Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences website to learn more about Sociology.
View full program detailsProgram information
Examine social and cultural life in human societies while exploring challenging community issues. The Department of Sociology at UBC’s Okanagan campus is committed to a sociological imagination that challenges you to apply your theoretical and analytical skills to exploring, understanding, and exposing how power, privilege, and inequality are controlled, secured, and expressed by the few for the domination of the many.
Program overview
- Campus
- Okanagan
- Program length
- 4 years
- Faculty
- Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
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- Yes
- Degree
- Bachelor of Arts
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What you'll learn
Sociology is the study of society and how social forces shape human behaviour and determine life chances.
Students in the sociology program will be challenged to apply theoretical and analytical skills to explore, understand, and expose how power and privilege are distributed, structured, and replicated. Sociology as a field of research and pedagogy also works toward change, with the goal of achieving social and economic justice across societies. The program prepares students for graduate and professional programs, and to pursue careers.
Experiential learning and research
You can take your studies further by enrolling in directed studies, where you will complete directed readings and a research project.
The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences also supports student research through the Undergraduate Research Awards, which allow students to carry out their own projects over the summer months, while other awards provide opportunities to work with professors on their work.
Or, study abroad with the Go Global program and the Exchange and Research Abroad program.
Campus features
The History/Sociology Speaker Series pairs UBC’s Okanagan campus with the Okanagan Regional Library to bring in distinguished guests to share their knowledge with students, colleagues and the community.
Students at UBC can also branch out, network, and meet people with similar interests in various clubs on campus.
Program advantages
Learn how to apply historical analysis, participant observation, surveys, and interviews to better serve global social justice. Volunteer to assist with a research project on globalization, Canadian society, social inequality, or social control – just some of the topics award-winning UBC faculty researchers are exploring.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take in Sociology. Here are a few you might like.
Introduction to crime as a social phenomenon. Changing definitions of crime in relation to social and political change; scope and nature of crime; criminalization; growth of criminology; institutional responses to criminal behaviour by the justice system.
Critical and contextual analysis of the form and content of mass communication. Relationship between culture, social behaviour, and public channels of communication such as print media, advertising, television, film, and popular literature
Classical and contemporary theories. Emphasis on racialization, racism, and critical analyses of ethnicity
How does food shape social relations (class, gender, race, age)? What is its role in the construction of meaning and identity? How does it connect to the political through civil society and social movements? How is it impacted by globalization? Credit will only be granted for one of SOCI 432 or SOCI 496 when on the same topic
Outcomes
A UBC degree is respected by employers around the globe. As a graduate of the Sociology program, you will be well-positioned to thrive in a variety of organizations. Take advantage of hands-on learning experiences to access multiple career paths such as market researcher, policy writer, community development worker or labour relations officer.
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Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Arts
- No specific courses required beyond those needed for general admission
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Second Languages
- Social Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you’re unable to visit UBC in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current UBC students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Related programs
Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences website to learn more about Sociology.
View full program details