Bachelor Of Arts - Honours Arts - Social Development 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

Earn a degree in Social Development Studies and prepare for a variety of careers in social work, counselling, and more. This program allows you to explore how individuals grow, how societies function, and how meaningful change occurs. You will learn about the influences of mental health, social relationships, economic conditions, education, and movements for social justice. With a focus on understanding individuals and communities, this program equips you with the necessary skills to make a positive impact in various helping professions.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies is designed to provide a comprehensive education over a period of four years. The program includes:

Core courses in psychology, sociology, and social work.
Opportunities for paid co-op work terms to gain practical experience.
Options to add a minor or second major, enhancing your educational breadth.
Possibilities for research projects and an honours thesis on topics of personal interest.

Students can choose to study through either the Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business pathways. The program structure allows for a mix of classroom learning and real-world experience, particularly through the co-op program, which integrates academic studies with relevant work experience.

Featured Experiences

The Social Development Studies program offers a variety of unique experiences, including:

Co-op Program: Engage in relevant paid work experience, alternating between school and work terms.
Small Class Sizes: Benefit from a close-knit community and personalized learning environment at Renison University College.
Research Opportunities: Pursue research projects and an honours thesis on topics that interest you.
Double Degree Pathway: Option to apply for the Bachelor of Social Work program, earning two degrees.

These experiences are designed to enhance your learning and prepare you for a successful career in various fields.

Career Options

Graduates of the Social Development Studies program have a wide range of career options in Canada, including:

Social Worker: Provide support and resources to individuals and families in need, helping them navigate social services.
Counsellor: Offer guidance and support to clients facing personal challenges, mental health issues, or life transitions.
Community Development Worker: Work with communities to identify needs and implement programs that promote social change.
Policy Analyst: Analyze and develop policies that impact social services and community welfare.
Research Assistant: Conduct research in social sciences, contributing to studies that inform social development practices.

These roles allow graduates to make a significant impact in their communities and contribute to the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.

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

To apply for the Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - Social Development Studies program at the University of Waterloo, students must meet the following Academic Requirements:

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 international students, specifically those from Vietnam:
- Bàng Tốt Nghiệp Phố Thông Trung Học (Secondary School Graduation Certificate) is required.

It is important to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered. 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!