Sociology BA

Sociology

Understand how society operates locally and globally. Learn how to assess, conduct, and use research on inequality, diversity, culture, work, education, families, youth, social movements, the environment, rurality, conflict, violence, health, media and more to make positive social change.

Why Study Sociology at the University of Guelph?

Focus on Improving Life

Consider society from diverse perspectives and on all scales to identify influences and behaviours that impact change. Apply sociological theory to modern problems. Challenge norms by seeing the general in the particular and the strange in the familiar. Focus on how our individual experiences are linked in the wider society we live in.

Expert Faculty

Work with faculty who have a wide range of research as well as teaching and learning expertise. Take advantage of opportunities to develop your own research as well as teaching and learning skills in and beyond coursework.

Modern Application

Apply your knowledge, skills and values to examine and engage with current social issues such as gender and global inequality, work and public policy, violence in society, criminality, and environmental change. Consider the effect of power and policy and reflect on the ongoing search for solutions.

Beyond the Classroom

Join the student-led SOAN Society — an academic and social club that creates, advertises, and hosts events and activities that bring awareness to various sociological and anthropological topics. Make connections with other students and professors through 'Meet the Prof' nights, information sessions and other activities.

Where Will Your Degree Take You?

Develop critical and creative thinking skills, learning to analyze and evaluate information and issues. Understand the value of quantitative and qualitative research and their application in problem-solving. Gain a solid foundation of learning that will be beneficial no matter the career path that you choose.

Sample Careers

Criminal Justice Professional
Data Scientist
Educator
Health Program Officer
Human Resources Professional
Human Rights Officer
Labour Relations Specialist
Project Manager
Publicist
Researcher
Social Policy Analyst
Social Worker

"This program helped me to understand others in a way that looked below the surface level of how we often view the world. It helped me look at the world around me critically – something that you really only get from a BA program in social sciences."

— Madeline Ridd, Sociology Graduate

Part of a Bigger Family

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers three types of sociology degree — a major, a minor and as an area of concentration within the general BA.

Courses are broken into sociology specific courses and departmental courses which have application across both disciplines of sociology and anthropology.

Sample Courses

Contemporary Theory
Globalization of Work and Organizations
Protest, Resistance and Collective Action
Society and Environment
Sociology of Food
Violence and Society
Women, Work and Public Policy
Youth Justice

Meet Your Professor

Benefit from the expertise and individual attention of your instructors. The Department of Sociology and Anthropology faculty is comprised of acclaimed researchers and teachers who pride themselves on being available to you.