program would limit your opportunities to study other interests? Whether you're interested in the humanities, social sciences, languages, or fine and performing arts, Honours Arts and Business may be just the program for you!

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program is the first social work program in Canada specializing in health that is available online. It is offered in collaboration with the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo. The MSW program views health holistically which means that students are challenged to consider how social, cultural, personal, physiological, structural, and political implications shape individual, community, and global health experiences. Students are challenged to explore interventions that take multiple forms to address health inequities including individual, organizational, community, and policy levels. A benefit of the online program is that students are exposed to the most current of online technologies that will enhance learning and future practice. You can complete the MSW program full-time (12 months) or part-time (24 months); both the full-time and part-time MSW programs begin and end with on-campus intensive weeks in August. All MSW students will have a field practicum as part of their learning requirements. A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree is a requirement for anyone applying to the MSW program.

Are you fascinated by learning languages and the complexities of communicating in a second language? You can earn a minor in Applied Language Studies (APPLS). APPLS is the application of second language learning theories to the practice of learning and teaching second (or additional) languages. You will learn major theories of second language acquisition, concepts of culture and identity in relation to language learning, and methodologies used for language teaching and assessment. APPLS is an excellent fit for students interested in learning other languages, teaching a language to speakers of other languages, pursuing teacher's college, or studying Applied Linguistics at the graduate level.

Are you interested in exploring East Asian cultures? Does studying abroad sound like a fantastic learning experience? You can earn a minor in East Asian Studies (EAS), which offers you the opportunity to take part in engaging, interactive, and challenging courses while enhancing your understanding of East Asian cultures and languages (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean). Build your skills in critical thinking, problem solving, interpersonal relations, and leadership by examining real-world issues. 

Renison courses in Religious Studies (RS) can be counted toward a major or minor in RS. Some knowledge of world religion(s) is essential for professionals who work within the Canadian multicultural complex, and for anyone who wishes to participate in the global economy. The study of religion(s) helps us to understand cultural values and respond to the diversity that is found in our communities, Canadian public life, and international relations. 

Studies in Islamic and Arab Cultures is an interdisciplinary academic minor that introduces students to the diversity of Islam and Muslims through courses on contemporary issues, Arabic language, Islamic civilization and culture, art, history, and much more. It introduces students to a culture shared by more than 1.6 billion people worldwide. The goal of this program is to help you discover the Golden Age of Islam, during with much of our common heritage was developed in art, science, technology, medicine, astronomy, and mathematics. 

Arabic is one of the six most populous languages of the world, native tongue of over 300 million people, and used as a second or foreign language by over 1.6 billion people. Our Arabic language program offers a variety of options for non-native speakers interested in learning a new language for personal, professional, or academic reasons. 

Classes focus on Chinese language, plus lectures on topics including Chinese history, literature, religion, political and economical systems, and comparisons between Chinese and Western cultures. With a fully immersive teaching environment and small class sizes that don't exceed 30, our Chinese courses will help anyone build a solid language base. 

More than 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students from across six faculties enroll in English for Multilingual Speakers (EMLS) credit courses each year. If you are a University of Waterloo student who doesn't speak English as a first language, you can register for an EMLS course offered at Renison. These classes focus on pronunciation, phonetics, presentation skills, reading and listening comprehension, undergraduate essay writing, and graduate thesis/article composition. These classes were formerly known as English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. 

Learn Mohawk Language (Kanien’kéha). This is the University of Waterloo's first Indigenous language course. The course is offered through Culture and Language Studies, in collaboration with the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre at United College and is intended for University of Waterloo students in any Faculty or discipline with minimal to no knowledge of Kanien’kéha.