Sociology | Academic Advising & Career Centre

Admissions Category: Social Sciences & Humanities

https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/sociology/chairs-welcome

Program Overview

Sociology challenges us to see the world in new ways to solve social problems, build resilient communities, and nurture democratic structures. Sociology asks complex questions. It seeks to explain how society is ordered and disordered, what accounts for social cohesion, cooperation, and conflict and the causes of social inequality. Sociology programs teach students how to design and carry out quantitative and qualitative research, and analyze evidence to arrive at understanding and explanation. Students acquire a diverse set of transferable skills. Students will learn to use theoretically informed and evidence-based arguments to assess concrete social problems.

Complementary Programs:

Women’s and Gender Studies, Health & Society, Public Policy, International Development Studies, Psychology, Mental Health Studies, Public Law, Media Studies

Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:

Competencies & Skills

Research Methods & Design
Data Collection and Analysis
Critical Thinking & Evaluation
Communication Skills
Quantitative and Qualitative Reasoning
Problem-Solving Skills
Explain important differences in the life experiences of people
Present sociological explanations of social issues
Identify/explain the impact and consequences of social policy and social institutions

Careers for Graduates

Researcher (Government & NGO)
Public Policy Analyst
Public Relations Consultant
Crime Prevention Specialist
Counseling and Social Worker
Marketing and Business Analyst
Social Services
Outreach Worker in Community Services
Risk Analyst in Security Agencies
Research Associate in Marketing Agencies

Further Education

Law School
Sociology
Teaching
Social Work
Public Health
Human Resources
Marketing
Paralegal Studies

Program Pathway

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely

Take SOCA03Y3.
Explore different types of courses; this will also help fulfill the breadth requirements and electives.
Use Degree Explorer to plan your courses and program of interest.
See the UTSC Calendar for course requirements.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

First year course SOCA03Y3 introduces students to the field of Sociology.
We encourage you to meet your Program Librarian for in-depth research assistance with your assignments.
Book sessions with CTL’s Writing Center to develop academic and writing skills.
Join Students of Sociology (SOS).

Apply Theory to Practice

Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.
Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities on the Career & Co-Curricular Learning Network (CLNx).

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Meet with the campus Indigenous Elder.
Join Students of Sociology (SOS) and explore other relevant student clubs and activities on campus.
Volunteer in DSL’s Alternative Reading Week program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development; explore other DSL programs.

Plan for Your Future Career

Volunteer with organizations to explore your interests; check listings on CLNx.
Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with SCSU’s Volunteer Network Program to explore opportunities.

Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely

Complete the core courses comprised of 2.0 credits: SOCB05H3, SOCB35H3, SOCB42H3, and SOCB43H3.
3.0 additional credits at the B-level in SOC.
Apply for admission in the Sociology Specialist program.
Use Degree Explorer to plan your courses and program; meet with your Program Advisor to ensure you are on track with your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Reach out to your Faculty members and inquire about research opportunities.
Refine your interests in Sociology subfields.
Explore the Sociology Research Guide.
Attend workshops offered by the Academic Advising & Career Centre (AA&CC) and Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) to develop academic skills.

Apply Theory to Practice

Look for Research Assistantships.
Participate in the Indigenous book club.
Connect with campus events.
Attend the Summer & Full-time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for summer and full-time positions.
Get involved in relevant opportunities on and/or off campus; apply to Work Study, or other jobs on CLNx.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Attend research seminars on campus and in the community.
Check CLNx to search for Work Study or volunteer positions on campus to gain experience and to get involved.
Join one of DSL’s Community Action Projects to apply academic learning and take action for social change through engagement opportunities in the Scarborough community.

Plan for Your Future Career

Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (
Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.

Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely

Complete the following courses: SOCC40H3, SOCC23H3 or SOCC31H3.
0.5 C-level credit in SOC in Applied Writing Skills.
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Take a qualitative or quantitative research practicum course and carry out your own original research project.
Join the Indigenous book club.
Consider participating in the UTSC Undergraduate Research Symposium to showcase your work in an interdisciplinary setting.
Consider competing for the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize.

Apply Theory to Practice

Submit a paper to Undergraduate Research Day - Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.
Connect with faculty for community engagement opportunities.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Volunteer to be a First Year Peer Advisor in DSL’s First Year Experience Program.
Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair to learn about local and international opportunities.
Look into volunteering or working overseas to expand your network through the International Student Centre’s (ISC) Global Learning programs.

Plan for Your Future Career

Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
Attend the UTSC Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
Consider the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.

Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely

4.5 additional credits at the C- or D- level in SOC courses, of which at least 1.0 credit must be at the D-level.
Delve deeper into specific specializations in Sociology.
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
Register your Intent to Graduate on ACORN by the deadline.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Speak with a faculty member about possible Research Assistantships.
Consider an independent research course.
Attend or participate in the Sociology Undergraduate Research Day.
Apply for an Academic Travel Fund through Department of Student Life (DSL) to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.

Apply Theory to Practice

Explore summer internships or job opportunities in Sociology.
Attend the Summer & Full-time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for relevant summer and full-time positions.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning into the work field or further education.
Use CLNx to search for Internships.

Plan for Your Future Career

Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
Attend the Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course”.
If you are considering grad school, consider applying for a SSHRC award.
Discuss your plans early with staff at the AA&CC and your professors.
Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.

Glossary

AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
NGO - Non-Governmental Organization (https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/corporate/transparency/briefing-materials/corporate-book/non-governmental-organizations.html)
SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)
SOS - Students of Sociology (https://linktr.ee/studentsofsociology)