Program Details

Social Sciences

Diploma of College Studies (DCS)
 A focused young adult in a beanie and hoodie sits in a classroom setting, pen in hand, attentively listening.

About the Program

Analyze and understand social realities in LaSalle College Montréal's Social Sciences DCS program.

Focused on current issues like diversity, technology and the environment, this program connects you to the realities of Montréal, Québec, and the world.

Benefit from partnerships with local businesses and organizations, as well as classes where you evolve into an informed citizen.

Study at LaSalle College for as little as $300 per semester!

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop critical thinking skills to analyze social phenomena and evaluate evidence on complex societal issues.
  • Acquire research skills to design and conduct social research.
  • Enhance intercultural competence to understand diverse perspectives and cultural sensitivity.
  • Gain communication skills to effectively express ideas and contribute to constructive social discourse.

Profile

Social Sciences alumni have a unique combination of skills, including:

  • Critical Thinking

    Analyze information critically, enabling a deeper understanding of complex social issues.
  • Research Abilities

    Gather, interpret, and synthesize data for informed analysis.
  • Empathy

    Exhibit understanding towards diverse perspectives, fostering inclusivity and promoting social justice.
  • Effective Communication

    Express ideas clearly, engage in meaningful discussions with diverse audiences.

Career Prospects

Acquire versatile skills with a general education in social sciences, including creative and critical thinking and the ability to assess complex situations, opening up a variety of employment opportunities across various fields.

Career Fields

Go on to pursue a Bachelor's degree in fields such as:

  • Psychology, psychoeducation, sociology, and criminology,
  • Communications, marketing, and journalism,
  • Politics, international relations, and public relations,
  • Architecture and industrial design,
  • Sports intervention,
  • Human resources,
  • History, geography, and philosophy,
  • Law,
  • Teaching,
  • And much more!

Diploma & Accreditation

This Diploma of College Studies (DCS) is approved by the ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur of Québec and is internationally recognized.

Holders of a Diploma of College Studies (DCS) can pursue university studies or enter the workforce directly.

Required Materials

A laptop computer is strongly recommended for study in this program.

Mentors may request other standard or student-licensed software mandatory for their courses to be installed.

The following features are required for PCs and Macs:

  • Processor: Intel I5 minimum,
  • Memory: 8 GB recommended,
  • Hard drive: 500 GB minimum,
  • Screen: 14 inches minimum,
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi and LAN,
  • Ports: Minimum of one USB 3.0 port.

We recommend purchasing an external numeric keypad if your laptop does not already have one.

Required software: Microsoft 365 for Windows or Mac (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

Two cheerful students in casual attire pose against a grey wall, each holding a notebook.

Opportunities

Our unique approach incorporates real-world experience with classroom learning for a hands-on, practical education.

  • Collaborate with active industry professionals;
  • Sharpen skills in a practical setting;
  • Learn from the various school trips you'll participate in;
  • Take advantage of our flexible program.

Accelerate your career! 

Cutting-edge facilities & equipment

Experiment with industry-standard equipment, software, and technology in our advanced facilities, including:

Actively participate and collaborate with teachers using these specialized facilities, boosting your motivation and confidence.

Work Experience

Employers actively seek out candidates with practical experience. In addition to offering a Career Service, LaSalle College combines classroom learning with real-world work experience.

Take part in a significant integration project and educational outings in the Montréal metropolitan area, and participate in large-scale events in your field of study.

Admissions Criteria

Exceptions to these admission criteria may be applied.

Every application is reviewed by the College.

To be eligible for acceptance into this program, applicants are generally required to meet one of the following criteria:

  • Secondary School Diploma (DES) with completion of:

     • Mathematics CST4 (Math 416 under the former system).
  • Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) with completion of:

    • Secondary French V,

    • Secondary English V,

    • Mathematics TS or Secondary V SN (Math 526 under the former system).

  • Achievement of a score in regular French and English 102 or 103 on the LaSalle College placement test.

  • Equivalent education or an instruction deemed sufficient.

Academic Dates

LaSalle College has three annual start dates: fall, winter, and summer.

We accept applications at any time. Registration is open year-round.

Processing time:

  • Canadian applicants: up to two weeks,
  • International applicants: up to six months.

Submit your application as soon as possible to ensure a spot in your desired semester.

Note that applications are not processed until all required, validated documents and admission fees are received.

List of Courses

Diploma of College Studies (DCS) programs consist of:

  • General education courses common to all programs,
  • General education courses specific to the program,
  • Complementary general education courses.

Concentration Courses

  • Academic Work: Tools and Methods (45 hrs)
  • World Geography (45 hrs)
  • History of the Modern World (60 hrs)
  • Introduction to Psychology (45 hrs)
  • Quantitative Analysis in the Social Sciences (60 hrs)
  • Qualitative Research Methods (60 hrs)
  • Global Economy: Resources and Development (45 hrs)
  • Introduction to Political Science (45 hrs)
  • Introduction to Sociology (45 hrs)
  • Human Biology (45 hrs)
  • Calculus I (75 hrs)
  • Calculus II (60 hrs)
  • Media and Democracy (45 hrs)
  • Social Psychology (45 hrs)
  • Quebec Society: Diversity and Citizenship (45 hrs)
  • International Community and Global Issues (45 hrs)
  • Technology, Power and the Individual (45 hrs)
  • Perspectives on Montreal (45 hrs)
  • Culture and Image (45 hrs)
  • Applied Statistics (45 hrs)
  • Linear Algebra (60 hrs)
  • Integration Project (30 hrs)

* The College reserves the right to substitute some courses.


General Education Courses

College-level institutions emphasize general education that focuses on core cultural knowledge, skill development, responsible citizenship, and shared cultural heritage.

Alumni have a well-rounded skill set and general knowledge that is valued in the workplace.

  • 3 physical education courses (90 hrs)
  • 3 philosophy courses (150 hrs)
  • 4 language and literature courses (240 hrs)
  • 2 second language courses (90 hrs)
  • 2 complementary courses (90 hrs)

Open House | Online (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) or on campus (3 to 8 p.m.)

Open House

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