What can I do with a major in General Social Sciences
Unlike a single discipline major, a general major in the social sciences allows you to customize your course selections according to your interests from 3 of these disciplinary streams: anthropology, economics, geography, history, indigenous studies, kinesiology, political science, psychology, sociology, and women’s studies. This approach gives you a broader perspective and view of the “big picture” of your discipline as you choose your courses from a range of topics and streams.
Participating in a general major degree allows you to take additional studies outside your chosen discipline, further enriching your experience. As part of your liberal education requirements, it is expected that you take classes outside your major, allowing you to develop skills and experience in multiple disciplines, including the humanities and sciences.
Students interested in Social Sciences can complete:
- Bachelor of Arts (General Major in the Social Sciences)
- General Major in the Social Sciences/(Native) Education (BA/BEd)
- General Major in the Social Sciences/(Physical) Education (BA/BEd)
- General Major in the Social Sciences/(Social Studies) Education (BA/BEd)
- General Major in the Social Sciences/Management (BA/BMgt)
The combined degrees leverage synergies with other Bachelor programs and open up additional career opportunities.
For more information contact the Faculty of Arts and Science: https://www.uleth.ca/artsci/anthropology
Skills
- Careful Record-Keeping
- Communication (Oral & Written)
- Cross-Cultural Understanding
- Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Decision Making
- Forecasting/Projecting Results
- Intellectual Ability
- Investigative Skills
- Logical Thinking
- Non-Judgmental
- Observation Skills
- Positive Attitude
- Recognizing Cultural Differences & Similarities
- Research Ability
- Statistical Ability
- Summarizing Skills
- Team Player
- Testing Ideas/Hypotheses
- Work Independent
- Communication
- Computer Knowledge
- Detail Oriented
- Enjoy Laboratory Work
- Observant
- Organized
- Patient & Self-Motivated
- Understanding the Interrelationship of Social, Economic, Political & Cultural Factors
- Capacity to Understand & Interpret Both the Past & Present
- Compare & Contrast Ideas & Information
- Critical Thinking
- Global Perspective
- Information Management
- Interpersonal
- Oral & Written Communication
- Present Ideas & Data Clearly
- Provide Relevant Perspectives
- Synthesize Complex Information
- Understanding of Past Political & Social Processes
Work Environment
The streams students choose as their focus will determine the occupations and specializations they are most qualified for. Focuses in the areas of political science and sociology for example could provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge for a future political career or a career in journalism when paired with the necessary courses in humanities. A focus on kinesiology and psychology may prepare a student for careers in sport therapy or counseling.
A graduate from this program is prepared for a wide range of career possibilities in multiple sectors and industries, and they can pursue careers in law, politics, research, or healthcare, and social services among numerous other options.
Career Possibilities
These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate if one is available.
Because this is a general major, your prospective jobs will vary greatly dependent on which streams you choose. Please see the documents relating to your chosen streams for further information.
- Archives Assistant
- Curatorial Assistant
- Customer Service Representative
- Exhibit Assistant
- Foreign Service Officer
- Heritage Interpreter
- Immigration Officer
- Management Trainee
- Museum Host/Hostess
- Program Coordinator/Assistant
- Research Assistant
- Settlement Officer
- Survey Interviewer
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Assistant Policy Planner
- Data Analyst/Technician
- Data Entry Technician
- Environmental Planning Intern
- Graduate Planning Officer
- Materials Property Specialist
- Network Operations Assistant
- Project Coordinator
- Survey Assistant
- Admissions Counsellor/ Representative
- Admissions Specialist (College)
- Canadian Heritage Guide
- Community Connection & Youth Coordinator
- Interpretive Tour Guide
- Junior Clerk
- Publication Coordinator
- Student Recruitment Officer
- Travel Consultant
- Case Specialist
- Clinical Research Associate
- Clinical Trials Lab Assistant
- Community Based Research Specialist
- Entry Level Behaviour Interventionist
- Health Counsellor
- Intake Coordinator
- Mental Health Therapy Assistant
- Probation Officer
- Psychology Technician
- Corporate Engagement & Grants Specialist
- International Relations Advisor
- Market Research Analyst
- Motivational Outreach Speaker
- National Policy Analyst
- Policy & Service Development Specialist
- Policy Planner
- Social Policy Analyst
- Transcriber
- Administrative Assistant
- Advertising Copywriter
- Captioner and Court Reporter
- Child and Youth Care Worker
- Educational Assistant
- Judicial Clerk
- Legal Assistant
- Library Clerk
- Mediator
- Paralegal
- Patient Advocate
- Public Affairs Officer
- Community Disability Services Practitioner
- Health Coach
- Life Skills Coach
- Recreation Co-ordinator
- Recreation Therapist
- Reflexologist
- Speech-Language Assistant
These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.
Because this is a general major, your prospective jobs will vary greatly dependent on which streams you choose. Please see the documents relating to your chosen streams for further information.
- Anthropologist
- Archivist
- Community Development Specialist
- Cultural Artifact Specialist
- Conservationist
- Exhibit Designer
- Epidemiologist
- ESL Teacher
- Ethnologist
- Health & Science Administrator
- Librarian
- Museum Curator
- Multiculturalism Educator
- National/Provincial Park Interpreter
- Native Services Worker
- Public Health Educator
- Professor
- Research Associate
- Rural Development Officer
- Social Scientist/ Analyst
- Social Worker
- Teacher
- Technical Consultant
- Zookeeper
- Agricultural Planner
- Biogeographer
- Cartographer
- Community Developer
- Demographic Analyst
- Geographer
- Impact Analyst
- Institutional Analyst
- Tourism Developer
- Urban & Regional Planner
- Activist
- Biographer
- Career Development Professional
- City Planner
- Civil Litigator
- Diplomat
- Genealogist
- Historian
- Immigration Officer
- Journalist
- Lobbyist
- Media Correspondent
- Politician
- Technical Writer
- University Administrator
- Addictions Counselor
- Athletic Therapist
- Kinesiologist
- Occupational Therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Psychologist
- Speech-Language Pathologist
On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.
Because this is a general major, your prospective jobs will vary greatly dependent on which streams you choose. Please see the documents relating to your chosen streams for further information.
- Academic Advisor/Counsellor
- Advocate
- Ecotourism Director
- Employment Recruiter
- Foreign Affair Officer
- Graphic Design Museum Assistant
- Immigration Inspector
- Industrial Psychologist
- Internship Coordinator
- Management Consultant
- Program & Curriculum Coordinator
- Senior Thesis Coordinator
- Travel Agent/Guide
- Application Developer
- Computer Programmer
- Construction Manager
- Architect
- Intelligence Agent
- Meteorologist
- Software Developer
- Aboriginal Liaison Officer
- Advertising Copywriter
- Archaeologist
- Communications Specialist
- Investment Advisor
- Lawyer
- Lexicographer
- Real Estate Agent
- Religious Worker
- Scriptwriter/Screenwriter
- Speech Writer
Useful Resources
- Canadian Anthropology Society (CASCA) http://www.cas-sca.ca
- Canadian Association for Physical Anthropology (CAPA) http://www.capa.fenali.net
- Museum of Anthropology (MOA) http://www.moa.ubc.ca
- Society for Applied Anthropology http://www.sfaa.net
- Society for Medical Anthropology http://www.medanthro.net
- National Association for the Practice of Anthropology The National Association for the Practice of Anthropology - NAPA (practicinganthropology.org)
- Canada’s Anthropology Journal www.anthropologica.ca
- Canadian Heritage Information Network https://www.canada.ca/en/heritage-information-network.html
- Canadian Historical Association http://www.cha-shc.ca/
- Canadian Museums Association http://www.museums.ca/
- Canadian Heritage http://www.pch.gc.ca/
- Heritage Canada The National Trust http://www.heritagecanada.org
- Association of Canadian Archivists http://archivists.ca
- Canadian Heritage Information Network https://www.canada.ca/en/heritage-information-network.html
- Library & Archives Canada Pages - Home (canada.ca)
- Canadian International Council http://opencanada.org
- Canadian Council on Social Development http://www.ccsd.ca
- The Council of Canadians -Acting for Social Justice http://www.canadians.org
- Canadian Geographic http://www.canadiangeographic.ca
- Canada History http://www.canadahistory.com
- United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization http://en.unesco.org
- American Psychological Association http://www.apa.org
- Association for Psychological Science http://www.psychologicalscience.org
- Canadian Council of Professional Psychology Programs https://ccppp.wildapricot.org/
- Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association http://www.ccpa-accp.ca
- Canadian Professional Counsellors Association http://www.cpca-rpc.ca
- The College of Alberta Psychologists http://www.cap.ab.ca/
- Canadian Psychological Association http://www.cpa.ca
- Psychologists Association of Alberta http://www.psychologistsassociation.ab.ca
- The Psychonomic Society http://www.psychonomic.org
- Prairie Political Science Association http://prairiepsa.com
- Canadian Political Science Association https://www.cpsa-acsp.ca/
- Canadian Association of Political Consultants http://thecapc.com/
- Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives https://www.policyalternatives.ca
- Association of Canadian Compliance Professionals http://www.complianceprofessionals.ca
- The Council of Canadians http://www.canadians.org
- Canadian Council on Social Development http://www.ccsd.ca
- The Canadian Bar Associationhttp://www.cba.org
- Ethics & Compliance Officer Association http://www.theecoa.org/
- International Political Science Association http://www.ipsa.org
- Association for Humanist Sociology https://www.humanist-sociology.org/
- Canadian Sociological Association https://www.csa-scs.ca/
- International Sociological Association https://www.isa-sociology.org/en
- Sociologists for Women in Society https://socwomen.org/
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx
- SocioWeb https://www.socioweb.com/
- The Society for the Study of Social Problems https://www.sssp1.org/
Add Value to Your Degree
The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.
Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.
Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.
Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.
Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.
The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.
Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.
The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.
The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.
The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.
An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.
You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.
The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!
International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).
Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.