General Major in the Social Sciences

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All programs Faculty of Arts & Science Department website

Credentials available

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Management

Campus

Lethbridge

Intake

Fall & Winter

Admission requirements

Program description

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.

Possible careers

The discipline and the three streams that you choose to focus on will help determine the occupations for which you are best qualified. Below are some examples of where a general major in the social sciences may take you:

Selecting economics, geography and anthropology could provide you with the skills to pursue a career in urban planning or international development.
Indigenous Studies, sociology and political science might lead to a life in politics, government, criminal justice or social work.
An emphasis on kinesiology, anthropology and women and gender studies could provide a starting point for working in non-governmental organizations, health facilities and treatment centres.

Professional disciplines & graduate studies | Your general major in the social sciences will provide you with an excellent foundation for journalism, law, social work, management, and education. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers programs, at the master and doctoral levels, in more than 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at uLethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.

Admission requirements for General Major in the Social Sciences

Choose a Province/Territory:

For admission, Canadian high school students in Alberta must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:

This course is required:

English Language Arts 30-1

Three of these courses are required:

Aboriginal Studies 30
Art 30 or Art 31
Biology 30
Chemistry 30
Choral Music 30, General Music 30, or Instrumental Music 30
Dance 35
Drama 30
Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
Mathematics 31
Physics 30
Science 30
Social Studies 30-1 or Social Studies 30-2
Five credits in Advanced-level CTS Computer Science (CSE)
One or more distinct languages at the 30 level

One additional requirement from this list:

That has not already been used
May be from the list above
Must be at the 30 level
Must be worth at least five credits (multiple courses worth a total of five or more credits can be used)
Cannot be a Special Project

Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here

First year cost estimator
for General Major in the Social Sciences

Let us help you understand your tuition and fees for your first year at the University of Lethbridge.

Take as many opportunities as you can — may it be for volunteering, applying for co-op work terms, or making new friends. Get to know your professors, co-op coordinators and career advisors as they will not only help you with your studies and academic endeavours but also assist you in taking the next step forward in your career. Also, find a hobby you love — it’s the best stress reliever!
- Cedric (BSc '20 Co-op) General Major

Sample classes

Course selection is widely varied and is dependent on the disciplinary streams chosen.

Quick links

Transfer Credit Equivalencies Database

View uLethbridge Program Planning Guides