Simon Fraser University

What you'll study

The BA at Simon Fraser University offers a wide-ranging curriculum that balances disciplinary depth with breadth across the arts and social sciences. Students normally choose a major (for example, Anthropology, Economics, English, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Languages, or Interdisciplinary Studies) and may combine this with minors, joint majors, or a concentration in an area such as Indigenous Studies, Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies, or Environmental Studies.

Typical components of the programme include:

• Introductory and foundation courses in the chosen discipline to develop core knowledge and research methods.
• Intermediate and advanced seminars that emphasise critical thinking, argumentation, and specialised topics.
• Quantitative and qualitative methods modules for students in social sciences, where appropriate.
• Elective courses across faculties to satisfy breadth requirements and encourage interdisciplinary learning.
• Optional experiential learning: internship or co-op placements, community-engaged learning, field schools, or study-abroad semesters.
• Honours or senior thesis options in many majors for students wanting a research-intensive fourth year or preparation for graduate study.

Entry requirements

Admission to the BA is based on a combination of secondary-school credentials and academic achievement. Typical expectations include a completed high-school diploma with competitive grades in relevant subjects. Specific majors may list preferred prerequisites (for example, mathematics for economics or statistics courses for psychology), so applicants should check the requirements for their intended major.

Additional entry pathways include transfer from other post-secondary institutions, articulation agreements with community colleges, and mature student admission for applicants who do not meet standard secondary-school entry. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or approved equivalent qualifications. Some programs or specialisations may request supplementary materials such as a writing sample or portfolio.

Career prospects

A BA from Simon Fraser University prepares graduates for a broad range of careers because it develops communication, analytical and research skills. Common career directions include:

• Public sector and policy roles at municipal, provincial or federal levels.
• Non‑profit and community organisations, including program coordination and advocacy.
• Business and industry roles in human resources, marketing, communications, and management.
• Media, journalism, publishing and digital content production.
• Education and training, including pathways to teacher certification (where additional qualifications are required).
• Research and doctoral study in the humanities and social sciences, or professional postgraduate programmes in law, public administration, social work and related fields.

Many students combine their degree with co-op placements, internships or volunteer experience to improve employability and clarify career goals.

Why study at Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University is known for an interdisciplinary approach to undergraduate education and strong connections between teaching and research. The university’s three-campus network offers access to diverse communities and industry connections in the Metro Vancouver region.

• Flexible degree structure that supports combined majors, minors and interdisciplinary study.
• Opportunities for experiential learning—co-op, internships, community-engaged courses and study abroad—to gain practical experience alongside academic study.
• Research-active faculty and undergraduate research opportunities, including honours theses and supervised projects.
• Comprehensive student support services, including academic advising, career services and learning skills support to help students plan programmes and transition to work or further study.
• Proximity to a vibrant cultural and economic region, providing internship, practicum and employment possibilities across public, private and non-profit sectors.