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.
*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 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 these specializations:
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 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
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.
Admission requirements
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)
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
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 10-month Social Work program and earn a Bachelor of Social Work.
Stay social. Stay connected.
Be sure to follow @renisoncollege to stay connected to our community and get a glimpse of life as a Renison student.
Want to learn more about Renison and Social Development Studies?
Meet Cassidy!
Hi, I'm Cassidy. I am the Marketing, Recruitment, and Outreach Officer at Renison and I'm here to support you! I can answer all your questions about what to expect as a Renison student, living in residence or general inquiries about the University of Waterloo.
