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

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

+40

Program overview

Explore Waterloo's Sexualities, Relationships, and Families degree, where you'll use different perspectives to understand communication, relationships, and more. This program goes beyond basic anatomical knowledge and sexual health, allowing you to delve into topics such as parenting, media's influence on gender and relationships, and cultural impacts on sexual values, all from a social justice perspective. With a real family vibe, you'll enjoy small classes and a tight-knit community at St. Jerome’s University, one of Waterloo's on-campus University Colleges. This program, previously named Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Studies, will officially change its name in September 2025 to better reflect its evolving curriculum.

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 a co-op option, allowing students to gain practical experience while studying. Key features of the program structure include:

Program Length: Typically spans four years.
Co-op Opportunities: Students can alternate between academic terms and paid co-op work terms, gaining valuable experience in their field.
Electives: Students have the flexibility to choose from 15 electives, allowing for a broad exploration of interests.
Hands-on Experience: An eight-month practicum is available in the fourth year, along with intensive research options.

After the first year, approximately 40% of the classes will focus on Sexualities, Relationships, and Families, with the remaining classes being electives from various subject areas at Waterloo. This structure ensures that students can customize their education to fit their career aspirations.

Featured Experiences

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

Co-op Program: Students can engage in relevant paid work experience through alternating school and co-op terms.
Practicum: An eight-month practicum in the fourth year provides hands-on experience in the field.
Research Opportunities: Intensive research options are available for students interested in exploring specific topics in depth.
Small Class Sizes: The program fosters a close-knit community, enhancing collaboration and support among students.
Flexible Curriculum: The inclusion of 15 electives allows students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.

Career Options

Graduates of the Sexualities, Relationships, and Families program can pursue a variety of rewarding career paths in Canada. Here are some potential job options:

Youth Support Worker: Assist young individuals in navigating personal challenges and provide guidance and support.
Registered Nurse, Mental Health: Work in healthcare settings to support patients with mental health issues.
Client Support Coordinator: Facilitate services and support for clients in organizations like Planned Parenthood.
Case Worker: Provide assistance and resources to individuals and families in need, often within non-profit organizations.
Human Resource Generalist: Manage employee relations, recruitment, and organizational development within companies.
Counsellor: Offer guidance and support to individuals seeking help with personal or emotional issues.
Early Childhood Educator: Work in educational settings to support the development and learning of young children.

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 (Co-Op) 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 required: 8.3.

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, the following general requirements must be met:

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 processed in a timely manner. For any clarification and support regarding the application process, 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!