Athabasca University

What you'll study

The program requires a total of 90 credits, with a minimum of 54 senior (300/400 level) credits and 36 credits in the Sociology concentration (including at least 24 senior-level concentration credits). Students must complete core sociology and research-methods courses and additional electives in sociology.

• Required core courses (each 3 credits): SOCI 287 Introduction to Sociology I; SOCI 288 Introduction to Sociology II – Social Movements; SOCI 335 Classical Sociological Theory and Its Relevance Today; SOCI 337 Modern Sociological Theory in the 20th Century: the Age of Grand Theory; SOSC 366 Research Methods in the Social Sciences.
• A minimum of 21 credits in Sociology concentration electives: all SOCI courses are acceptable.
• Program credit distribution highlights: at least 66 credits in the Arts (Humanities and Social Science combined), with minimums of 12 credits in Humanities and 12 in Social Science; 6 credits in Science. Maximum of 45 credits allowed in any one discipline; up to 24 credits in applied studies and/or science.
• Level breakdown: preparatory (100) level up to 6 credits; junior (200) level 36 credits; at the junior level no more than 15 credits in one discipline.

Entry requirements

Students with a prior degree must enrol in the Bachelor of Arts (4-year) program and follow second undergraduate degree requirements; that degree requires a minimum of 60 credits. Students complete the program regulations in effect at their enrolment date. There is an English writing skills requirement: hold credit in ENGL 255 (students are strongly encouraged to take ENGL 255 early); or have a grade of B- (70%) or better in an Athabasca University English course above the preparatory (100) level; or receive credit for an English course in which a grade of B- or better was achieved. A maximum of 6 credits of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is allowed. Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University (24 credits required to be considered for Graduation with Distinction or Great Distinction).

Career prospects

The curriculum prepares students to think critically about social issues and to apply sociological knowledge in a range of applied fields. The program notes relevance for careers or further training in management, human resources, marketing, education, nursing, local government, NGOs, social work and counselling, law enforcement, urban planning and community development, and family and community services. As a three-year degree, it is described as marketable for occupational diversity but not aimed at providing direct access to most graduate programs without additional study.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Specific scholarships and funding are not listed here; prospective students should consult Athabasca University’s financial aid and awards pages for bursaries, scholarships and external funding opportunities that apply to undergraduate Arts students. Consider early planning for residency- and course-based eligibility criteria for institutional awards.