Frequently Asked Questions

"Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behaviour. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies and how people interact within these contexts.  Since all human behaviour is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious traditions; from the divisions of race, gender and social class, to the shared beliefs of a common culture" (American Sociological Association 2009, p. 5).

Criminology is the study of the nature, extent, causes, and consequences of crime and criminal behaviour in society.  The nature of the criminal justice system, and the experiences of those involved in it – including offenders, victims, police officers and others – are also of interest.

You must take either Sociology 1020 or Sociology 1021E in first year

Admission into Major or Minor in Sociology or Criminology: requires a grade of 60% or higher in Sociology 1020 or 1021E

Admission into Honours Specialization in Sociology or Criminology: requires an average of 70% across Sociology 1020 or 1021E and two additional courses.

1. Discover the modules available on the Choosing a Program page
2. Consider which of the following describes you best:
   

   Honours Specialization in Sociology or Criminology	Honours Double Major, including Sociology, Criminology, or Health & Aging	Majors and Minors in Sociology and Criminology
   You want to specialize in one area, and study it in-depth You think you might want to continue your studies by pursuing a graduate degree (MA, PhD), or a Law degree You like smaller classes, and the opportunity to engage with and talk about ideas You are comfortable writing essays, and may even prefer them to multiple-choice exams Your average is 70% or higher in 3 principle courses If you want to specialize in Sociology, but have only a 60% average, then you may want to consider the Specialization in Sociology	You want to study two or more areas, and get a general understanding of these fields You enjoy larger classes that provide general overviews of subject areas Your average is 70% or higher in 3 principle courses You are considering teacher’s college, or other future programs where having a broad academic background would be valuable You would like to leave the door open for graduate school, and so would like to take some 3000-level courses in core areas to increase your eligibility	You want to learn more about sociology and/or criminology, and get a general understanding of these fields You also want to take a variety of other courses to round out your university degree Your mark in Introductory Sociology was at least 60%

To change into a Sociology module: email your name, student number, and new module choice, to the Sociology Undergraduate Program Advisor.

While every effort is made to offer required courses, this is not always possible due to the availability of our professors. Contact the Undergraduate Program Advisor who can discuss possible substitutions with you.

You cannot declare a module until you've successfully completed the prerequisite. Once your final grade is available, contact your home faculty's academic counselling office to change your program. As of mid July, you will be able to register for most sociology and criminology courses because the registration system will see that you're currently taking the prerequisite. For required courses (ex. Soc 2205A/B, 2206A/B, etc.), you will have to wait until your program change has been updated.

The Registrar's office assigns registration appointment times for all students based on Intent to Register. These appointments are the first time that you are allowed access to on-line registration. Since courses can fill quickly, it is recommended that you register as soon as you are able.
Registration appointment dates begin mid-June. The earliest registration dates are assigned first to 4th year students, 3rd year, and then 2nd year. Please consult the academic calendar for beginning and end dates for web registration.
Check studentservices.uwo.ca and follow MyPossibilities to find your registration appointment date.

If you did not complete Intent to Register, you won't be assigned an appointment date and will be unable to register. Please contact your home faculty's Academic Counselling office for a late Intent to Register (for Social Science: download Request for Degree Change).

You need special permission from your home faculty’s Dean for a course overload. In Social Sciences, contact the Academic Counselling office in SSC 2105 or visit their website.

We do not add students into courses that are full. Monitor a course's enrollment and register when a spot becomes available. Waiting lists will be available at the Undergraduate Program Advisor's office (SSC 5304) during Paper Add/Drop in September.

If you do not have the prerequisites for a course (e.g., you want to register for a 2200-level or above course but have not taken Sociology 1020 or 1021E; or, you want to take Sociology 1020 or 1021E at the same time as a 2200-level or above course) you cannot register without the approval of the Department. These special permissions will not be considered until Extended Web Registration opens in August. Contact the Undergraduate Program Advisor for more information.

No. Please see the answer above.

Sociology students must take their principal courses on main campus (Sociology 2205A/B, 2206A/B, 2270A, 2271B, 2240E, 3306A/B, 3307F/G, 3404F/G 4401F/G, 4402F/G and 4405F/G as well as 3000- and 4000-level courses for Honors Specializations).

Generally, students can take a maximum of 1.0 course at an affiliate. If the same course is offered on main campus but is full or conflicts with your timetable, you'll require special permission during the September Paper Add/Drop from the Undergraduate Program Advisor (for sociology courses).

If the course is not offered on main campus, special permission is not required unless indicated in the registration notes on the timetable. See the Social Science Academic Counselling web site for more information.

Students enrolled in criminology modules have first priority for our criminology courses (e.g., Sociology 2259, 2260B, etc.) since these are required for their degree. These courses (pending space) will be available to all other students who have the prerequisite mid July.

Most of our 3000-level courses are available first for sociology students who require these for their program - i.e., 3rd or 4th year students in an Honors Specialization or 4-year BA Specialization in Sociology. In mid July, most of our 3000-level courses will open to students in 3rd or 4th year of any other sociology program or other programs as listed in the timetable. There will be no special permissions to access courses before mid July.

Our 4000-level courses are restricted to 4th year students registered in an Honors Specialization in Sociology or Criminology from the Department of Sociology, main campus. Pending space during Extended Web Registration, 4th year sociology/criminology students registered in an Honors Double Major may register for these courses with assistance from the Undergraduate Program Advisor.