Program Information

Sociology is the study of how various social forces produce social order and social change and in so doing influence what we do and how we think.

Sociologists study social behaviour and relationships in an attempt to understand and explain differences, for example, between men and women, the young and the old, people of different nationalities, ethnicities, etc. Comparing and analyzing the different ways that people live and work together is an important aspect of Sociology.

There are many different course topics for you to explore. You can learn about criminology, social inequality, health, deviance, work, identity, and demography. Studying Sociology helps you to understand yourself and your social world better.

IMPORTANT NOTE: On occasion, the department makes changes to our modules. Only students entering the modules after that change has taken place are subject to the new guidelines. Students who were enrolled in a module before the change, have the option of completing their degree with either the new module, or the module listed for the year they were first accepted into that module. Students can look up former modules in the Academic Calendar Archive.

How do I know which Sociology or Criminology module is right for me?

Discover the modules available on the Choosing Your Degree page

Consider which of the following describes you best:

Honors Specialization in Sociology or Criminology Honours Double Major, including Sociology, Criminology, or Sociology of Population, Aging, and Health Major in Sociology, Criminology, or Sociology of Population, Aging, and Health,
or Minor in Sociology, or Criminology

You want to specialize in one area, and study it in-depth

You think you might want to continue your studies by pursuing a graduate degree (MA, PhD), or a Law degree

You like smaller classes, and the opportunity to engage with and talk about ideas

You are comfortable writing essays, and may even prefer them to multiple-choice exams

Your average is 70% or higher in 3 principle courses

If you want to specialize in Sociology, but have only a 60% average, then you may want to consider the Specialization in Sociology

You want to study two or more areas, and get a general understanding of these fields

You enjoy larger classes that provide general overviews of subject areas

Your average is 70% or higher in 3 principle courses

You are considering teacher’s college, or other future programs where having a broad academic background would be valuable

You would like to leave the door open for graduate school, and so would like to take some 3000-level courses in core areas to increase your eligibility

You want to learn more about sociology and/or criminology, and get a general understanding of these fields

You also want to take a variety of other courses to round out your university degree

Your mark in Introductory Sociology was at least 60%
Compare Sociology Modules

Honors
Specialization

Specialization

Major
(3 or 4 yr)

Minor

Modules Available
Sociology
Criminology
Sociology
Sociology
Criminology
Sociology of Population, Aging and Health
Sociology
Criminology

Admission
requirements

Progression requirements
  • minimum Modular Average 70%
  • at least 60% in each course of the module
  • passing grade in each option
  • Minimum cumulative average of 60%
  • Minimum cumulative average of 60%
  • Minimum cumulative average of 60%

# of Courses after 1st year

 9.0 9.0 6.0 4.0

Can be combined with other modules across campus

 YES YES YES YES

Recommended for path to M.A. in Sociology or Criminology

 YES

Recommended for path to Law School

 YES YES

YES

(Honors Double Major including at least one of the above majors)

 

Recommended for seeking employment after B.A.

 YES YES YES YES

FAQ

What am I required to take in 1st year, and what grade do I need for admission into a Sociology or Criminology module at Western?

I am considering switching into sociology for this upcoming year. How do I switch programs?

To change into a Sociology module: email your name, student number, and new module choice, to the Sociology Undergraduate Program Advisor.

A course I need for my module isn't offered this year. What should I do?

While every effort is made to offer required courses, this is not always possible due to the availability of our professors. Contact the Sociology Undergraduate Program Advisor who can discuss possible substitutions with you.

Criminology Module requirements have changed - does this apply to me?

You will continue to complete your module requirements as they were listed in the academic year when you were accepted into this module.

Only students starting the module this calendar year and later will follow the new module requirements.

Here are links to the former academic calendars for your reference. Refer to the calendar of the academic year when you were accepted into the module.

If you do not recall in which academic year you were accepted into a module, view your Web Academic Report in Student Center. Your module for each year appears below the academic year heading as "Plan". Find the earliest year with that module listed.