Program description

A general major in the social sciences, unlike a single discipline major, allows you to customize your course selection to your interests and abilities. Where you compromise depth of focus in one area, you gain breadth of knowledge in a few key areas, thus increasing your flexibility. This multidisciplinary approach provides access to the 'big picture' or the wider context of any subject area. Conversely, the courses you choose can enhance your focus, and provide a cross-discipline perspective on one particular theme.

Students choosing a general major in the social sciences select three disciplinary streams from the following:

anthropology

archaeology

economics

geography

history

Indigenous studies

kinesiology

political science

psychology

sociology

women & gender studies

As a student participating in a general major degree program, you’re not limited to studying only within your three streams. As part of your liberal education, you will be required to take classes outside your major(s). This allows you to develop skills and experience in all three streams.

Experience learning | Our students have a number of experiential learning opportunities available to them including co-operative education, international exchanges, independent and applied studies as well as volunteer opportunities. uLethbridge is the only university in Alberta to offer co-operative education to all majors in the arts & sciences, at both the undergrad and grad level. Transfer students can actually head out on their first work term before ever stepping foot on campus! For example, many transfer students have completed a summer work term before starting classes in September.

Skills acquired | In addition to developing exceptional written and oral communication skills, you will also develop your critical and analytical thinking skills, your information acquisition and management skills, as well as your attention to detail. You may also develop exceptional research and information management skills. All of these abilities are highly sought after and can be applied to practically any working scenario.

Possible careers

The discipline and the three streams that you choose to focus on will help determine the occupations for which you are best qualified. Below are some examples of where a general major in the social sciences may take you:

Selecting economics, geography and anthropology could provide you with the skills to pursue a career in urban planning or international development.

Indigenous Studies, sociology and political science might lead to a life in politics, government, criminal justice or social work.

An emphasis on kinesiology, anthropology and women and gender studies could provide a starting point for working in non-governmental organizations, health facilities and treatment centres.

Professional disciplines & graduate studies | Your general major in the social sciences will provide you with an excellent foundation for journalism, law, social work, management, and education. The University of Lethbridge's School of Graduate Studies offers programs, at the master and doctoral levels, in more than 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at uLethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.