Applied Sociology

What is the Applied Sociology specialization?

The specialization in applied sociology equips students with the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to analyze and address complex social issues in real-world contexts. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students explore sociological concepts and methodologies while gaining insights into the dynamics of human behavior, social structures, and institutions. This specialization prioritizes the practical application of sociological insights across domains such as community development, social work, public policy, and organizational management. The program emphasizes the application of sociological knowledge to fields such as community development, social work, public policy, and organizational management. By engaging in research projects, students develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills essential for driving meaningful societal transformation and advocating for fairness and equity across diverse environments. Training in applied sociology provides excellent preparation for graduate and professional studies as well as administrative, analytical, and conflict resolution work in many business, non-profit, political, and other organizational fields including but not limited to counselling, clinical and social work contexts and careers, public and private organizations involved in social research, social policy, and program development.

What do I need to apply?

Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.

Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M courses, including English (ENG4U). Expected average of 70 per cent. To learn more about the admissions process and apply, visit our Undergraduate Admissions website.

Experiential Learning

To learn more about the Applied Sociology Specialization program’s experiential learning opportunities (e.g., the practicum, the internship, and community engagement projects), check out the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities’ Experiential Learning Office.

What courses will I take?

Year 1 [30 credit hours]

Three of:

COMM 1100U – Introduction to Communication and Digital Media Studies
CRMN 1000U – Introduction to Criminology and Justice
LGLS 1000U – Foundations of Legal Studies
POSC 1000U – Introduction to Political Science
PSYC 1000U – Introductory Psychology

Three FSSH electives
Two general electives

Note: Any course not taken in the above option block may be taken as an elective. ALSU 1101U, INDG 1000U, SSCI 1210U, SSCI 1470U, and SSCI 1700U are recommended as electives in the first year.

Year 2 [30 credit hours]

Two of:

CRMN 2030U – Social Control
POSC 2100U – Global Politics
POSC 2800U – Introduction to Business, Economy and Society
SOCI 2010U – Deviance and Social Control
SOCI 2300U – Social Problems
SOCI 2700U – Human Sexuality
SOCI 2720U – Sports and Society
SSCI 2101U – Making a Difference: An Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship

Two general electives

Year 3 [30 credit hours]

One of:

Three of:

CRMN 3023U – Family Violence
CRMN 3010U – Social Justice/Criminal Justice
INDG 3310U – Indigenous Peoples, Sustainability and Development: A Global Perspective
LGLS 3200U – Sociology of Law
LGLS 3520U – Law and Technology
LGLS 3700U – Law and Power
POSC 3101U – Inequality, Environment and Development
POSC 3602U – Labour in the Global Economy
POSC 3800U – Business, Politics and the Macroeconomy
SSCI 3000U – Disability, Rehabilitation and Society

Two SOCI electives
Two general electives

Year 4 [30 credit hours]

One of:

One of:

COMM 4420U – Political Communication, Digital Media and Democracy
INDG 4310U – The Politics of Indigenous Rights
LGLS 4200U – Law and Social Change
SOCI 4999U – Special Topics in Sociology
SSCI 4020U – Leadership and Administration

Three SOCI electives
Four general electives

General and FSSH electives

General electives can be taken at/or adjoining their year level, where permission has been granted and prerequisites have been fulfilled. FSSH electives are any courses offered by the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities (i.e., ALSU, COMM, CRMN, INDG, FPSY, LBAT, LGLS, POSC, PSYC and SSCI). No more than five 1000-level elective courses can be included. A minimum of three FSSH elective courses must be outside of major at the 2000-level or higher and a minimum of three elective courses must be at the 3000-level or higher.

In order to complete the Applied Sociology specialization, students will be required to take a minimum of five course credits, as indicated below:

Three of:

Two of: