There’s no denying that today’s world feels like a constant state of doom. Racial injustice still divides communities, environmental problems keep growing, and widening inequities are leaving far too many people behind. It’s enough to make anyone wonder: is there any hope for change left? The answer is yes! You are the force capable of redefining what comes next. With the right tools, knowledge, and community behind you, your leadership can open the door to a more just and sustainable world.
Social science is more than an academic discipline. Behind every scientific discovery, every technological leap, and every breakthrough that reshapes society, social scientists ensure ideas connect with real people and real communities. Because understanding people isn’t just important, it’s what makes every invention, innovation, and breakthrough matter. This is the driving force behind the University of Guelph’s College of Social Science and Applied Human Sciences, where the next generation of innovators and changemakers are being nurtured.
“Social scientists can bring everyone together and also lead the path towards a healthy and stable society,” says student Aadya Kapoor. “The University of Guelph is really committed towards global well-being. All of the social sciences that are here — be it psychology, applied human nutrition, social studies — they’re all doing the research that makes humans better.”
With over 30,000 students from more than 140 countries, you’ll be learning in a truly global hub. Source: University of Guelph
Education designed for today’s challenges
For more than a century, social sciences at the University of Guelph have stood as a cornerstone of progress and purpose. This legacy of excellence powers a bold mission: to cultivate visionary changemakers equipped to tackle the most pressing challenges facing families, communities, societies, and our world.
It starts in the classroom, with teaching that puts you first and is backed by real-world research and world-renowned professors. You can customise your degree with different minors, focus areas, and electives that cross over between the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and even business. “The way that the course is made up, it doesn’t really limit you in what classes you have to take. Whether you want to take very similar courses through your electives, or three different classes in four different interdisciplinaries and completely be well-versed in all kinds of knowledge, the programme offers that kind of flexibility, which is nice,” says student Alexis Snider.
There’s something for everyone here. If your passion lies in human health, well-being, and behaviour, discover programmes such as Applied Human Nutrition, Child Studies, Family Studies and Human Development, Neuroscience, and Psychology. These programmes give you the insight and skills needed to uplift lives and contribute to thriving communities.
If your curiosity reaches beyond individuals to the forces shaping our world, explore Society, Environment and Global Change through majors in Anthropology, Environmental Governance, Geography, International Development Studies, and Sociology. You can find solutions to the issues shaping our planet, and tackle global challenges like climate change, food insecurity, Indigenous rights, and social movements, while learning how to create solutions for a sustainable future.
And if building a just society drives you, the Social Justice, Law, and Public Policy majors are the place to start. Whether you choose Criminal Justice and Public Policy, Justice and Legal Studies, or Political Science, you’ll understand the root causes of inequality, advocate for fair and effective policies, and contribute to building safer, stronger communities.
#1 university food service in Canada, a state-of-the-art award-winning athletic centre, and one of the safest, friendliest cities in the country — all in close proximity to Toronto. That’s the University of Guelph experience. Source: University of Guelph
From classroom to community
All majors are led by expert faculty who bring up-to-date expertise into the classroom. And because the university values community-centred learning, you’ll get plenty of chances to take what you study and apply it in the real world.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work as a research assistant, and we researched youth justice committees. That’s an organisation that works alongside young offenders and helps to address the crime that they’ve caused. I can access the healthcare and counselling and social support services as well,” says student Noah Ramsammy. “That definitely helps prepare me for life after I graduate.”
This mix of academic learning and hands-on experience is at the heart of the university. From fieldwork, research, labs and classrooms to co-op placements, field schools, internships, and volunteering, you’ll develop a well-rounded skill set that employers notice; 92% of students are employed within six months of graduating.
Because ultimately, social science is about turning evidence into impact. It bridges technology and humanity, ensuring progress is not only possible but meaningful. From building mental health systems that truly support people, to advancing durable climate solutions, to shaping policies that strengthen communities, social scientists are driving the lasting change our world needs.
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