Bachelor Of Arts - Honours Arts - Sexuality, Marriage And Family Studies at University of Waterloo - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

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Program overview

Explore Waterloo's Sexualities, Relationships, and Families degree, where you will delve into various perspectives to understand communication, relationships, and more. This program encourages students to go beyond basic anatomical knowledge and sexual health, exploring topics such as parenting, media's influence on gender and relationships, and cultural impacts on sexual values, all through a social justice lens. The program fosters a real family vibe, with small classes and a tight-knit community at St. Jerome’s University, one of Waterloo's on-campus University Colleges. With this degree, you can embark on a variety of impactful career paths, including teaching, counselling, and social services, while also having the opportunity to gain practical experience through the co-op stream.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts in Sexualities, Relationships, and Families program offers a comprehensive structure designed to provide students with a well-rounded education. The program is available as both a co-op and a regular program, allowing for flexibility in learning. The program length is typically four years, during which students will engage in a variety of courses and experiential learning opportunities.

Key features of the program structure include:

Small class sizes promoting personalized learning.
Option to study through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.
40% of classes will focus on Sexualities, Relationships, and Families courses after the first year.
15 electives available, allowing students to explore additional interests or pursue a double major or minor.
Hands-on experience through an eight-month practicum in the fourth year.
20 months of paid co-op work experience available through the Honours Arts and Business or Honours Arts programs.

Students can customize their degree by adding minors in areas such as Communication Studies, Counselling, and Human Services Practicum, enhancing their educational experience and career readiness.

Featured Experiences

The Sexualities, Relationships, and Families program at Waterloo offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

Co-op Opportunities: Students can participate in paid co-op work terms, integrating classroom learning with real-world experience.
Practicum: An eight-month practicum in the fourth year provides hands-on experience in relevant fields.
Experiential Learning: Students can engage in various roles such as marketing assistants, recruitment assistants, and guest services attendants during their co-op terms.
Small Class Environment: The program emphasizes a close-knit community, fostering strong relationships among students and faculty.
Research Options: Intensive research opportunities are available, allowing students to delve deeper into their areas of interest.

Career Options

Graduates of the Sexualities, Relationships, and Families program can pursue a wide range of career opportunities in Canada. Here are some potential job roles:

Youth Support Worker: Assist young individuals in navigating personal challenges and provide guidance in various settings.
Registered Nurse, Mental Health: Work in healthcare settings to support patients with mental health issues, providing care and resources.
Client Support Coordinator: Facilitate support services for clients in organizations like Planned Parenthood, ensuring they receive necessary assistance.
Case Worker: Work with individuals and families to assess needs and connect them with appropriate resources and services.
Human Resource Generalist: Manage employee relations, recruitment, and organizational development within companies.
Counsellor: Provide guidance and support to individuals facing personal or emotional challenges.
Early Childhood Educator: Educate and care for young children, fostering their development in educational settings.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit University of Waterloo official website

Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - Sexuality, Marriage and Family Studies program at the University of Waterloo, the following Academic Requirements apply:

Minimum GPA: Not specified.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
Prerequisite courses:
- English and Mathematics with a minimum grade of 7.5 in each.
Overall average of 8.3 is required for admission.
For international students, specifically those from Vietnam, the following general requirements apply:
- Bàng Tốt Nghiệp Phố Thông Trung Học (Secondary School Graduation Certificate).

It is advisable to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered. For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

English Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at the University of Waterloo. Success in our programs requires a high level of English language proficiency.

You need to provide an English language test score if:

your four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system AND
your first language is NOT English.

Required English Language Scores

Tests that do not appear on this chart are not accepted for admission consideration.

Official test scores must be sent by the testing agency directly to Waterloo's Office of the Registrar. Emails, faxes, and student copies of test scores are not accepted for admission.

Test	Minimum Score	How to Send Test Results
Internet-based TOEFL (iBT), including Home Edition and Paper Edition	90 overall, 25 writing, 25 speaking	Waterloo's institution code is 0996 and our department code is 00. We do not accept electronic TOEFL scores for undergraduate admissions.
IELTS Academic	6.5 overall, 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening	We accept the electronic Test Report Form (TRF). Waterloo's e-transfer institution name is University of Waterloo – Undergraduate OR University of Waterloo Admissions.
CAEL or CAEL online	70 overall, 60 per band, 70 writing, 70 speaking	You must log in to your affiliated account and select University of Waterloo as a recipient institution.
PTE Academic	63 overall, 65 writing, 65 speaking	Send your Score Report Code or Registration ID to myapplication@uwaterloo.ca.
Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)	180 overall, 176 writing, 176 reading, 176 speaking, 176 listening	Go to the Candidate Results Online portal, input your ID and secret number then click on "Send my result."
Duolingo English test	The minimum requirement for tests completed before July 1, 2024 is an overall score of 120, with minimum Literacy and Production scores of 110. Tests completed after July 1, 2024 require an overall of 120 with Literacy and Production scores of 125 for direct entry to a Waterloo program.	Results will not be accepted without subscores. You must log in to your affiliated account and select University of Waterloo – Undergraduate as a recipient institution.
EFAS - English for Academic Success	75% overall in 400 levels, 75% in each of academic, oral, and writing	Your scores will be sent to us automatically by the English Language Institute.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!