Are you dedicated to examining key moments in our personal lives, communities and the world? Do you have a passion for exploring issues of gender and identity, social movements, cultures and political economies?
Sociology is one of the most diversified, interesting, and practical broadly based liberal arts and research disciplines. Study human society to gain an understanding of our cultural, political and global interactions to conduct critical public debate about social institution designing.
A major in sociology will provide you with extensive knowledge of key social factors affecting human behaviour and also develop your skills in designing and evaluating research. The study of sociology will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a range of careers.
Sociologists are devoted to the study of social groups and processes, using applied logic in combination with empirical research to ascertain “what is” and “what can be.
It is the task of sociologists to conduct critical public debate about social institutions. We seek to contribute to that debate and equip you with the skills to do so too..
Sociology students develop many skills including:
Substantive skills
Develop the ability to understand social forces at work in society so that you can better evaluate proposed changes or resistances to change.
Analytical skills
The ability to identify the contributing parts of a problem and to evaluate proposals for change.
Critical thinking skills
Whether you’re taking courses focused on the family, race and ethnicity, Canadian society, health, criminology, or work—synthesize existing theoretical knowledge, and research information, and the processes of evaluating arguments and solutions.
Study the core concepts of sociology by examining culture, socialization, social interaction, social roles, and social structure. Because humans are social by nature, all of us are members of various social groupings and located within a social system.
You will demonstrate a historical and contemporary understanding of theoretical perspectives, social issues, and debates within sociology. Use the sociological imagination to critically explain the ways in which social practices and institutions influence individual lives. Build, articulate, and defend theoretically informed arguments from multiple perspectives. Demonstrate accountable leadership through teamwork, personal organization, and time management strategies to achieve desired goals.
Where will this degree take me?
Graduates go into professional programs, including TRU’s education or social work departments. Others find that a sociology degree provides entry to occupations in management, government and human services agencies.
Career options
This list is not exhaustive but provides an idea of the options graduates have and what they have gone on to do.
Activist
Addictions Counsellor
Archivist
Case Manager
Child and Youth Worker
Child Welfare Worker
Community Worker
Consumer Advocate
Employment Counsellor
Event Coordinator
Family and Marriage Counsellor
Forensics Worker
Fundraiser
Gerontologist
Guidance Counsellor
Historian
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
Expected May, September 2025
Thompson Rivers University
Kamloops Campus,
805 TRU Way,
KAMLOOPS,
British Columbia (BC),
V2C 0C8, Canada
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
Expected May, September 2025
Admission to each major program may have specific requirements.
Recommended: Foundations of Mathematics 11 or higher is strongly recommended for students pursuing Education or a major in Geography and Environmental Studies, Sociology or Psychology
Admission to the sociology major requires completion of SOCI 1110 and 1210 and two 2000-level Sociology courses, of which three of the four sociology courses must receive grade C+ or above.
English Language Proficiency Requirements: TOEFL iBT - 88+ with no section below 20; TOEFL paper-based - 570+ TWE 4.5+; TOEFL Computer-Based - 230+ Essay 4.5+; IELTS - 6.5+ with no bands below 6.0; MELAB - 81+; CanTEST - 4.5+ with no component score below 4.0; CAEL - Overall 70+ No subtest below 60.
Deadlines for students of pre-assessment eligible nationalities (Bangladesh, Ghana, India, Iran and Nigeria): Fall: February 15, 2024. Deadlines for students of all other nationalities: Fall: March 1, 2024; Winter 2025: September 1, 2024.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
Located in Canada, TRU offers international students a diverse, inclusive and empowering space to learn, live and thrive in.