Bachelor's in Social Sciences in Canada
Canada provides 18 Bachelor's programmes in Social Sciences across 8 universities, covering fields such as sociology, political science, anthropology, and interdisciplinary social studies. Universities offering these programmes include the University of Western Ontario, Brock University, Athabasca University, and Canadian Mennonite University.
Some programmes in this listing are tuition-free for eligible students; tuition across the full range starts from free. This makes Canada a competitive destination for social sciences study, especially given its multicultural society and strong research traditions in areas such as Indigenous studies and public policy. Most programmes admit international students with a strong secondary school background and English language certification.
Anthropology
The Anthropology Department at St. Francis Xavier University offers a program focused on the study of human societies and their development. The department acknowledges its location in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral territory of the Mi'kmaq people, and recognizes the historical connections of people of African descent to Nova Scotia. The program encourages student engagement through activities like weekly study sessions hosted by the Anthropology Society, providing a space for students to connect and study together.
Bachelor of Arts (3-year) General
The Bachelor of Arts (3-year) General program at Athabasca University aims to enhance critical and creative thinking through a diverse range of social, political, and cultural studies. This liberal arts education broadens perspectives on local and global affairs, encourages community involvement, and prepares students for lifelong learning and varied career paths. It is a respected credential in Canada and the United States, suitable for occupational diversity, though not primarily designed for direct entry into graduate-level studies.
Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology Major
The Bachelor of Arts (4-year) program at Athabasca University is designed to enhance critical and creative thinking through a diverse range of social, political, and cultural studies. It provides a flexible education, fostering the development, understanding, and dissemination of knowledge, alongside critical thinking skills. This degree prepares students for lifelong learning, occupational diversity, and most graduate programs. The Anthropology Major specifically provides an in-depth understanding of archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology, emphasizing their interrelationships and fostering a comparative and holistic approach to understanding humanity.
Bachelor of Arts, French Concentration
The Bachelor of Arts (3-year) with a French Concentration at Athabasca University is designed to enhance critical and creative thinking through a broad liberal arts education. This program aims to broaden perspectives on local and global affairs, encourage community involvement, and prepare students for lifelong learning. Graduates will achieve competence in oral and written French, fostering an awareness of linguistic and cultural differences. The curriculum enables students to read, analyze, and write critical essays in French, understanding stylistic nuances between French and English. This well-respected credential offers occupational diversity.
Bachelor of Arts, History Concentration
The Bachelor of Arts (3-year) with a History Concentration at Athabasca University is designed to enhance your critical and creative thinking through a diverse range of social, political, and cultural studies. This program aims to broaden your perspective on local and global issues, encourage civic engagement, and prepare you for continuous learning and varied career paths. It is a respected credential in Canada and the United States, providing a strong liberal arts foundation for personal and professional growth.
Bachelor of Arts, History Major
The Bachelor of Arts (4-year) with a History Major at Athabasca University is designed to enhance critical and creative thinking through a broad range of social, political, and cultural studies. This liberal arts education aims to broaden perspectives on local and global affairs, encourage community involvement, and prepare students for lifelong learning and diverse careers. Graduates are expected to develop sufficient analytical and critical thinking skills for independent research in history, and the program fully prepares students for most graduate programs.
Bachelor of Arts, Labour Studies Major
The Bachelor of Arts (4-year) program at Athabasca University aims to enhance critical and creative thinking through diverse social, political, and cultural studies. It provides a flexible, broad education designed to broaden perspectives, encourage community involvement, and prepare students for lifelong learning and various careers. The Labour Studies Major focuses on the role of labour and working people in society, appealing particularly to trade unionists. The program is structured to prepare graduates for most graduate programs and to develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills for independent research in their chosen major.
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Concentration
The Bachelor of Arts (3-year) with a Psychology Concentration from Athabasca University is designed to enhance critical and creative thinking through a broad range of social, political, and cultural studies. This program aims to broaden perspectives on local and global affairs, encourage community involvement, and prepare students for lifelong learning and diverse occupations. The Psychology program specifically develops or expands knowledge in the field, providing grounding in foundational psychological science. Graduates gain applicable skills and knowledge for general employment in various fields, including business, management, government research, program evaluation, human services, and law.
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology Concentration
The Bachelor of Arts (3-year) with a Sociology Concentration at Athabasca University is designed to enhance your critical and creative thinking through a diverse range of social, political, and cultural studies. This program aims to broaden your perspective on local and global issues, encourage community engagement, and prepare you for lifelong learning and various career paths. It is a well-regarded qualification in Canada and the United States. The Sociology Concentration specifically introduces students to foundational sociological theories and research methods. You will explore how these skills are applied to contemporary issues such as crime, family studies, environmental concerns, health, technology, and Canadian society. This specialization will encourage you to reflect on your own experiences and critically analyze pressing social and global challenges.
Black and African Diaspora Studies (BSc)
Canadian Studies
The Canadian Studies program at Acadia University offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to understanding Canadian society. You will explore Canada's social, cultural, and political trends, tracing their historical roots. This program draws from both the humanities (Art, English and Theatre, French, History) and social sciences (Economics, Politics, Sociology), equipping you with strong research, reading, and writing skills essential for contributing to Canadian society. The program emphasizes a personalized education experience within small classes, fostering close interaction with professors and fellow students. You can tailor your studies to focus on areas like Atlantic Canada, Canadian culture, or contemporary issues. Students can pursue a major in Canadian Studies alone or combine it with another discipline for a double major. An Honours program is also available, particularly recommended for those intending to pursue graduate studies in Canadian Studies.
Development Studies
The Development Studies program at St. Francis Xavier University is designed for undergraduate students interested in understanding development theories and practices. The program focuses on community-level development within the Global South, Canada, and the Atlantic region. It is inspired by the Antigonish Movement and the global outreach of the Coady Institute, fostering critical thinking and practical application of social and climate justice principles. A degree in Development Studies aims to equip students with the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to contribute to global betterment.
Gender Studies Minor
The Gender Studies Minor is an interdisciplinary program designed to encourage critical thinking about the historical, cultural, literary, and societal roles of women and gender across global contexts. It is open to students of all majors and aims to foster an understanding of social justice and personal wholeness. The program encourages students to challenge stereotypes and engage with complex gender-based debates, including perspectives informed by the Christian faith. It is particularly relevant for those interested in how gender intersects with race, ethnicity, class, culture, religion, sexuality, and disability.
International Development Studies
The International Development Studies (IDS) program at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) encourages students to learn about global and local contexts of poverty and violence. It aims to foster innovative approaches to transformational development that promote justice and peace, preparing students for active citizenship in an increasingly interdependent world. The program emphasizes community-level development and the work of non-governmental organizations. It offers an interdisciplinary approach, examining foundational values and worldviews, including faith-based perspectives, that shape different visions of development.
Labour Studies BA
The Labour Studies program at Brock University prepares students to understand and navigate the evolving world of work, while also equipping them with the skills to improve jobs and workers' lives. This program offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skill-building, setting graduates up for success in various career paths. Students can choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Labour Studies, or combine it with a co-major in fields like Political Science, Sociology, History, or Economics. The program also offers certificate options and pathways to postgraduate certificates in Human Resources Management and Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Physics
Acadia University's Physics program offers a comprehensive undergraduate degree designed to help students understand the fundamental laws governing our universe, from the smallest particles to the largest celestial bodies. With a focus on small class sizes and student-centered learning, the program fosters a strong sense of community among students and faculty. Graduates develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, preparing them for a diverse range of careers or further academic pursuits. The curriculum encourages interdisciplinary studies and offers unique opportunities for hands-on research.
Undergraduate Programs in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies
The Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies (GSWS) at the University of Western Ontario offers a supportive academic environment focused on gender and sexuality through a feminist lens. Our programs aim to promote human rights and social justice by exploring contemporary issues and how gender intersects with other aspects of identity and power, such as race, ethnicity, social class, disability, and age. We encourage critical reflection, analysis, and research to foster individual interests and methods of inquiry.
Women's and Gender Studies
The Women's and Gender Studies (WGST) program at Acadia University invites students to critically examine how gender and sexuality shape global societies and individual experiences. You will explore diverse topics such as social justice, culture, education, literature, psychology, history, science, and politics through a feminist lens. The program encourages questioning assumptions and developing innovative approaches to societal challenges, offering a robust interdisciplinary curriculum to foster a deep understanding of gender's impact. Students can choose from various program options including a Major, Double Major, Major with Honours, Double Major with Honours, or a Minor. The curriculum is rich with over 60 interdisciplinary courses, covering unique areas like Black Women and Politics, Environmental Justice and Equity, and Women in Science. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, research opportunities, and offers a co-op option, preparing graduates for impactful careers.
Frequently asked questions
How many Bachelor's in Social Sciences programmes are available in Canada?
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There are 18 Bachelor's programmes in Social Sciences offered across 8 Canadian universities.
Which universities offer a Bachelor's in Social Sciences in Canada?
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Universities include the University of Western Ontario, Brock University, Athabasca University, Canadian Mennonite University, Trinity Western University, and Acadia University.
How much does a Bachelor's in Social Sciences cost in Canada?
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Some programmes are tuition-free for eligible students; check individual listings for current fees as costs vary.
Can international students apply for a Bachelor's in Social Sciences in Canada?
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Yes, all listed universities welcome international students; entry typically requires secondary school qualifications and English or French language proficiency.
How do I apply to a Bachelor's in Social Sciences in Canada?
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Submit applications through each university's undergraduate admissions portal with secondary school transcripts and any required language test scores.