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300. A1 - Pre-University

Social Science

The Social Science program allows you to study the many facets of humans, including our minds and bodies, as well as our interactions with each other and the world around us, both today and in the past.

Admission

  • Fall

Duration

  • 2 years

Interests

  • Social Science
  • Business & Commerce
  • Culture
  • Health, Wellness & the Body
  • Crime, Law & Justice

Requirements

  • College general admission requirements
  • For the Commerce or Mathematics profiles: Math TS 5 or SN 5

What You Can Expect from the Program

The Social Science program provides an in-depth exploration of humanity, encompassing the workings of the mind and body as well as the complex relationships between individuals, societies, and their environments. Designed to provide a well-rounded education in the social sciences discipline, this program covers a range of fields including economics, political science, history, psychology, and sociology.

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Bridging Minds, Societies, and Histories

Hone Your Research Skills

All students in Social Science take courses in Successful Academic Methods, Quantitative Analysis, and Qualitative Methods. Students also have the opportunity to join teacher-led research projects.

Enrich Your Studies With a Trip Abroad

World profile students take a course that includes a trip to a foreign destination. In 2025, the group went to Mexico City and Oaxaca.

Get Advanced Standing

We have agreements with Université Laval for students who wish to pursue their BAC in sociology or political science.

6

Profiles to choose from

2

Profiles with hands-on experience courses in the final semester

15+

Enrichment courses to pick from

Find the Perfect Profile for You

If you are eligible to attend English school under the Charter of the French language and are in possession of a certificate granted by the Ministry of Education, you are considered a Certificate Holder. Your course sequence will then be determined by your results in the high school French course (1-2 or 3-4). For more information about Certificates, please consult the Ministry of Education’s website. If you are not eligible, you must follow the course sequence for Non Certificate Holders that prepares students for l’Épreuve uniforme de français (EUF – French ministerial language evaluation).

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300.AD – Discovery profile

This profile offers the widest variety of Social Science courses and the greatest flexibility. It is intended for students who wish to discover the social sciences and explore their options.

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300.AP – Psychology, Society and Health profile

This profile places an emphasis on studies oriented towards the helping professions, such as psychology, social work, counselling, and criminology. It includes courses in human biology and advanced quantitative methods, required for admission to psychology programs at Quebec universities. Other courses specific to this profile are Introduction to Sociology,  Social Science and Health and a psycho-social second-year course.

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300.AW – World profile

This profile allows students to explore world issues. During their studies they are exposed to various social and cultural realities to prepare them for travel to a foreign destination as a final semester course. Other courses specific to this profile are Introduction to Geography and Introduction to Politics, as well as Living in an Intercultural World: Tools for Fruitful Intercultural Interactions, a language complementary course, and a second-year course with an international perspective.

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300.AJ – Social Justice & Leadership profile

This profile focuses on issues of social justice, community engagement, and leadership. An applied course in their final semester will get students involved in the community. Other courses specific to this profile are Introduction to Sociology and Introduction to Politics and a second-year course exploring social justice themes.

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400.AM – Discovery with Mathematics profile

Students who wish to explore a variety of social science disciplines while pursuing an interest in mathematics will like the Discovery with Mathematics profile. This profile also increases the number of university programs made available. Courses specific to this profile are Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, and Linear Algebra and Vector Geometry. 

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400.AC – Commerce profile

This profile is aimed at students interested in the business world, commerce and economics, and ensures the obtention of the pre-requisites for university studies in business administration, such Microeconomics and the three mathematics courses. It also includes Introduction to Business. Students who wish to study many non-business fields before beginning university should consider this profile in the Social Science program. Students who would prefer to focus on business studies at CEGEP should consider our three-year P.W. Sims Business Program.

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Courses for the Discovery profile

Your specific course sequence is determined by your Certificate status.

Course sequence legend :

(Theory – Laboratory – Personal Work)

  • Theory (T): Hours in class per week
  • Laboratory (L): Hours of laboratory or internship per week
  • Personal Work (P): Estimated personal work hours outside of class
  • Total contact hours per week: Hours in class (Theory + Laboratory) for the semester

 

Courses for the Psychology & Health profile

Your specific course sequence is determined by your Certificate status.

Courses for the World profile

Your specific course sequence is determined by your Certificate status.

Courses for the Social Justice & Leadership profile

Your specific course sequence is determined by your Certificate status.

Courses for the Discovery with Math profile

Your specific course sequence is determined by your Certificate status.

Courses for the Commerce profile

Your specific course sequence is determined by your Certificate status.

Your Path to Graduation 

All college programs in Quebec have a graduate profile that outlines the competencies students are expected to develop to graduate from the program. To assess whether these expectations are met, students complete a comprehensive assessment (CA).

Social Science Graduate Profile

Social Science Graduate Profile

Graduates of the St. Lawrence Social Science Program should be able to:

  • Explain human realities by using the main facts, concepts, theories, models and approaches specific to the social science disciplines in a multidisciplinary perspective
  • Examine and address, in an inclusive manner, various issues related to citizenship in today’s world, to cultural diversity, and to civic engagement
  • Use academic work tools and methods as well as the technology, including information technology, needed to successfully pursue their studies
  • Demonstrate scientific and intellectual curiosity, and think critically with a concern for ethical issues
  • Experiment with social science research methods in accordance with ethical standards
  • Convey ideas in a clear and organized manner in English, both orally and in writing, in the context of social science studies
  • Read and understand information resources in French in the context of social science studies
  • Demonstrate integration of discipline-specific knowledge and methodological skills required for the study of human realities
  • Foster life and self-improvement skills and encourage participation in a global, diverse and digital society;
  • Learn and work autonomously, by considering one’s learning processes and by designing, planning, carrying out and evaluating projects to meet one’s goals
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Social Science Comprehensive Assessment

Social Science Comprehensive Assessment

What will be assessed?

The comprehensive assessment will be completed in the IA course that you take in your last semester. See the IA course description in any of the profiles of the Social Science Program.

You must demonstrate your individual ability to integrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes developed throughout your program by preparing, writing and presenting, both orally and in writing, a social science research essay that uses scholarly sources in French and in English, that considers at least three disciplinary perspectives, and that incorporates collection and analysis of primary data. In other words, you are expected to consolidate and demonstrate your achievement of the expectations of the graduate profile.

The subject for the senior research paper will be selected in consultation with the professor. The research paper is to be at least 2,500 words in length. A bibliography of 10 to 15 sources is required with three to five French sources.

How will it be assessed?

The comprehensive assessment will lead to a pass/fail grade based on the attainment of the elements of the graduate profile in the IA course. You must complete all required IA course work in order to pass the comprehensive assessment. Incomplete course work will result in no grade for the final paper, and thus a failing grade for both the IA course and the comprehensive assessment.

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Where Might Social Science Lead You?

  • Business Administration
  • Commerce
  • Communications and Journalism
  • Counselling
  • Criminology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Geography
  • History
  • Industrial Design
  • Industrial Relations
  • International Business
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Tourism
  • Urban Studies
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The St. Lawrence Social Science program was truly my passport to the world; with no boarding pass required! I had the chance to explore everything from foreign languages to geography, history, psychology, sociology, and even business. What made it even more special was the incredible teachers from across the globe, whether it was the UK, Germany, Mexico, or El Salvador, who opened my eyes to diverse perspectives and cultures. I also adored the freedom to curate my own schedule and path, all while having a supportive system that always had my back. And that final Integrative Activity? It sharpened my research skills and gave me a real head start on my university journey. This wasn’t just a program, it was a one-of-a-kind launchpad.

Bon Pham

Social Science student

After completing the Social Science program at St. Lawrence, I have a much deeper understand of society, from not just one perspective but many. As I progressed, each new discipline I encountered—taught by professors from diverse backgrounds and with varied teaching styles—felt like a new piece to the puzzle of how the world works. From exploring human behaviour in psychology to studying how civilizations rise and fall in history, the Social Science program felt fresh and interesting from start to finish.

Dominic Gaumont

Social Science student

As a psychology professor with nearly 30 years of experience, I can say with great pride that the Social Science Department at St. Lawrence College is truly something special. Our dedicated and talented faculty pour their hearts into teaching and supporting students, and it shows. Time and again, we hear from students how satisfied they are—not only with their choice of programme but with the warmth, care, and inspiration they find within our small department. We may be modest in size, but we have a big heart! Our instructors are deeply committed and available, creating an environment where students feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow. It’s a joy to be part of such a vibrant and caring academic community!

Meagan Daley

Psychology teacher

The social science program has granted me a direction I never thought I’d have. Before I entered the program, I had no idea where I was going, but thanks to the wide variety of topics covered, I was able to narrow down my interests and realize what was right for me. Along the way I’ve made new friends and improved my skills as a researcher, speaker, and writer.

Jeremy Rhéaume 

Social Science student

Social sciences at St. Lawrence is more than a simple program; it is a way to learn more about the world and about ourselves. For me, this program broadened my horizons and made me gain interests in topics I otherwise would never have considered. I am now going out into the world with better knowledge of myself and of what I am capable of.

Émilie Gosselin 

Social Science student

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The Social Science Student Experience

St. Lawrence offers a wide range of opportunities to gain hands-on experience through clubs, events, and activities. The following clubs may be of particular interest to students in the Social Science program:

  • Model United Nations Club
  • Intercultural Club
  • Health & Wellness Club

All extracurricular activities are open to all St. Lawrence students. Visit the Clubs & Sociocultural Activities page for more information and the complete list of clubs.

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Ready to continue your education with us?

Apply to St. Lawrence