BA in Sexuality, Marriage and Family Studies (General) in Waterloo Canada | University of Waterloo

Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Studies (SMF) is an interdisciplinary field that explores the connections between human sexuality, intimate relationships, and family structures through theoretical, research-based, and practical approaches. Grounded in principles of social justice and anti-oppressive practices, SMF fosters thoughtful, analytical, and inclusive conversations about matters affecting all people. This program especially benefits those pursuing or engaged in human services professions like healthcare, counseling, therapy, or education. Students can opt for a four-year general major, an honours program (available in co-op or regular formats), an honours major combined with Honours Arts and Business (co-op or regular), a double honours major, or a minor. The program also offers a Diploma in Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Studies for those seeking specialized knowledge without pursuing a full degree or for degree holders looking to expand their expertise.

As Canada's only program of its kind, SMF delves deeper than just biological aspects and sexual health. It employs multiple viewpoints to examine relationship dynamics, communication patterns, parenting approaches, media influences on perceptions of gender and intimacy, cultural impacts on sexual attitudes, and other topics—all through a social justice lens. The program fosters a close-knit learning environment with small class sizes and a supportive community at St. Jerome's University, one of Waterloo's affiliated colleges. Graduates with a Waterloo degree in SMF can pursue diverse meaningful careers in education, counseling, social work, community development, and beyond. The co-op option provides valuable early career exploration opportunities.