Below is a list of common questions asked of our faculty and staff.
We encourage you to contact us if you require more information or if you have a question that is not answered below.
How do I get into a course without the prerequisite?
For a wide variety of reasons, you may find that you need to enroll in one of our courses without the prerequisite. To do this, you need to fill out a course change form, have the instructor of your desired course (or the department chair) sign the form, and drop it off to the department’s administrative assistant for processing. It is always a good idea to discuss the expectations of the course with the instructor before enrolling without the prerequisite.
What are directed studies, and how do I register for one?
Directed studies (SOAN 4593 & 4594) are courses that allow students to work with a faculty member on an individual basis, researching a topic of interest. If you have ideas on an area you would like more in-depth study, your next step is to discuss your ideas with your professor and develop a study plan. Please note that you cannot complete more than 4.0 units of directed/independent study towards your degree, and no more than 2.0 units in SOAN directed/independent study.
Why are there courses listed in the calendar that you’re not offering?
Each year the department endeavours to offer as many of our courses as we can. That said, we do not have the available faculty to offer everything in the calendar every year. Whenever possible we try to offer each of our courses on a rotational basis every two years.
Why is academic advising important?
Academic advising helps to develop a “road map” for your studies, both current and future. The Mount offers hundreds of courses each year, and it can be difficult to figure out on your own all of the different options you have. Our faculty members can review the program requirements with you and give you clear guidance on which courses you need to take to complete your major, combined major, or minor.
Who do I talk to for advising?
Students who are completing an honours degree, major, combined major or minor in SOAN are encouraged to seek advising from a faculty advisor at least once a year. You can arrange an advising appointment by contacting the Department Administrative Assistant, Marisa Grant.
If you are completing a concentration in SOAN as part of a BA or BSc (General Studies) program, or are completing a SOAN major but have fewer than 10 units of University study completed, please contact the Centre for Academic Advising and Student Success for advising help.
What is involved in applying for and completing honours?
Information on the honours program can be found here.
Are there opportunities to participate in research with faculty?
From time to time faculty members in our department will be looking for students to assist with research. It is therefore very important to inform your professors that you are looking for research-related work; these research assistant positions are rarely advertised.
Are there internship opportunities in SOAN?
The SOAN department does not offer an internship program. That said, we do hire student research assistants from time to time; speak with your professors for more details.
What can I actually do with a SOAN major?
Information on options after your SOAN degree can be found here. You can also contact The Mount’s Career Planning Services.
What graduate school opportunities are there for students with a degree in SOAN?
Our graduates can go on to complete gradute studies in a wide variety of areas; too many to list here! For information on what to look for when considering grad school, click here.
Should I major in SOAN if I want to become a Social Worker?
Becoming a social worker requires continued education in an accredited social work program; a background in SOAN can help you with these continued studies. But why stop therre? Our program can help you develop many skills critical to you success in a helping profession. For more information, click here.
I want to be a teacher. Is SOAN considered a “teachable”?
Both Sociology and Anthropology are considered teachable subjects under the Nova Scotia Teacher Certification program.
How do I ask for a letter of recommendation?
If you require letters of recommendation for graduate school and employment applications, you are encouraged to contact members of the department who would be able to speak to your abilities and attitude. It is best to request recommendations from professors who have taught you recently and/or multiple times. More information can be found here.
It is very important that you ask your professors for recommendation letters well in advance of due dates; not only does it take a considerable amount of time to write a proper recommendation letter, but our faculty members may receive multiple requests for letters, often with similar due dates.