Social Development Studies

Education for social impact

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

Through courses in 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 to apply what you learn in class to real work situations.

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

Why study Social Development Studies at Waterloo?

  • Develop a solid foundation across the social sciences, including Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work
  • Learn through diverse course offerings in areas like social justice, social policy, community development, diversity and equity, and counselling  
  • Variety of program-specific experiential learning opportunities available
  • Engage with your peers and instructors through small class sizes and a supportive learning environment

FIRST-YEAR COURSES AND BEYOND

September to December

January to April

For full information on first-year courses and the initial course-selection enrolment process, please see this Faculty of Arts website on Social Development Studies.

Any course above with "R" in the code reflects being offered through Renison. Some courses are cross-listed and offered through main campus and/or online (e.g. PSYCH 101, PSYCH 253, SOC 101). Visit the department's website for more information on SDS courses.

*ARTS 160 is new effective Fall 2025 and replaces the previous Arts First communication requirement.

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.

In second year, you should take the required statistics (SDS 250R) and research methods (SDS 251R) courses. Don't worry, your SDS advisor is there to help if you need it!

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

Discover more on the SDS Department Website!

CO-OP = RELEVANT PAID EXPERIENCE

The co-op plan is optional for students in the Honours SDS degree format. In co-op, students will alternate study terms and paid co-op work terms throughout their degree, exploring career areas, networking, and developing skills as interests evolve.

For thorough information about co-op at the University of Waterloo, please visit the Co-op Website. Additional information specific to SDS can be found on the SDS Co-op Website.

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
  • Avalon

CUSTOMIZE YOUR DEGREE

SDS is a flexible degree with lots of room to tailor your elective choices. You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including any of these specializations:

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

For full details, visit our SDS Specializations Page.

You can also enhance your résumé with optional research opportunities or practical experiences, track other minors or even a double-major available to UWaterloo students, or simply take courses that interest you! Connect with an academic advisor to discuss further. 

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. Many will pursue additional education through college, professional training programs, or graduate degrees. 

Recent graduate positions:

  • 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

Check out what some of our SDS grads are doing now, visit Grads at Work.

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

Fast-track your BSW

Want to become a professional social worker? After completing a degree in SDS with specific courses, you can apply to the accredited 10-month/full-time Social Work program. Gradautes from this program obtain a Bachelor of Social Work degree and can register with a provincial regulatory body to practice in the profession.

Please review their website for program details and contact renison.socialwork@uwaterloo.ca with any questions.

Admission requirements

Contact arts.admission@uwaterloo.ca for information applying to SDS.

High School student/recent graduate

Admission average: Low 80s

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

Admission average: Minimum cumulative college average of 75%

  • Any Grade 12 English 4U (minimum grade of 70% is required), OR a college English/communications equivalency
University student/recent graduate

Admission average: Minimum cumulative university average of 65%

  • Any Grade 12 English 4U (minimum grade of 70% is required)
Not studying in Ontario?

Fees, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

Study options that suit your needs
  • Study SDS part-time or exclusively online and begin your studies in the Fall, Winter, or Spring term 
  • Apply to the 3-Year General degree or 4-Year Honours degree option 
  • Previously attended college or university? You may be eligible for transfer credits

SDS Living-Learning Community

Whether you're staying up late to study for a test or getting together to work on a group project, it's reassuring to know that those around you are sharing similar experiences.

As a first year student in SDS living on residence, you can choose to be part of the SDS Living-Learning Community. Students are typically grouped into "clusters" of 8-16 living onsite.

Upper-year dons and peer leaders will organize academic events, study skills workshops, or social activties throughout the year to show you the ropes. Learn more about Student Life at Renison.

Student in SDS

Students cooking with Tim

Students on Warrior Tennis team

SDS courses are interesting and engaging. Plus, Waterloo and Renison set you up for academic and career success by providing dozens of supports. They're incredibly helpful, so you never feel like you need to figure it all out on your own.

Abby, Social Development Studies alumna

Want to learn more about Renison and Social Development Studies? 

Get in touch!

If you have any questions, reach out to our Marketing and Recruitment Team! We'll answer all of your questions about Renison, and if we don't know the answer, we'll connect with the resources who do. Contact us by email at renison.academics@uwaterloo.ca.

Stay social. Stay connected.

Be sure to follow @renisonexperience on Instagram to stay connected to our community and get a glimpse of life as a Renison student.