A general major in the social sciences, unlike a single discipline major, allows you to customize your course selection to your interests and abilities. Where you compromise depth of focus in one area, you gain breadth of knowledge in a few key areas, thus increasing your flexibility. This multidisciplinary approach provides access to the "big picture" or the wider context of any subject area. Conversely, the courses you choose can enhance your focus, and provide a cross-discipline perspective on one particular theme.

Students choosing a general major in the social sciences select three disciplinary streams from the following:

• anthropology
• archaeology
• economics
• geography
• history
• Indigenous studies
• kinesiology
• political science
• psychology
• sociology
• women & gender studies

As a student participating in a general major degree program, you’re not limited to studying only within your three streams. As part of your liberal education, you will be required to take classes outside your major(s). This allows you to develop skills and experience in all three streams.

Experience learning | Our students have a number of experiential learning opportunities available to them including co-operative education, international exchanges, independent and applied studies as well as volunteer opportunities. uLethbridge is the only university in Alberta to offer co-operative education to all majors in the arts & sciences, at both the undergrad and grad level. Transfer students can actually head out on their first work term before ever stepping foot on campus! For example, many transfer students have completed a summer work term before starting classes in September. ​

Skills acquired | In addition to developing exceptional written and oral communication skills, you will also develop your critical and analytical thinking skills, your information acquisition and management skills, as well as your attention to detail. You may also develop exceptional research and information management skills. All of these abilities are highly sought after and can be applied to practically any working scenario.