SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES
Join the next generation of global citizens in one of our engaging Social Sciences and Humanities programs. You will thrive in our dynamic and vibrant learning environment, with small class sizes and award-winning faculty who know your name. Explore the diversity of human experience across time and place, and investigate the ways in which meaning is made, how our worldviews are represented, and how new ideas take hold and shape us and our world.
In Social Sciences and Humanities we explore those large and enduring questions related to the ways in which human beings think and behave, how they interact with each other and their environment, and how they communicate ideas about human experience through arts, literature, and music, in addition to a rich range of research topics.
Lakehead University is ranked among the top 3 undergraduate universities in Ontario and top 2 for Social Sciences and Humanities Research (Maclean’s 2024). Gain experiences that combine academic studies with community-based and hands-on learning through a social justice lens.
Our graduates are ready to make a difference in the arts, health, technology, and so much more.
Crafted specifically to help guide you with your academic & career goals.
TWO BEAUTIFUL CAMPUSES IN TWO BEAUTIFUL CITIES
EXCEPTIONAL ALUMNI, UNCONVENTIONAL CAREERS
Christopher Britt BSc’09, HBOR/BEd’10, Administrative Coordinator, Xet’olacw Community School and Tail Guide, Yukon Apline Heli Ski
“My time at Lakehead was one of the best chapters of my life. I’m grateful for all the educators I got to work with and learn from.
CHOOSE
THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR YOU
Our graduates are entrepreneurial, creative and highly adaptable to new and ever-changing workplace environments. They possess essential skills and knowledge highly sought after by employers, particularly in the area of critical thinking and advanced communication and research
LAKEHEAD ARTS ONE
Thunder Bay campus only.
Are you interested in Social Sciences and Humanities, but feeling uncertain as to which program is right for you? Lakehead Arts One allows you to explore a range of disciplines without having to select a particular major until the end of your first year.
Your Lakehead University education will prepare you for a wide range of career choices, from education, business, community activism, and government to law. Now it’s just about finding the right program for you.
Within our faculty you can choose from the following:
• Criminology
• English
• Gender & Women’s Studies
• General Arts
• History
• Indigenous Learning
• Indigenous Transition Year Program
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Languages
• Lakehead Arts One
• Media, Film & Communications
• Music
• Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism
• Philosophy
• Political Science/Pre-Law
• Sociology
• Visual Arts
University is a time for exploration – Lakehead Arts One allows you to take a mix of different courses throughout your first year to uncover your true passion. You will have the opportunity to choose courses from a variety of arts-based disciplines, including: English, History, Indigenous Learning, Languages, Philosophy, Political Science/ Pre-Law, Sociology, Music, Visual Arts, Gender & Women’s Studies, or Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism.
To complement this flexibility, you will also meet with a dedicated advisor who will help you discover your interests, career goals, and select a major that suit your aspirations. As you near the end of your first year at Lakehead University, you will be ready to confidently select the program and major that is best suited to you.
FLEXIBLE & CUSTOMIZABLE PROGRAM OPTIONS
Take a look at the following for a visual understanding of university lingo (key terms you need to know!) to represent different degree options and combinations at Lakehead. You can choose to enrol in a double major, double degree, major, minor, concentration or even a certificate. Though you will major in a particular subject area, you will have many elective courses that provide you with the opportunity to take courses in many different subjects. Refer to Lakehead University’s Academic Calendar to see what options are available in conjunction with your major.
MAJOR
This is your main area of study. For example, if you choose to study Political Science, you will graduate after 4 years with a degree with a major in Political Science.
DOUBLE MAJOR
This is a four year program involving two closely related disciplines. You will take enough courses to fulfill requirements to receive both Majors listed on your Degree upon graduation.
CONCENTRATION
While you take courses within a main area of study (your major) you will also take a pre-defined selection of courses that complement your major. For example, you can earn a concentration in Gerontology while you complete your Sociology degree.
CERTIFICATE
A professional or applied focus that provides learning outcomes that are distinct from your program. For example, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities allows students to get a certificate in Indigenous Learning, a Certificate in Writing, and a Certificate in Public History.
MINOR
While your main area of study is your major, you may choose to focus on another area of interest. A minor is an optional collection of courses from an area of study that differs from your major or program. For example, you may major in Philosophy, but take enough elective courses in Comparative Religion to declare a minor.
DOUBLE DEGREE
You will graduate and receive two undergraduate degrees from two different areas of study. Courses are completed at the same time, and in conjunction, and you will meet requirements for both degree programs. For example, while studying Outdoor Recreation, there are 3 double degree streams with multiple options within them.
CONCURRENT EDUCATION
While you take courses in your Major and Minor areas of study, you will also be taking Teacher Education courses and completing student teaching placements at the same time. Additionally, you will have two “professional years” after you complete your Undergraduate degree that focus specifically on Teacher Education and feature over 100 days of Student Teaching.
FLEXIBILITY IN YOUR EDUCATION IS KEY!
Let’s say you start in one program, but take an elective course that you’d really like to pursue. Within this Faculty, you may be able to major in both, add a minor, or change your major altogether without falling behind. Anything is possible; we are here to help you every step of the way!
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A DEGREE IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES & HUMANITIES?
The
short answer? Whatever you want!
The degree programs offered within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities develop critical thinking skills, cultural and historical understanding, and advanced writing, communications, problem-solving and research skills. Our graduates are creative and highly adaptable to new workplace environments; all of the skills gained are essential, not only to get that first job, but also to advance in any career, such as education, journalism, administration, publishing, business, politics, or law.
Something we hear often from our graduates is that their degrees gave them many options after graduation. That’s good news in an ever-changing world like the one we live in today. Flexibility and adaptability are paramount.
Something else that’s apparent from the stories of graduates is that the programs in which they studied allowed them to find careers where they can use the skills they learned at university while pursuing their passions
Now it’s your turn. Let your journey begin! What will you do with a degree in the Social Sciences and Humanities?
SEE THE WORLD
Want to gain international experience? Participate in the Global ME (Mobility Engagement) Program! Having the chance to study overseas will give you a global perspective while living and learning in another part of the world.
THE LAKEHEAD DIFFERENCE
HANDS ON, INTERACTIVE & PERSONALIZED
Students from around the world choose to study at Lakehead University and pursue Social Sciences and Humanities programs for many reasons.
DIVERSE PROGRAM OFFERINGS:
The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities offers fullycomprehensive selection of programs, including programs you may recognize: English, History, Languages, Music, Visual Arts; and a few you may not: Criminology, Media Studies, Political Science, Philosophy, Gender & Women’s Studies, or Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism
INTERESTING COURSE OFFERINGS:
You may think English is English, or History is History, but our dynamic faculty members offer some interesting courses on topics you will find fascinating. Sure, you can learn about Shakespeare, but you can also study “Comics and Graphic Narratives.” You can study World War II, but you can also take courses on the “Study of Popular Culture,” or current politics. When selecting your electives, you’ll have unique options like “Philosophy of the Occult and Paranormal”, “Food, Culture, and Society”, or “Human Rights and Civil Liberties.”
SMALL CLASS SIZES & PERSONAL CAMPUS ENVIRONMENT:
Our small class sizes ensure you are comfortable in your learning environment and receive individualized attention from professors who know your name. Our Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses are walking-friendly with year-round opportunities for recreation With a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 at our Orillia campus and 15:1 at our Thunder Bay Campus, you will receive support and attention to achieve academic and career success.
Don’t let them be typical. Your university years will define the rest of your life.
HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS
Why did you choose your program?
I chose my program because there is a variety of options for courses and all of the Criminology courses are very intriguing. I find the courses have helped me to learn so much about the world and it continues to motivate me to want to continue learning more.
What is your favourite thing about Lakehead?
Definitely all of the free and fun support initiatives the school provides. I was intrigued to learn that the school supports students with groceries and provides a free membership to the Rec Centre in Orillia. The number of free services the school provides I find to be very helpful and enjoyable.
INTERESTED IN TEACHING?
If you are interested in teaching, you have two options - both lead to certification by the Ontario College of Teachers.
(1) Concurrent Education - Earn two degrees at once. Study Education alongside your Social Science and Humanities degree. This would extend your education by another 2 years.
(2) Consecutive Education - After graduating with your Social Science and Humanities degree, reapply to complete the 2-year Education program.
Amber Connell
Student - 4th year, HBASc, Major in Criminology (2024)
TEACHING DIVISIONS
Whether you choose to study concurrently or consecutively, you will need to choose a teaching division in which to specialize.
PRIMARY / JUNIOR: Preparing you for a career teaching students in Kindergarten to Grade 6. Choose to study in either Thunder Bay or Orillia.
INTERMEDIATE / SENIOR: Preparing you for a career teaching students in Grades 7-12. This teaching division is only offered at the Thunder Bay Campus.
For more information about Lakehead University’s Teacher Education Program, please visit: lakeheadu.ca/education
CHOOSE YOUR CAREER
• Risk Management
• Hospitality/Tourism Industries
• Teaching
• Proofreader
• Publishing/Editing
• Journalism/Writing
• Business
• Politics
• Lawyer
• Government services (all levels)
• Historical Research
• Museums/Heritage Organizations
• International Aid Organizations
• Media and Advocacy
• Policy Analyst
• Media and Communications Officer
Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities
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