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 212: Introduction to Criminology
An introduction to the study of crime and criminological theories. In addition to developing an understanding of criminological theories, students examine the rich and diverse nature of Canadian criminological research. Specific topics may include: women and crime; crime prevention; restorative justice; youth justice; the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice system; and penology.
SOC 328: Social Inequality and Health
Explores the inter-relationships between sociological theory, health and illness, and various dimensions of social inequality such as socio-economic security/insecurity, gender, class, race and ethnicity, ability/disability, and access to health care services. Course objectives will be achieved through the integration of theoretical and experiential learning.
SOC 430: Sociology of Science and Knowledge
The social conditions and consequences of the production, distribution and consumption of scientific and other forms of knowledge are examined in this course. Deploying classical and contemporary theories, specific institutional settings and ongoing debates over concepts and issues such as knowledge society, indigenous knowledge, corporatization of the university, gendered knowledge, etc., are examined.
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 | $7,547 | $36,528 |
| Student fees | $1,121 | $1,121 |
| Books | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Total | $10,168 | $39,149 |
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 (2024-2025 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 and deadlines
Deadlines
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 $90 CAD. Effective December 2, the application fee is increasing to $120 CAD.
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