Sociology Undergraduate Program
Undergraduate Study in Sociology
Sociology, the study of society, involves the systematic analysis of social institutions, social processes, and social interaction. Students with a degree in sociology have gone on to careers in academe; government policy-making; management; research and development; marketing; and the social services, among other areas. A degree in sociology is useful preparation for so many career paths as it provides students with valuable and transferable skills such as the ability to think critically, analyze, and problem solve.
Students who have declared or are considering declaring sociology as a minor, major, double major, or honours must consult with the Department of Sociology Director of Undergraduate Studies for programme approval. For additional programme regulations and a full list of sociology courses, please consult the undergraduate calendar and undergraduate course timetables.
Minoring in Sociology
A minor in Sociology consists of 24 credit hours in sociology, of which 12 credit hours must be advanced-level courses. Both the major and honours programmes begin in the third year of undergraduate study, following completion of approximately 60 credit hours. Students should inform the Departmental Academic Advisor or the Director of Undergraduate Studies of their intention to major or honour in sociology during academic advising of the second year of their programme.
Majoring in Sociology
To major in sociology, students must complete 6 credit hours in first year sociology courses prior to completion of their third year. Normally, students take these courses in their first year of study. It is highly recommended that students complete at least two additional sociology courses prior to declaring sociology as their major. Single majors must complete a minimum of 39 credit hours of sociology, of which 24 credit hours must be advanced-level courses. Double majors must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of sociology of which 15 credit hours must be advanced-level courses. In either case, students should complete at least 12 credit hours of sociology courses in sociology prior to entering their third year. Permission may be obtained to count an advanced-level course in a related subject as one of the sociology options. Compulsory courses for single and double majors are: 6 credit hours of level one sociology courses in addition to Theoretical Foundations of Sociology (SOCI 3004), Major Developments in Contemporary Sociological Theory (SOCI 3014), and Understanding Sociological Research (SOCI 3103).
Honouring in Sociology
The honours programme is a more advanced programme of study oriented specifically towards preparation for post-graduate study. A minimum of 48 credit hours in sociology is required for single honours. At least 36 credit hours must be advanced-level sociology courses, of which at least 6 credit hours must consist of level four sociology courses. A minimum of 42 sociology credit hours are required for joint honours. At least 30 credit hours must be advanced-level courses, of which 3 credit hours must consist of level four sociology courses. Students seeking admission to a single or a joint honours programme must make written application to the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Compulsory courses for both single and joint honours are: 6 credit hours of level one Sociology courses in addition to Theoretical Foundations of Sociology (SOCI 3004), Major Developments in Contemporary Sociological Theory (SOCI 3014), Research Strategies (SOCI 3100), Statistics in Sociology (SOCI 3123), Seminar: Sociological Theory (SOCI 5000), and the Honours Paper (SOCI 5200). For single honours 6 credit hours of level four sociology courses, and for joint honours 3 credit hours of level four sociology courses, are required. The prerequisites for level five sociology courses are: Theoretical Foundations of Sociology (SOCI 3004), Major Developments in Contemporary Sociological Theory (SOCI 3014), Research Strategies (SOCI 3100).
Interdisciplinary, Major/Minor, & Honours/Minor Programmes
Along with majors or honours in sociology, a student may choose to complete an interdisciplinary programme. At the present time, the faculty of Arts offers the following Interdisciplinary programmes: Women's Studies, International Development Studies, Russian and Eurasian Studies, Law in Society, alternatively, students may consider taking a minor concentration in another discipline, or another faculty. A minor comprises 24 credit hours, forming a coherent set or sequence, so designated by the departments concerned. Only courses that are free electives in a students’ degree programme may form part of his or her minor. See the current UNB Undergraduate Calendar for the requirements for a minor programme. Please note that students may not take a minor in the department in which they are majoring or honouring.
Awards, Prizes, & Scholarships
For information on scholarships for entering and continuing undergraduate students at UNB, consult the undergraduate calendar. Other awards, prizes, and scholarships are available through the federal government.
The following UNB awards and prizes are reserved specifically for undergraduate students in Sociology.
Sociology Undergraduate Assistantships
A limited number of research assistantships are awarded to sociology honours students who are usually in the final year of the program. A call for applications is made shortly after classes commence in September.
Nels Anderson Prize in Sociology
A prize of $125 to be awarded annually on the recommendation of the Department of Sociology to the student majoring or honouring in sociology on the Fredericton campus entering their final year (completed 90 to 96 credit hours), with the highest standing in sociology courses (minimum 24 credit hours which must include the 3rd year required courses). This prize has been funded by faculty members in the Department of Sociology.
Sandra Budovitch Memorial Prize
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Budovitch have established an award in memory of their daughter, Sandra. The prize, having a value of approximately $175, will be given annually to the graduating student having the highest average in honours sociology.
Barbara Pepperdene Critical Essay Prize
An annual prize of $750 to be awarded at Encaenia on the recommendation of the Department of Sociology to any graduating student on the Fredericton campus for an outstanding essay or assignment in any Sociology course. The prize is funded by Dr. Barbara Pepperdene.Please contact the Department of Sociology to nominate a student paper.
Barbara Pepperdene Prize for Substantive Inquiry
An annual prize of $750 to be awarded in the Fall on the recommendation of the Department of Sociology to a continuing student on the Fredericton campus for an outstanding assignment from the previous academic year which examines issues central to the strengths in the Department. The prize is funded by Dr. Barbara Pepperdene. Please contact the Department of Sociology to nominate a student paper.
Douglas R. Pullman Prize in Sociology
A prize has been established by colleagues of Dr. Douglas Pullman in honour of his contributions to the development of sociology at UNB. It is awarded annually on the recommendation of the Department of Sociology to a graduating student on the Fredericton campus with a major in sociology. The award would be made on the discretion of the Department of Sociology.
Other awards and prizes are open to undergraduate students registered in degree programmes in the Faculty of Arts or to any UNB undergraduate student.
Up to four prizes of $250 each awarded to the students on both campuses who make the highest grade point average on the examinations in the required subjects of the Freshman year. The prize is funded by the UNB Associated Alumni.
An annual prize of $500 to be awarded to a student who, upon completion of the Freshman year, has made the highest standing in the work of the Freshman year.
Open to full and part-time undergraduate students who have completed at least year two of an undergraduate degree program at UNB, have achieved Dean's List in the previous year, and are nominated by their Faculty. Selection will be based on scholastic attainment and demonstrated involvement in extra-curricular and/or co-curricular activities.
Governor General's Silver Medal
A silver medal to be awarded annually to the undergraduate student who achieves the highest academic standing in an undergraduate Bachelor's degree program. The medal is awarded at Encaenia.
Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick Silver Medal
Fourteen medals are to be awarded annually to the outstanding graduating student in each Faculty. The selection is to be made in each case by the appropriate Faculty. The medals are awarded at Encaenia on the Fredericton campus and the Spring Convocation on the Saint John campus. Awarded to the full-time or part-time student judged to be the most outstanding student based primarily on the last half of his/her program as decided by the Faculty in consultation with the Registrar. Students enrolled in a concurrent program are eligible to be considered for the medal in each of the degree programs so represented.
Norman S. Fraser Prize in Arts
A prize of $340 to be awarded annually on the recommendation of the Faculty of Arts to the student with the highest standing in the Junior and Senior years of Bachelor of Arts program. The prize has been funded by the late Norman S. Fraser.
A $650 prize awarded annually to a Fredericton campus student engaged in full or part-time study who is entering the final year of the current degree program and has a continuing interest in and commitment to Women's Studies. Please see the official Undergraduate Academic Calendar Awards section for more information.
An annual prize of $200 bequeathed by Miss Bessie T. Grimmer for proficiency in the courses required for the Freshman level in the Faculty of Arts as selected by the University authorities.
A prize of $500 to be awarded annually, on the recommendation of the Arts Council Committee on Honours and Prizes, to a student enrolled in an undergraduate degree program on the Fredericton campus who writes a deserving essay relating to Jewish history, literature or contemporary affairs. The prize is provided by the congregation of the Sgoolai Israel Synagogue.
An award of $125 to be awarded annually on the recommendation of the Women's Studies Co-ordinator in consultation with the co-ordinating committee of the program to a Fredericton campus student who is graduating that year with a Minor in Women's Studies. The recipient will have assisted women in the Fredericton community through appropriate volunteer work, or will have actively participated in an organization that has as its goal the advancement and empowerment of women or has made a contribution to the area of the study of women.
A prize valued at approximately $400 has been made available to the University through the generosity of Mr. Harry Velensky, and is to be awarded annually to an undergraduate for the best essay, other than an Honours Thesis, on the subject of human relations, with a view to the promotion of a better understanding between all peoples at all levels of society.
Undergraduate Student Resources
In addition to monetary support, the Department of Sociology and the University of New Brunswick provide other resources to undergraduate students at UNB. For instance, the Nels Anderson Society, the Student Union, and the Student Health centre are only three of the organizations on campus providing services to undergraduate students at UNB. In addition, on the Student Resources page of this web site you will find information on library facilities, IT facilities, writing aids, UNB tutors, and much more.
Nels Anderson Society
The Nels Anderson Society is the undergraduate sociology society. Membership is open to all interested students. Meetings are held several times a month and members have the opportunity to interact with other sociology students and to participate in social functions. Students who are majoring or honouring in sociology are particularly encouraged to join the society. If you are interested in serving on the Executive or just joining this group please contact the Sociology main office.
Student Union
The Student Union is an elected body of the full-time undergraduate students. It provides representation on matters relating to the diverse interests of its members and strives to be proactive in facilitating their personal and professional growth as well as protecting and promoting student rights.
Student Health Centre
The student Health Centre provides a full range of primary health care services to students at UNB.
