Sociology
Understand why people interact the way they do. Participate in group discussions and debates on human nature. Listen to what the professionals have to say about current issues. Give your opinion on youth and our justice system. These are just a few opportunities available to you when you choose to major in Sociology at the University of Saskatchewan.
What is Sociology?
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. Students in Sociology learn to analyze social issues and think critically about the world around them.
The Department of Sociology at the U of S is unique in that professors frequently employ alternative teaching methods in communicating their lessons. Group-based discussions, videos, guest speakers and field trips are often initiated by those innovative professors. I have found that my learning experience has been tremendously enhanced by such teaching techniques.—Sara Knowles
B.A., 2001, Law
Canadian Merit and Chancellors’ Scholar
A Stepping Stone...
A degree in Sociology prepares students for studies in areas such as criminology, journalism, law, medicine, nursing, planning and social work. Many students go on to do graduate work.
Graduates of the Aboriginal Justice & Criminology program can apply to enter the criminal justice system or use the program as a first step to pursue studies in law or graduate work.
Career Opportunities
Sociology graduates pursue careers in many exciting areas:
- Government, cooperatives, crown corporations and public interest groups — community development, correctional services, employee training and public education, international service, social research and policy analysis, social services and survey research analysis.
- Private industry — communications, community relations, human resource management, industrial relations, market research, development and public opinion polling.
- Academics — teaching and administrative positions in universities, colleges and schools.
Graduates work as cabinet ministers, directors of community agencies, university faculty members across Canada and abroad, First Nations development project coordinators, independent consultants, journalists, media researchers, law enforcement, policy analysts, policy makers and senior government administrators.
The U of S Advantage
As a Sociology student, you can participate in a seminar series, pursue postgraduate diploma opportunities and take courses in a wide range of programs.
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. The U of S 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 that is produced by the U of S.
Choose Your Program!
University of Saskatchewan students have several exciting options when choosing courses or a specialization in Sociology:
- Aboriginal Issues — Aboriginal people in the social system and urban areas, as well as criminal justice-related concerns, race relations and social welfare issues.
- Agriculture & Development — agrarian production and distribution systems, the future of agriculture and rural communities, and the role of agriculture in social development.
- Communications & Public Opinion — the rise and impact of mass media and the nature and social impact of public opinion.
- Criminology & Legal Studies — the nature of the criminal justice system, components of deviance and crime, social control and the social context within which crime is responded to and understood.
- Family & Gender Studies — the role of family in society, changing family structures, the changing nature and understanding of gender in diverse societies, and the women’s movement and feminist contributions.
- Labour & Education Studies — processes related to schooling and work, relationships between education and work, and the nature and significance of the “learning society.”
- Medicine & Health — elements of health, health-related policy, health professionals, and inequalities in health and health care delivery.
- Race & Ethnic Relations — minority groups in Canada and related nations, forms of racial stratification, racism and processes of development, and colonization and state policies such as multiculturalism and immigration.
- Religion — social bases and the impact of religion in diverse societies, and the emergence and history of religious movements.
- Research Methods — elements related to generating research questions, as well as conducting, designing and evaluating research projects and alternative forms of social research.
- Social Theory — classical and contemporary theories, the emergence of sociological thought and recent theoretical challenges.
The greatest lesson that I learned at University as an undergraduate in the Department of Sociology is that learning is a lifelong endeavour, and the desire to learn must be fostered throughout one’s life. I have learned that knowledge is priceless and must be accessible to all people. My future academic plans include working towards a Master of Arts at the U of S and a Ph.D. in Sociology.
—Rita Hamoline,
B.A. Honours (2006)
A Major in Sociology
Students majoring in Sociology can choose from one of the following degrees:
- B.A. Three-year
- B.A. Four-year
- B.A. Honours
All students who major in Sociology take a general introductory course, as well as courses in social research methods and social theory. Additional courses can be taken from any area of study.
A Minor in Crime, Law & Justice Studies
The minor in Crime, Law & Justice Studies may be completed from one of the following degrees:
- B.A. Three-year
- B.A. Four-year
- B.A. Honours
Completion of this minor assists students in the preparation for careers in criminal justice and law-related fields.
Outstanding Faculty
The University of Saskatchewan’s Department of Sociology is proud of the many achievements of its students and faculty:
- Professor Roanne Thomas-MacLean holds a New Investigator Award from the Canadian Institute for Health Research. She has received over one million dollars in funding to explore people's experiences of cancer and issues related to primary health care. She also teaches innovative courses involving new research methods, including the use of photography and in-depth interviews.
- Professor Peter Li is internationally-recognized as a leading scholar on immigration studies, Chinese in Canada, and race and ethnicity. He has published 11 books and over 60 academic papers. He is the editor of the Journal of International Migration & Integration, and Chair of the Economic Domain of the Prairie Centre of Excellence for Research on Immigration & Integration.
- Commendation and Plaque from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP: Nigeria, Africa) was given to Patience Elabor-Idemudia in June 2006.
- Instructors have won many awards for excellent teaching: the Master Teachers Award, from the U of S was won by David Hay (1997) and John Thompson (2004).
- Numerous awards have been earned for contribution to the discipline of Sociology: the Whitworth Award for Educational Research, Canadian Education Association was won by Professor Terry Wotherspoon (2002). Outstanding Contribution Award, Canadian Sociology & Anthropology Association was won by Professor Peter Li (2002).
- A new addition to the department is Colleen A. Dell, Research Chair in Substance Abuse.
- Sociology students have received numerous Social Science and Governor General’s convocation awards.
- Our professors have been involved in a number of projects including: The Prairie Ecosystem Sustainability Project, Aboriginal Women & Corrections: A Comparative Analysis of Healing & Reintegration Approaches and the Prairie Centre for Excellence in Research on Immigration & Integration.
Getting Involved!
As a student in Sociology, there are many ways to get involved. Join the Sociology Students’ Association for a variety of social, educational and fundraising events throughout the school year. Attend speaker or career nights, talk with professors and other students and learn more about sociology.
Research Facilities
The Social Research Unit was founded in 1983 to enhance research in the department. It provides technical assistance in research design, questionnaire construction, sampling and data analysis. Students use this valuable facility as a resource for their projects.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
Additional Information
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