About
Sociology is the study of human social life, focusing on developing an understanding of changes in social structure and human interaction on an individual, societal and global level.
- Three or four year degree
- Full or part-time program
- You can enter this program directly from high school
- You can begin this program off-campus
What you will learn
You will examine human behavior and why people interact the way they do. You will focus on current social issues and the evolutionary changes of societies as you explore criminology and legal studies, race and ethnic relations, medical sociology, labour and education, agriculture and development, women's and gender studies, mass media and communications, and religion.You will also have the opportunity to develop skills related to research methods, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.
A first-year schedule sample
This degree program is flexible and offers you the opportunity to take courses in many different subject areas. Here’s what a typical first-year schedule might look like:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
Fall Term |
|
| SOC 111a | Foundations in Sociology Society Structure Process |
| ENG 114b | Literature and Composition Reading Culture |
| INDG 107c | Introduction to Canadian Indigenous Studies |
| PSY 120d | Biological and Cognitive Bases of Psychology |
| GEOG 125d | Environmental Science and Society |
Winter Term |
|
| SOC 112a | Foundations in Sociology Social Construction of Everyday Life |
| RLST 112d | Western Religions in Society and Culture |
| WGST 112d | Introduction to Womens and Gender Studies |
| ENG 113d | Literature and Composition Reading Narrative |
| GEOL 109d | The Earth and Life Through Time |
a Required or eligible course for the major
b One of the course options to complete the English Language Writing Requirement
c One of the course options to complete the Indigenous Learning Requirement
d One of the course options which may be used in the Breadth, Cognate, and/or Electives Requirements
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
SOC 238: Sociology of Health Illness and Health Care
Introduction to sociological perspectives on Canadian health care policy and practice, and an examination of various socio-structural determinants of health and illness.
SOC 305: Ethnic Stratification
The study of the ideology and practice of ethnic inequality from a comparative perspective, and a critical review of theories and research in the area, including analyses of the stratification approach, colonial model, political economy, critical theory, and other models.
SOC 484: Surveillance and Power
This course provides an advanced overview of the sociological study of surveillance, raising questions about (in)security, civil liberties, production, and privacy. Starting from the move beyond the explanations of "Big Brother" and the Panopticon, this course looks to contemporary theories and case studies to understand how surveillance is shaping culture and power relations in society.
Study abroad
You can take advantage of our unique study abroad opportunities.
Unique opportunities
The Sociology Department hosts the Sorokin Lecture Series, in honour of Professor Pitirim Sorokin, a famous Russian sociologist whose writings cover the breadth of sociology. uSask holds part of his personal library, which includes letters, original and revised manuscripts, his works in numerous translations and book reviews. Researchers from around the world come to the University specifically to study the collection of Sorokin lectures produced by uSask.
Aboriginal Justice and Criminology (ABJAC) option
ABJAC is for Aboriginal students interested in justice careers. It is the only program of its kind in North America. What makes the program unique are the two 12-week practicum courses that allows students to work at local, national or international justice agencies and organizations for course credit. This option allows you to earn your Sociology degree with a concentration in Aboriginal Justice and Criminology.
Careers
Many Sociology graduates find themselves in unique and fulfilling jobs, in areas such as politics, education, administration, business, communications, corrections and law, public relations, community affairs or research.
Some career opportunities include:
- Community agencies
- Social services and counselling
- Corrections and criminal justice
- Youth justice
- Human rights and advocacy
- Probation or parole
- Public administration
- Public policy and human resources
- Public relations
- Sociology and academia
- Social research
- Social work
Tuition estimates
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $7,802 | $37,878 |
| Student fees | $1,308.24 | $1,308.24 |
| Books | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Total | $10,610.24 | $40,686.24 |
Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay in your first year if you enroll in a full course load, the maximum number of courses allowed (2025-2026 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 per year.
Program options
These Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Sociology degrees are offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science:
While you complete your Bachelor degree, you can also enhance your experience with the following options:
This program is intended to prepare Aboriginal students for careers in corrections, public safety, advocacy, and other areas related to criminal or social justice. It includes required courses in Sociology, focusing on criminology and related courses. This course work includes two 12-week practicum-based courses, normally held in the summer, designed to provide students with the opportunity to gain work experience at local, national or international justice agencies and organizations.
It is recommended that students intending to complete this program consult the department in the spring of their final year in high school or during their first year of university studies to determine an appropriate sequence of courses and to arrange registration in the practicum.
The Dual Degree is a chance for undergraduate students enrolled in Sociology to split their time between the University of Saskatchewan and Xi'an Jiaotong University in China.
This certificate program explores greater opportunities in corrections, public safety, policing, court services, advocacy, addictions services, and other areas in the criminal or social justice system.
Consult with an advisor
You should consult with an academic advisor in the college when you begin your studies to decide if you want a four-year, three-year or honours degree or if you wish to pursue Indigenous Justice and Criminology, a Dual Degree or a Certificate in Criminology and Addictions.
Admission requirements
Your information
Admission requirements depend on your situation; please tell us about yourself.
Application deadlines
| Start term | Application deadline | International deadline |
|---|---|---|
|
Winter January 2025 |
Dec. 1, 2024 Documents due: Dec. 15, 2024 |
Sept. 1, 2024 Documents due: Oct. 1, 2024 |
|
Spring May 2025 |
April 1, 2025 Documents due: May 1, 2025 |
Feb. 1, 2025 Documents due: March 1, 2025 |
|
Summer July 2025 |
May 1, 2025 Documents due: June 1, 2025 |
March 1, 2025 Documents due: April 1, 2025 |
|
Fall September 2025 |
Aug. 15, 2025 Documents due: Aug. 15, 2025 |
May 1, 2025 Documents due: June 1, 2025 |
|
Winter January 2026 |
Dec. 1, 2025 Documents due: Dec. 15, 2025 |
Sept. 1, 2025 Documents due: Oct. 1, 2025 |
Ready to apply?
Create an admissions account and start your application today. When you are ready to submit your application, you will be assessed a non-refundable application fee of $120 CAD.
Related programs
If you are looking for graduate level (master's or Ph.D.) programs please consult our graduate students' website.
Stay connected
Do you want us to send you important reminders, information about our programs or notifications about USask events?