Sociology


Sociology is the study of people as they interact with one another in specific social, cultural, and historical contexts.

Overview

Sociology is the study of people as they interact with one another in specific social, cultural, and historical contexts.

Sociology facilitates understanding of how and why society is organized as it is and how it might be changed to create a more just and equitable social world. The program introduces students to different perspectives on social life, and offers training in specific research skills.

At a Glance

Degree options
Bachelor of Arts (BA), major or honours
Minor

Curriculum

At Mount Allison, Sociology helps students develop their perspective on society, examining it from different point of view and in different contexts.

You'll study subjects like:

  • social class and inequality
  • race and racialization
  • gender relations
  • youth culture
  • work and society
  • media and pop culture
  • health and illness
  • education and society
  • citizenship, identity, refugees
  • social policies
  • non-profit organizations
  • criminology
  • research methods

First and second-year Sociology courses provide an overview of the discipline and an introduction to sociological analysis. You will be introduced to the study of social problems through dynamic class interactions and assignments.

Third-year courses emphasize theoretical approaches, analytical methods, and their application to major areas of interest. This will help you build on your critical, analytical, and writing skills and teach theoretical approaches to sociology.

In your fourth year, students work with greater interdependence and in more depth on a range of sociological topics.

Classes and assignments are designed to build both conceptual and applied skills. You will have the opportunity to pursue research as part of the honours program.

Sociology is available as:

  • BA major (60 credits)
  • BA honours (66 credits)
  • Minor in any degree (24 credits)

Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?

Undergraduate certificates related to Sociology

Undergraduate certificates are open to Mount Allison students in any program of study. Certificates (12-18 credits) are taken during your Mount Allison degree, and must be combined with a major/degree program.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion provides students with the opportunity to develop valuable knowledge, methodologies, and applied skills about the important issue of building an inclusive society free from barriers to full participation and engagement.

Social Research Methodologies
The certificate in Social Research Methodologies focuses on the understanding and application of the social science research methods commonly used in the public and private sectors.

Faculty Spotlight

Careers

Whether you're entering the job market or continuing your education, your Mount Allison degree will stand out.

Mount Allison has been recognized by Maclean's as the top primarily undergraduate university in Canada more times than any other university.

With experiential learning and career development opportunities available in every degree, you'll also graduate with hands-on learning and real-world experience.

Our graduates also boast extraordinarily high acceptance rates to top graduate programs and professional schools such as law and medicine.

Popular career paths for Sociology graduates include:

  • community development officer
  • social worker
  • community support worker
  • social policy analyst
  • population/demography analyst
  • market research analyst
  • human resources specialist
  • social research specialist
  • employment/career development counsellor

Testimonials

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The Sociology program at Mount Allison is one of a kind. What makes this program so special are the professors who are always willing to listen, give an extra hand and go out of their way to ensure you succeed. I have never met such an inspirational and hard working group and I am beyond honoured to have been mentored (and supervised) by these faculty. Upon reflecting back at my time at Mount Allison, I owe my love of learning and sociology to these incredible people as well as my peers who continued to push me to become the person I am today.


Hannah
Crouse
'22
Honours Sociology, minors in Community Engaged Learning and Psychology
Stewiacke, NS
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In my courses at Mount A, I have developed and refined essential skills to feel confident starting graduate school. In my final year, I enjoyed being a teaching assistant (TA), participating in experiential learning, and pursuing research opportunities. The small, caring community at Mount A (including my profs), helped me to navigate post-secondary education and I am grateful for my time at Mount A.


Brittany
Snow
'22
Honours Sociology, major in Canadian Studies
Halifax, NS

Extras

Sociology students partnered with Correctional Services Canada (CSC) to put on a symposium for Black History Month

Experiential learning

Students in our Sociology program are regularly called upon to take what they have learned in class and apply it in real-world situations.

Examples include:

  • developing a business plan for a refugee clinic
  • participating in community events to promote service learning and community engagement
  • spending a day in a service learning workshop to learn how to combine community service with the concepts covered in class

Independent research is also supported and encouraged. Sociology students carry out their own research while doing their honours, or as student research assistants.

/current-students/department-sociology

Bachelor of Arts

Admission Requirements

Our admissions decisions are based on your academic record, leadership skills, a high level of commitment, and the potential for personal growth. The drop down menu below will help you find information on what pre-requisites are recommended for a Bachelor of Arts.

Academic Awards

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Mount A is #2 in student awards


Maclean’s ranks Mount Allison second in student and faculty awards in its latest University Rankings. To date, 56 Mount Allison students have become Rhodes Scholars — one of the best per capita records in Canada.

Next Steps

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