The Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers major/minor programs in Sociology (SOC), Anthropology (ANTH), and a Combined Major in Sociology/Anthropology (S/AN). We also offer honours programs for each major. Members of our internationally-recognized faculty possess a wealth of expertise acquired through study and research in a variety of countries and social settings. Since we cover nearly every topic in society and culture, you are sure to find courses that add to your knowledge of the world and provide you with the communications and analytical skills/insights required to succeed in a wide variety of careers.

Our graduates have also successfully entered a variety of post-graduate programs, including Masters study in sociology and anthropology, social work, education, law, international development, criminology, and law enforcement, to mention only a few.

Because of Sociology's broad areas of interest, a degree in sociology is an excellent preparation for a variety of careers, including further postgraduate studies in the social sciences (sociology, social work, education, law, criminology and law enforcement, international development). Sociology graduates have always been valuable players in both public and private sectors; their rich and multifaceted understanding of society, together with their skills in social analysis, communications and problem solving, make them in-demand in this constantly shifting social and economic world.

Similarly, a degree in Anthropology is a springboard for entry into a variety of professions. Our graduates have distinguished themselves in education, the legal and law enforcement professions, overseas development projects, large and small-scale corporations (including NGO's), museums, human resource departments, advertising and product research/development (some corporations even have their own anthropology units). The possibilities are endless.

 

We offer honours study in Sociology, Anthropology, and Sociology/Anthropology.

Honours Program Requirements

Research Component

The Honours research course (Sociology/Anthropology 4900) constitutes the research component of the Honours program. The course involves supervised reading and research on specific topics. The student is required to write a substantial Honours essay or research report, which will be assessed by a three-member committee consisting of the supervisor, one additional member of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, and a member from another Department.

Admission Requirements

Students intending to join the program must apply to the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. Applicants must be registered in, or have completed, the combined Sociology/ Anthropology major program. Applications are normally submitted during the sixth semester. To be eligible to apply for admission to the program, students must have an average of 70% in all prior courses and an average of 75% in all previous Sociology and Anthropology courses taken. To continue in the Honours program, students must maintain an overall average of 70% in all courses and an average of 75% in Sociology and Anthropology courses.

Admission to the program is competitive, and subject to the availability of a full-time faculty supervisor in the student’s chosen thesis area.

Requirements for Honours in Sociology/Anthropology

For an Honours in Sociology/Anthropology, which is a combined Honours in Sociology and Anthropology, the student will take fifty-seven semester hours of courses as listed below:

a. Sociology 1010 and Anthropology 1050

b. Twenty-one semester hours of required courses as follows:

1. Sociology 3010 (Sociological Theory I), Sociology 3020 (Sociological Theory II), Sociology 3310 (Methodology and Research I), and Sociology 3320 (Methodology and Research II).
2. Anthropology 3210 (Field Methods), Anthropology 3320 (Knowledge and Culture), and Anthropology 3610 (Anthropological Theory).

c. A six semester hour research course: Sociology/Anthropology 4900 (Honours Research).

d. Twenty-four semester hours of elective courses, of which:

1. two must be area courses
2. two must be any Anthropology, Sociology, or Sociology/Anthropology course at the 2000-, 3000-, or 4000- level
3. four must be at the 3000-4000 level.
4. To graduate with an Honours degree in Sociology/Anthropology a student requires a total of 42 semester courses (126 semester hours).

Requirements for Honours in Sociology

For an Honours in Sociology, the student will take fifty-seven semester hours of courses as listed below:

a. Sociology 1010 and Anthropology 1050

b. Twelve semester hours of required Sociology courses as follows: Sociology 3010, Sociology 3020, Sociology 3310 and Sociology 3320

c. A six semester-hour research course—Sociology/ Anthropology 4900

d. Twenty-one semester hours of Sociology or Sociology/ Anthropology elective courses as follows:

1. one must be an area course
2. two must be at the 2000-, 3000-, or 4000- levels
3. two must be at the 3000- or 4000- level
4. two must be at the 4000- level (excluding S-AN 4900)

e. Twelve semester hours of Anthropology or Sociology Anthropology as follows:

1. one of either Anthropology 3210 (Field Methods); Anthropology 3320 (Knowledge and Culture); or Anthropology 3610 (Anthropology Theory). Please talk to your advisor. Course selection would depend on the nature of your thesis research.
2. Sociology/Anthropology 4420 (Social and Cultural Change)
3. Sociology 3350 (Globalization)
4. one of either Sociology 4320 (Comparative Sociology) or Sociology 4010 (Doing Social Research) or Sociology 4620 (Applied Sociology). Please talk to your supervisor or prospective supervisor. Course selection would depend on the nature of your thesis research.
5. To graduate with an Honours degree in Sociology, a student requires a total of 42 semester courses (126 semester hours).

Requirements for Honours in Anthropology

For an Honours in Anthropology, the student will take fifty-seven semester hours of courses as listed below:

a. Sociology 1010 and Anthropology 1050

b. Twelve semester-hours of required anthropology courses as follows: Anthropology 3210; Anthropology 3320; Anthropology 3610; Anthropology 4020

c. A six semester hour research course—Sociology/ Anthropology 4900

d. Twenty-one semester hours of Anthropology or Sociology/ Anthropology elective courses as follows:

1. two must be area courses;
2. three must be at the 3000- level; and
3. two must be at the 4000- level (excluding SAN490)

e. Twelve semester-hours of Sociology or Sociology/ Anthropology as follows:

1. one of Sociology 3010; Sociology 3020; Sociology 3310; Sociology 3320
2. three other Sociology or Sociology/Anthropology courses at the 3000-4000 level
3. To graduate with an Honours degree in Anthropology, a student requires a total of 42 semester courses (126 semester hours).

Requirements for Major in Sociology

a. Sociology 1010 and Anthropology 1050

b. Four core courses (Sociology 3010, Sociology 3020, Sociology 3310 and Sociology 3320)

c. Eight electives, of which:

1. one must be an area course
2. two must be at the 2000-, 3000-, or 4000- level in Sociology or Sociology/Anthropology
3. three must be at the 3000-4000 level in Sociology or Sociology/Anthropology
4. two must be at the 4000- level in Sociology or Sociology/Anthropology

d.

1. Prospective majors have to complete the prerequisite introductory courses with a combined average of 60%.
2. When applying for a major the student must have a combined average of 65% in a minimum of four or more Anthropology, Sociology, or Sociology/Anthropology courses at or above the 2000 level.
3. It is strongly recommended that students take 2000- level courses in their second year.
4. It is recommended that students apply for a major at the end of their second year or at the beginning of their third year.

Requirements for Major in Anthropology

a. Sociology 1010 and Anthropology 1050

b. Three core courses (Anthropology 3210, Anthropology 3320, and Anthropology 3610)

c. Nine electives, of which

1. two must be area courses
2. two must be 2000-, 3000-, or 4000- level courses in Anthropology or Sociology/Anthropology
3. three must be 3000-4000 level courses in Anthropology or Sociology/Anthropology
4. two must be 4000- level courses in Anthropology or Sociology/Anthropology

d.

1. Prospective majors have to complete the prerequisite introductory courses with a combined average of 60%.
2. When applying for a major the student must have a combined average of 65% in a minimum of four or more Anthropology, Sociology, or Sociology/Anthropology courses at or above the 2000- level.
3. It is strongly recommended that students take 2000- level courses in their second year.
4. It is recommended that students apply for a major at the end of their second year or at the beginning of their third year.

Requirements for a Joint Major in Sociology/Anthropology

a. Sociology 1010 and Anthropology 1050

b. Six core courses (Sociology 3010, Sociology 3020, Sociology 3320, Anthropology 3320, Anthropology 3610, and either Sociology 3310 or Anthropology 3210)

c. At least nine electives, of which

1. two must be area courses
2. two must be Sociology/Anthropology courses at the 2000-, 3000-, or 4000- level
3. four must be at the 3000-4000 level
4. one must be any Anthropology, Sociology, or Sociology/Anthropology course at the 2000-, 3000-, or 4000- level

d.

1. Prospective majors have to complete the prerequisite introductory courses with a combined average of 60%.
2. When applying for a major the student must have a combined average of 65% in a minimum of four or more Anthropology, Sociology, or Sociology/Anthropology courses at or above the 2000- level.
3. It is strongly recommended that students take 2000- level courses in their second year.
4. It is recommended that students apply for a major at the end of their second year or at the beginning of their third year.

Requirements for Minor in Anthropology

a. Sociology 1010 and Anthropology 1050

b. Five electives of Anthropology or Sociology/Anthropology as follows:

1. two courses must be at the 2000-, 3000-, or 4000- levels
2. two courses must be at the 3000-4000 level
3. one course must be at the 4000- level

c. To qualify for a minor, students are required to have an overall average of 65% in all courses required for the minor with no mark below 60%.

NOTE: A minor in Anthropology is not available to students with a joint major in Sociology/Anthropology.

Requirements for Minor in Sociology

a. Sociology 1010 and Anthropology 1050

b. Five additional Sociology or Sociology/Anthropology courses:

1. two must be at the 3000 or 4000 level
2. three must be at the 2000-, 3000-, or 4000- level.

c. To qualify for a minor, students are required to have an overall average of 65% in all courses with no mark below 60%.

NOTE: A minor in Sociology is not available to students with a joint major in Sociology and Anthropology.

High School Graduates

American High School Equivalency Chart

Successful completion of Grade 12 examinations in a University Preparatory Program with an overall average of at least 70% (75% for Quebec Secondary V students) in the following subjects:

• English;
• one Social Studies or Language;
• any 3 other academic courses. Grade 12 math recommended.
  Note: Grade 12 Math is a prerequisite for some 1st year Art courses.

Please refer to the BCA Academic Calendar for complete admissions information.

BCA's undergraduate tuition is the second-lowest in the Atlantic region, and we offer millions of dollars in scholarships and awards.

Tuition

$6,390 per year, based on 30 credit hours ($639 per 3 credit course).
International students pay $7,470 per year in addition to full-time student tuition.

For a complete breakdown of part-time or full-time study as a student in the Faculty of Arts, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

Scholarships and Awards

BCA supports you and your educational goals. We administer millions of dollars in scholarships and awards to our undergraduate and graduate students every year. Depending on your faculty or program, and year of study, you may be eligible for available awards.

Search the complete list of scholarships for information and application forms.  

Celebrating Student Achievement

Including Guaranteed Entrance Scholarships and Academic Excellence Awards, these awards recognize the academic achievements of all students who meet the eligibility criteria while studying towards their first undergraduate degree.

Visit the Scholarships site for complete information.

BCA has about 250 faculty—exceptional scholars, teachers, and mentors, with more being hired each year as we open new, progressive, and unique programs. But the story isn’t just in the numbers. It’s in the quality of our people. Award-winning faculty from around the globe have made BCA home. Here, you’ll learn directly from these world-class professors and researchers in small classes where you’ll have easy access to them.