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 Faculty of Arts website to learn more about Sociology.
View full program detailsProgram information
Sociology examines the processes of social and cultural life in human societies past and present, near and far. You’ll study the lives of individuals with participation in social groups and networks, explore the linkages between societies, and cover topics such as inequality, gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, law and criminal activity, immigration, families, and more.
Program overview
- Campus
- Vancouver
- Program length
- 4 years
- Faculty
- Faculty of Arts
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- Degree
- Bachelor of Arts
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What you'll learn
Sociology is the study of human behaviour as it is shaped by society and in turn affects the social contexts in which we live. Contexts include informal groups, families, classrooms, work organizations, cultures, and societies. The effects of social categories on human behaviour constitute a topic of central interest within sociology. Sociologists use a variety of research methods, including historical analysis, participant observation, surveys, and field and laboratory experiments. You can select a Major, Minor, or Honours degree in Sociology.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take in Sociology. Here are a few you might like.
Sociological perspective of Indigenous peoples and issues both internationally and within Canada.
Sociological perspectives on property, resource industries (such as agriculture, fishing, forestry and mining), resource development, and resource communities. May also include examination of social aspects of resource development in the Third World.
Sociological approaches to the study of environmental conflicts, issues, movements, impact of changing technology, economic development on the environment
Crime as a social phenomenon, with emphasis on the changing definitions of crime in relation to social and political change in Canadian and other societies. The scope and nature of the crime problem, the growth of criminology as a science and profession, and relationships between components of state criminal justice systems.
Outcomes
Your career opportunities will vary widely across a range of fields including government, public policy, international development, business, non-profit, communications, research, education, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests, including:
- Addictions counsellor
- Behavioural therapist
- Census area manager
- Charitable organization director
- Child and youth worker
- Communications manager
- Community development worker
- Social science statistician
- Student services counsellor
- Market researcher
- News analyst
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“UBC really promotes cross-disciplinary learning and, in our case, it was a marriage of humanities, design, business, and technology.”
Gary Y., Sociology and Urban Studies
Take action & plan
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 Faculty of Arts website to learn more about Sociology.
View full program details