Sociology (BA major)
Admissions
Learn everything you need to know about becoming a UVic student, from choosing a program and reviewing admission requirements to submitting your application and reporting your grades.
If you have questions, talk to a student recruiter or attend one of our events.
Courses
While our faculty specialize and teach courses in wide-ranging areas, our research and teaching are grouped into 4 major areas:
- ecology, global issues and social movements
- gender, racialization and ethnicity
- crime, deviance and law
- health, aging and society
Learn about courses in these research areas
Learning outcomes for undergraduate studies
See the University Calendar for a list of all sociology courses
Community engagement option
Add a community engagement option to your degree. As a sociology major or honours student, you can take courses that give you skills to work, learn and/or conduct research with community partners.
Community-engaged learning (CEL) takes sociology out of the classroom and into our communities. Our CEL courses allow you to work with non-profit organizations to design, develop and plan projects to serve their needs.
Minor & interdisciplinary
A minor is an optional program that allows you to study in an area outside of your major program area. A minor in sociology requires:
- 6 units of courses numbered at the 100 or 200 level
- 9 units of courses numbered at the 300 or 400 level
UVic Sociology participates in the interdisciplinary minor/diploma program in Social Justice Studies. You can complete a Social Justice Studies minor or diploma while earning a BA in sociology.
Funding
UVic offers scholarships, bursaries, awards and other funding opportunities to help you further your education and succeed in your studies. Explore funding options at UVic.
Most scholarships are awarded based on recommendations made by the department. However, some require a separate application form.
Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA)
The Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Award (JCURA) supports students who complete a research project under the mentorship of a faculty supervisor.
Full-time third- and fourth-year students with a GPA of 7.0 or above are eligible to apply. Each successful student receives a $1,500 credit in their UVic account.
Past sociology JCURA recipients
Valerie Kuehne Undergraduate Research Awards (VKURA)
Valerie Kuehne Undergraduate Research Awards (VKURA) give first- and second-year students the opportunity to gain research experience with a faculty member. Paid research internships are full-time for 12 weeks (between May 1 and August 31).
Career options
Sociology encourages critical reflective thinking. You’ll learn skills to become an informed citizen. Knowing how to understand social differences can lead you to a meaningful career.
Our graduates work in public policy, community and social services and law enforcement.
Career Services can help you develop a career you love. From exploring career options to applying for jobs, they've got you covered.
Co-op
Our optional co-operative education (co-op) program gives you hands-on paid work experience related to what you're studying. It's the perfect way to develop your skills and find a career you love.
Learn more about what co-op is, how it works with your degree, and what to expect as a co-op student.
Sociology students have had co-op placements like:
- Corrections Canada – junior parole officer
- BC Stats – research assistant
- UVic Welcome Centre – student recruiter
- Beacon Community Services – workshop facilitator and volunteer coordinator
- CanAssist – job coach
Course requirements
Sociology major students must satisfy course requirements for a BA major in sociology plus SOCI 499 (honours thesis seminar, 3.0 units). Overall course requirements: