Brandon University’s Department of Sociology prepares you for active participation in the world around you by involving you in study, discovery, accumulation, and dissemination of knowledge about societal and community processes, issues, problems and needs.

The Department offers a wide variety of courses that will help you develop the practical skills needed to critically assess and understand society.  You will learn how and why human groups are as they are, and how sociologists conduct research, share their ideas with others and influence the communities in which we live.  Sociology students have an opportunity to study areas such as criminology and deviance, social problems, family life, community development, gender relations, social psychology, the sociology of health and health care, and research methods.

The department offers the following degrees:

• 4 year major: This degree is geared to provide students with a well rounded understanding of social relations and organization, social movements, and deviance.  It is a good fit for those who plan to enter the workforce following completion of their  degree, especially those who plan to work in government, social services, or non-profit organizations.
• 4 year (Honours) major:  This degree offers the same opportunities as the 4 year major but will distinguish the graduate in the job market as it is a more rigorous course of study.  This is also the degree that is recommended for anyone who plans to go on to graduate studies in Sociology.
• 4 year (Combined Honours) major:   This degree is beneficial to those who wish to concentrate their studies in two disciplines and plan to apply to another course of study such as BEd., Medical School, or Law School.  It is NOT recommended for those planning to go on to do graduate studies in Sociology.
• 3 year major:  This degree is an introduction to the field of Sociology and is only beneficial to those who plan to apply to another course of study such as BEd., Medical School, or Law School.  It is NOT recommended for those planning to go on to graduate studies in Sociology.

Within each of these degrees, students have the option of specializing in our “Crime and Community Stream,” which is particularly useful to those planning careers in areas related to the Criminal Justice System, Social Work, or Government policy work.