Frequently Asked Questions

Our faculty are committed to social justice, and are active in a wide range of research and community-based projects, from environmental movements in Toronto to the state of our educational system to women and Islam. We train students to use sociological theories and research methods to create social change.

Many courses incorporate Community Engaged Learning and Teaching (CELT) where students have an opportunity to become involved with a community organization as part of their course requirements.

The minimum grade range required for admission fluctuates from year to year (up or down) as a result of competition. In recent years, students with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) have required an overall average of 77-80% in their top six Grade 12 U or M courses in order to be competitive for admission (this grade does not guarantee admission).  A minimum grade of 70% or higher is required in Grade 12 U English/anglais (ENG4U/EAE4U preferred).  

Visit the Program information site for Sociology to get more detailed admissions information.

A wide range of entrance scholarships are available. See the university's Admissions, Scholarships and Awards site for more information.

Classes vary in size. Many Sociology courses have between 50 and 100 students. Some courses involve tutorials or labs; these are often smaller, with approximately 25-40 students.

Most students take four or five courses in the Fall semester (September-December), and four or five courses in the Winter semester (January-April). Some students take one or two courses in the Spring/Summer semester (May-June). In total, a BA degree requires you to complete 40 courses.  

Students with other obligations during the academic year (such as paid work, caregiving, or athletics) are encouraged to take fewer courses.  

There are three double majors with Sociology available:

• Criminology & Sociology Double Major
• History & Sociology Double Major
  
• Politics and Governance & Sociology Double Major

There are many minors available to sociology students. See the minors section of the Undergraduate Calendar for more information.  

There are three things we recommend in your first year:

• Pace yourself. Don’t overload your first few semesters. If needed, take one less course during your first term to learn the ropes.
• Stay connected. Read your course outlines for instructions, and reach out to your professors or one of the learning support (opens in new window)  services if you need help.
• Be active in non-academic life. Here are some easy ways to get involved!

Three courses in the program are designed to help you develop your skills in quantitative data collection and analysis. While some calculations are involved in these courses, the basic math skills you acquired in the required high school math curriculum should provide you with the foundation you need for these courses. In addition, our program works closely with the university's Math Support Services to provide assistance to students who feel anxious about math. By making use of these support services, most students can be successful in these courses.

What can't you do with a sociology degree?

Our alumni work in a diverse range of jobs and organizations. Learn more about the types of jobs that sociologists do.