University of Victoria - Department of Sociology - Undergraduate

Are you excited about conducting your own research?

Are you thinking about continuing your studies in Sociology?

The Honours program is for you!

Why Pursue the Honours program?

The Honours program is designed to enrich your learning experience in Sociology by providing opportunities to conduct research in a specialized area. The program is recommended for anyone who is planning to pursue a graduate degree or who wants to find answers to sociological problems. Honours alumni students are well placed to take advantage of a broad range of study and work opportunities.

Program benefits include:

The opportunity to get the most from your education and to move from studying to doing sociology.

The ability to work one-on-one with a faculty supervisor.

Regular interaction with a small group of highly motivated and committed students in sociology.

Early exposure to the type of educational experience typical of Master’s and Doctoral programs.

Access to some of the opportunities and benefits available to graduate students (e.g., space, invitations to departmental seminars).

Opportunities to interact with graduate students and faculty members.

Strengthening your application to graduate programs in sociology and other academic programs.

Acquiring skills (analytical, writing, research) that provide a competitive advantage in the context of an increasingly knowledge-based economy.

Receiving a degree that is widely recognized as a sign of academic excellence by employers.

Eligibility for the Alan Hedley Sociology Honours Essay Award.

What to Expect?

In the Honours Program, you will write a graduating essay under the supervision of a faculty member in the Department of Sociology. The essay usually consists of a library-research based review of literature on a sociological topic, including analytical comments and suggestions for future research, or an empirical research project. The essay allows you to explore the literature and write comprehensively on a specific problem or issue while learning the principles of sound argumentation and analytical writing at an advanced level. The specific requirements for the essay are negotiated with the supervisor who monitors your progress and provides guidance.

SOCI 499 is a seminar designed to support you through the various stages involved in completing your graduating essay, including selecting a supervisor, identifying a topic, developing a proposal, establishing a timeline and plan of action, completing the research, and reporting the results.

What are the Program Requirements?

Honours students are required to satisfy course requirements for a Major in sociology as well as 1.5 additional 300/400 units and Soci 499 (Honours thesis seminar, 3.0 units). Overall course requirements include:

TWO of SOCI 402*, SOCI 412*, and SOCI 481

SOCI 499

Plus 9.0 additional units in Sociology numbered 300 and above

Note:SOCI 210 (previously SOCI 308) is a prerequisite or a corequisite for SOCI 309*, SOCI 402 and SOCI 412*.

I’m Ready! What are the Entrance Requirements?

Entry requirements include having a declared Major in Sociology, a GPA of at least 6.75 in all sociology courses completed and a GPA of at least 6.0 in all other courses completed. Honours students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 6.0 to remain in the program, in addition to completing the requirements for a Major in Sociology.

When and How Should I Apply?

Students typically apply for entry into the Honours Program at the end of their second year but can apply any time up until the beginning of their fourth year. Declaring a Major in Sociology is required prior to applying. Applications should be submitted no later than May of your third year. To apply for the Honours Program, submit the attached application form to the Sociology Honours Program Advisor.

Where do I go for Additional Information?

You should feel free to contact the Department of Sociology Honours Advisor for further information about the Honours program. You may also contact the department’s Undergraduate Advisor or Chair for information. Here are some of the questions that are often asked:

If my GPA is not high enough, can I still be admitted?

Unfortunately, this requirement cannot be waived. However, students often find that their GPA increases in the later years of their programs. Therefore, if you have just finished your second year, consider reapplying at the end of your third year.

Do I need to have a supervisor in place before I can enter the Honours program?

No, you are not required to have a supervisor in place in order to be admitted to the program. However, having an appropriate supervisor is one of the most important features of a successful program. Therefore, you are encouraged to think about potential topics and to discuss your interests with potential supervisors before you begin SOCI 499. Faculty members are eager to speak with you!

Who can I approach to be a supervisor?

In most cases, your supervisor will be a regular faculty member of the Sociology Department. You should check the Sociology Department’s website for a complete listing of faculty members. Also, be sure to check faculty members’ individual listings to get a better idea of their research interests and activities. Remember, you are not restricted to working with those whom you have already taken courses from. Other faculty may be equally or more appropriate. Also, faculty members will need to be readily available (i.e., not on academic leave) during the period you are writing your Honours essay.

If I have a supervisor, do I need to attend weekly meetings of SOCI 499?

Yes, participating in SOCI 499 is a requirement of the program. The seminar is designed to support you through the various stages involved in completing your graduating essay, including selecting a supervisor, identifying a topic, developing a proposal, establishing a timeline and plan of action, completing the research, and reporting the results. An important feature is the opportunity to interact with other students in the program.