Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Honours
Sociology studies all aspects of societies, focusing on the social structures behind what many of us assume are natural human experiences. Our program focuses on understanding the power relations that shape societies so that we may begin to envision a healthier and more equitable world.
In this program, you’ll study the complexity of the social world and apply a critical lens to contemporary social issues like economic inequalities, gender identities, changing family forms, migration, popular culture and media, race and racism, social movements, health care, new technologies and more.
Our vibrant faculty are experts in their fields, and our staff are committed to excellence in student support and academic advising. York offers one of the largest, most productive and innovative communities of scholars engaged in interdisciplinary research and teaching in sociology.
With this diverse education, our graduates have gone on to careers in community work, social services, law enforcement, social research, education and more.
Quick Links
Are you a future student?
OUAC Code: YUG
What you’ll learn
- Develop critical, analytical and reasoning skills to identify and analyze the social systems that shape inequalities in our society.
- Gain skills to work effectively with non-profits and other organizations working to promote social change.
- Learn advanced theoretical and research skills, including in-depth interviewing, focus groups and survey methods, that can be applied to a wide range of workplaces as well as to graduate studies.
Hands-on experiences
- Apply your learning and build networks with a placement in a community organization, government or not-for-profit space.
- Engage with the Resource Centre for Public Sociology, a hub for high-quality public research that organizes methodology and research workshops.
- Get opportunities to do research with faculty and collaborate with local community partners.
Possible Careers
- Social Services Worker
- Corrections Officer
- Policy Analyst
- Legal Profession
- Teacher
QS University Rankings
In the 2024 Quacquerelli Symonds (QS) University Rankings by Subject report, Sociology ranked in the top 150 in the world and #5 in Canada.
What I liked best about studying Sociology was that it helped me to understand the social interactions among people on a micro and macro level. It also helped me to understand various social issues (such as poverty) and why it has an impact on society as a whole. The education I've received here at York has helped me to open up new perspectives and opportunities grow as an individual. It also helped me to connect with what I have learned from my Sociology classes to various disciplines such as Humanities, History, Natural Sciences, and even Music!
— Julia Rao
Alumna, Sociology '17
