Undergraduate Students

More about Arts and Social Sciences

• Why Study Arts and Social Sciences?
• Programs available in Arts and Social Sciences
• Degree Partnership Program between SFU and Douglas College
• Admission requirements
• Financial assistance
• Student profiles
• Graduate profiles
• Value of an Arts degree

Why Study Arts and Social Sciences?

At SFU we believe in providing our students with an academically rich and rigorous education that prepares them for careers after graduation and for lifelong learning. In the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, you will learn critical thinking, communication and reasoning skills that are essential for today's global society. 

Our faculty members are outstanding teachers and dedicated scholars on the leading edge of their disciplines. With their guidance, you will discover diverse cultures, traditions and languages of the past and present, realize your artistic and creative talents, and develop the ability to think problems through clearly and come up with imaginative solutions.

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences offers exciting opportunities for creating a program of study that meets your individual goals and interests.

You have time to decide

Since you are not required to choose a program (major, minor) prior to admission into the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, you have the opportunity to explore different areas of study, confirm your interests and make sure that your choice of program is the right one for you. Students normally declare their program towards the end of their second year of study.

Exclusively at SFU Surrey, we offer several First-Year Experience options, specially designed for first-year students.  At our award-winning new Surrey campus, you’ll have the opportunity to choose either Explorations, a multi-disciplinary option designed specifically for students wishing to explore the diversity of the Arts and Social Sciences; or one of our two new First-Year Learning Communities (FLCs). These first-year pathways are designed to help you get connected to other first-year students and faculty, as well as the vibrant campus community. All of this adds up to a friendly, supportive, and exciting first year. 

You can pursue a true interdisciplinary education

Our Faculty offers a wide variety of programs, many of which complement each other remarkably well. For example, you could pursue a major in Political Science with a minor in History or a joint major in Criminology and Psychology. You can also complete programs in areas that do not seem to have a direct connection, such as Cognitive Science and Economics. Each program will provide you with different perspectives and help you develop skills that will enrich your learning experience and prepare you for a successful career.

You have support along the way

Our Faculty advisors can guide you in your academic choices, help you navigate the system and answer any questions that you may have. Advisors are available to assist you in making informed choices and to help you be successful in your studies. Our department advisors are able to advise you more specifically about our many programs. You can also receive academic skills support from theStudent Learning Commons.

You can enhance your education outside of the classroom

Bring your knowledge into the working world through a Co-op placement, alternating study terms with terms of paid work related to your major. Or attend one of our partner universities for a term or two through an international exchange, increasing your global awareness while working on your SFU degree. Can’t commit to an exchange? Apply for a Field School program, where you can travel with an SFU Faculty member and complete SFU courses abroad.

You will have endless career opportunities

There is an endless number of career opportunities available to Arts and Social Sciences graduates. More than half of all advertised positions that require a university degree do not specify a required degree discipline. The reason is that a university education, and especially a university education in Arts and Social Sciences, is as much about skill development as it is about content. And the skills you develop in Arts and Social Sciences are highly valued by employers.