Social Sciences Program Guide 2026

Faculty of Social Sciences Program Guide

Welcome to McMaster’s Faculty of Social Sciences!

We are thrilled to have you as part of our campus community. Here at McMaster, we believe in creating a learning environment that encourages curiosity, supports collaboration, and nurtures the development of critical thinking skills.

We are committed to fostering your intellectual growth and analytical abilities as you navigate the landscape of the social sciences.

As one of our students, you will have the opportunity to explore new ideas, participate in work-integrated learning and develop practical skills. With our worldclass faculty and engaging classes, you will gain the foundational skills and knowledge to become a successful professional, leader, and citizen.

We look forward to having you as a part of our faculty and invite you to make the most of your educational experience at McMaster.

Dr. Jeremiah Hurley Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences

We Acknowledge McMaster University recognizes and acknowledges that it is located on the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the “Dish with One Spoon” wampum agreement. We recognize our responsibility, as guests, to respect and honour the relationship Indigenous peoples have to this land. We are committed to working towards reconciliation and decolonization.

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Your Social Sciences Journey Embarking on your undergraduate journey is an exciting opportunity to explore your academic interests and set the foundation for your future career. The Pathway program is designed to help you succeed by guiding you through four key steps.

Pathway Steps

1

Apply to one of three Level I pathway programs that best suit your academic interests and strengths. You only spend one year in your pathway before moving into a Level II program!

2

Each Level II program has specific Level I courses required for admission. Complete social sciences courses in Level I that align with your interests and meet the admission requirements for the Level II program(s) you’re considering. You will also take electives that complement your studies.

3

At the end of your Level I program, you’ll apply to the Level II program(s) that interest you. Unsure about your choice? Don’t worry, we’ll guide you throughout your first year. Admission to Level II programs will be based on the Level I courses you’ve completed and your first-year GPA.

4

Build your best degree and customize your undergraduate experience with internships, certificates, co-op programs or a study abroad opportunity.

Faculty of Social Sciences Program Guide 3

First-Year Programs

Perhaps you know what program you’re interested in, or maybe you’re still figuring it all out. That’s okay!

Our first-year pathways are your starting point for developing a deeper understanding of interpersonal dynamics, societies, and world issues. These flexible pathways give you space to explore your interests while also laying the foundation for further study in one or more social sciences disciplines.

You will start your journey in one of three pathways: Social Sciences I

Offers a broad-based approach to studying the social sciences.

Requirements for Ontario Admissions Six 4U/M courses, including: • English 4U

Low- to mid-80s

Anticipated Admission Average

ML

OUAC Application Code

935

Target enrolment

Honours Economics I

Health & Society I

Delves into economic theories, systems, and policies. Following first year, you will be automatically enroled in the Honours Economics (BA) program.

Explores intersections of health, society, and well-being. Following first year, you will be automatically enroled in the Honours Health & Society (BA) program.

Requirements for Ontario Admissions

Requirements for Ontario Admissions

• English 4U

• English 4U

Six 4U/M courses, including: • Advanced Functions 4U

• Calculus and Vectors 4U

Low- to mid-80s

Anticipated Admission Average

MLE

OUAC Application Code

135

Six 4U/M courses, including:

Mid-80s

Anticipated Admission Average

MLH

OUAC Application Code

55

Target enrolment

Target enrolment

At the end of your first year, no matter what pathway you are in, you will apply to your top three programs of choice. You are encouraged to meet with your Academic Advisor in first year to discuss course prerequisites for your preferred Level II program.

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Choosing Your Level II Program

Interested in learning more?

Scan the QR codes in the Program section.

Are you unsure about what you want to study?

See where your passions intersect with our programs.

I am compassionate and want to make a difference in people’s lives and their well-being.

• Anthropology • H ealth & Society • P sychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour

• Social Gerontology • Social Psychology • Social Work • Sociology

I am civic minded and driven by a strong sense of justice and social change.

• Economics • E nvironment & Society • Health & Society • I ndigenous Studies

• Political Science • Social Gerontology • Social Work

• Anthropology • E nvironment & Society • I ndigenous Studies

• Social Work • S ociety, Culture & Religion

• A nthropology • Health & Society • Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour

• Social Gerontology • Social Psychology • S ociety, Culture & Religion • Sociology

• Anthropology • E conomics • Political Science • Social Psychology

• Sociology • W ork and Labour Studies

I am vibrant, and have a love for travel and exploring different cultures.

I am an inquisitive people watcher with a love for analyzing behaviours and emotions.

I am driven and articulate; I naturally gravitate to leadership roles.

Look for the icons on the program pages as a guide.

Faculty of Social Sciences Program Guide 5

Anthropology An Anthropology degree provides unique skills and perspectives, as well as a deep understanding of how we are all shaped by the cultural, social, political, and historical contexts in which we live.

Top employers identify critical thinking, communication, and problem solving as the most important skills they look for in university graduates. Anthropology courses at McMaster emphasize and build on these important skills, improve knowledge about cultural differences and provide a broad understanding of the experience of being human.

Recommended Pathway: Social Sciences I Degree Options: BA Honours Anthropology

BA Honours Anthropology Co-op

BA Combined Honours Anthropology and another subject BA Anthropology

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Sample Upper-Year Courses

• Archaeology and Hollywood • Problems in Sociocultural Anthropology • Traditional Indigenous Ecological Knowledge • Zooarchaeology • Cultural Politics of Food and Eating Gain Experience • Co-op program option (limited enrolment)

• Field School Courses • Archaeological Field School: Receive hands-on instruction in manual excavation methods, mapping, field recording and laboratory analysis of an archaeological site.

• Bioarchaeological Field School: Travel overseas to participate in the excavation of human skeletal remains and associated artifacts.

• I ndependent Research Courses (third and fourth year) Career Success • • • • • • • • • •

A rchaeological Fieldwork Education H eritage Planning C ultural Resource Management A rchives and Library Sciences H uman Resources Entrepreneurship M useum Curator P ublic Health P ublic Relations

Economics The Department of Economics at McMaster strives for excellence in research and teaching. We offer a variety of programs that provide training in economic theory and quantitative methods.

You will develop analytical and decisionmaking skills applicable to a wide range of career opportunities within the field of economics and beyond. The department is strongly focused on research giving you access to world-leading research, and opportunities to dive into research of their own.

Recommended Pathway: Honours Economics I

Sample Upper-Year Courses

Degree Options: BA Honours Economics

• • • • •

BA Honours Economics Accelerated Specialist Option

Gain Experience

BA Honours Economics Accelerated Option

BA Honours Economics Co-op BA Honours Economics Specialist Option BA Combined Honours Economics and Math

BA Combined Honours Economics and another subject BA Economics

International Trade Monetary Economics Introduction to Game Theory Economics of Professional Sports Natural Resources

• C o-op program option (limited enrolment)

Career Success

• • • • • • • •

inancial Planning F Law Policy Research Banking and Financial Services Market Research Economic Analysis Public Service Budget Analysis

• G ain highly valued analytical and problem solving skills through analyzing real world data sets • M cMaster Decision Science Laboratory (McDSL) research experience • Economics Hackathon events

Dual BA Specialist and MA Economics Option Faculty of Social Sciences Program Guide 7

Environment & Society Explore the relationships between human activity and the environment. The School of Earth, Environment & Society is committed to providing an innovative, stimulating and rewarding learning experience with a multidisciplinary research environment, field opportunities and additional certifications like GIS and Urban Planning.

Courses are inegrated with practical experiences, hands-on learning and personal skills development to help you build your future career.

Recommended Pathway: Social Sciences I Degree Options:

BA Honours Environment & Society BA Honours Environment & Society Co-op

BA Combined Honours Environment & Society and another subject BA Environment & Society

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Sample Upper-Year Courses • Environment & Society: Challenges and Solutions • Transportation Geography • Health and Place • The Urban Experience • Urban Planning Gain Experience • Co-op program option (limited enrolment) • In-field courses (environmental and urban) • Research and lab work opportunities • Concurrent certificates in Geographic Information Science (GIS), Urban Studies and Planning and Environmental Sustainability available exclusively for Environment & Society students • GIS Day with live talks and demonstrations

Career Success • Environmental Analyst • GIS Planner • Urban Planner • Community Developer • Conservation Officer • Environment Impact Assessment • Demographer

Health & Society and Social Gerontology Explore societal health and wellbeing from a social perspective, rather than a clinical one. Learn how society, policy, culture and inequalities shape people’s health and aging experiences.

These unique programs prepare you to enhance the resources, support and care received by diverse members of your community.

Recommended Pathway: Health & Society I

Degree Options: BA Honours Health & Society or Social Gerontology BA Honours Health & Society or Social Gerontology Co-op BA Honours Health & Society or Social Gerontology Specialization in Mental Health and Addiction BA Combined Honours Health & Society or Social Gerontology BA Health & Society

Sample Upper-Year Courses • Soundscapes of Wellbeing in Popular Music • Leisure and Recreation in Later Life • Society and its Addictions • Representations of Mental Illness • Indigenous Community Health and Wellbeing

Career Success • Health Care Administration • Education • Public Policy • Health Law • Human Resources • Public Health • Geriatric Services

Gain Experience • Co-op program option (limited enrolment) • Participate in weekly field work through inquiry courses • Career and core skills focused course • Networking and industry professional talks

Faculty of Social Sciences Program Guide 9

Indigenous Studies The Indigenous Studies program incorporates a teaching structure of Indigenous knowledge by Indigenous peoples and Elders. This unique perspective assists all students from various cultures and background in learning about the history and lives of Indigenous people within an Indigenous perspective.

This program nurtures critical thinking, cultural understanding, and social justice advocacy, empowering you to challenge dominant narratives, foster reconciliation, and work towards decolonization.

Recommended Pathway: Social Sciences I Degree Options:

BA Honours Indigenous Studies

BA Combined Honours Indigenous Studies and another subject BA Indigenous Studies

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Sample Upper-Year Courses • Indigenous Futurisms and Wonderworks • Environmental Philosophy • Indigenous Film • Indigenous Peoples’ Spirituality • The Indian Act: A Social Problem Gain Experience • Indigenous independent study (third year) • Honours thesis (fourth year) • In-course experiences

Career Success • Community Development • Education and Outreach • Social Services • Law and Legal Services • Policy and Governance • International Development/Affairs • Environmental Conservation and Restoration

Political Science Get ready to examine political systems and institutions, analyze global relationships, and explore how laws and public policies shape societies. Our program considers the key issues that will impact the future of Canada and other countries around the globe.

As a Political Science student, you will navigate global issues, and contribute to shaping a more just and inclusive society. You will engage in hands on research with a faculty member, work directly with community partners on projects and gain experience through co-ops and volunteering.

Recommended Pathway: Social Sciences I

Degree Options: BA Honours Political Science BA Honours Political Science Co-op BA Honours Political Science, Specialization in Global Citizenship BA Honours Political Science, Specialization in Public Law and Judicial Studies BA Honours Political Science, University of Birmingham LLB Option

Sample Upper-Year Courses • Election Law and Policy • Death and Violence • Canadian Foreign Policy • Gender and Politics • Politics of a Dying Planet Gain Experience • Co-op program option (limited enrolment) • Volunteering options • Hands-on research with a Political Science faculty member • Work directly with community partners on a research project • Study abroad opportunities at partner law schools in the UK

Career Success • Journalism and Communications • Law and Legal Services • Political Consulting • Public Service • Policy Advising • Community Activism • Public Relations • Diplomatic Service

BA Combined Honours Political Science and another subject BA Political Science Faculty of Social Sciences Program Guide 11

Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour Whether you’re intrigued by the inner workings of the brain, fascinated by the complexities of mental health, or curious about the science of behavior, this program equips you with the knowledge and skills to make a lasting impact on individuals and society.

This innovative program focuses on interdisciplinary research to raise the next generation of behavioural and psychological scientists. It combines interactive online web modules for self-paced learning with class lectures and problem-based learning tutorials. Although this program is a Bachelor of Arts, it is geared towards students with a strong interest in science.

Recommended Pathway: Social Sciences I Degree Options:

BA Honours Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour

BA Honours Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, Specialization in Music Cognition BA Combined Honours Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour and another subject BA Psychology

Students must complete MHF4U and/or MCV4U to enrol in courses required for program admission.

SBI4U (or the McMaster course equivalent), is also required for program admission.

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Sample Upper-Year Courses • Human Perception and Cognition • History of Psychology • Psycholinguistics • Introduction to Music Cognition • Adolescent Psychology Gain Experience • In-course labs and research

Career Success • Clinical Psychology • Forensics • Environmental and Biomedical Research • Speech and Hearing Pathology A psychology degree also provides the foundation for post-graduate studies in psychology.

Social Psychology Unlock the fascinating secrets behind how individuals are influenced by their relationships and social groups.

Our courses explore topics such as relationships and sexuality, mental health and well-being, self and identity, crime and deviance and social networks.

Gain hands-on skills in the field through working with real community groups as part of a research study, participate in an undergraduate research conference and networking with future employers. This is a great program for students interested in psychology, but with a focus on the societal aspect.

Recommended Pathway: Social Sciences I

Degree Options: BA Honours Social Psychology BA Honours Research Specialist Option

BA Honours Psychology Specialization

BA Honours Research Specialist Option with Psychology Specialization

Sample Upper-Year Courses • Psychology of Close Relationships • Making and Breaking Rules • Counselling and Psychotherapy • Regimes of Social Control • Mental Health Gain Experience • Network and collaborate with community organizations to develop solutions to real world problems.

• Conduct a class research study • Final capstone research project • Participate in an undergraduate research conference • ABC skills workshop

Career Success • Counselling/Psychotherapy • Law • Human Resources • Occupational Therapy • Education • Marketing • Public Relations • Public Health A social psychology degree also provides the foundation for post-graduate studies in psychotherapy and counselling.

Faculty of Social Sciences Program Guide 13

Social Work McMaster’s Social Work program equips you with the skills to navigate complex human and societal issues and engage in meaningful interventions. Learn how to support and advocate for individuals, families and communities as they navigate social challenges such as housing insecurity, mental health, addiction and discrimination.

Engage in hands-on practice, collaborate with dedicated peers, and develop the expertise to create a more just and inclusive society.

Recommended Pathway: Social Sciences I Degree Options:

BSW Honours Social Work BSW Social Work (as a Second Degree)

Sample Upper-Year Courses • Child Welfare • Social Work with Families • Critical Issues in Mental Health and Addiction • Poverty and Homelessness • Indigenizing Social Work Practice Approaches Gain Experience • Two field placements in the community • Concurrent certificate in Critical Practice in Child Welfare available exclusively for Social Work students

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Career Success • Social Work • Children’s Services (Children’s Aid Societies) • Services for Immigrants and Refugees • Education • Shelter Services • Health Care • Advocacy and Entrepreneurship • Social Planning and Research The BSW degree is a professional degree.

Upon graduating, you will be able to register as a professional social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Worker.

Society, Culture & Religion Religion is an integral part of human cultures and civilizations. The Society, Culture & Religion (SCAR) programs examine how religion influences and shapes the world.

We use an interdisciplinary focus to study how ancient and contemporary human cultures ask and answer the “big questions.” SCAR programs allow you to meet challenges in fields such as law, politics, teaching, healthcare, business, journalism and social services.

Recommended Pathway: Social Sciences I

Degree Options: BA Honours Society, Culture & Religion

BA Combined Honours Society, Culture & Religion and another subject BA Society, Culture & Religion

Sample Upper-Year Courses • Hollywood/Bollywood and Indian Religions • Ethnicity, Race and the Bible • Spirits, Ghosts and Demons • Cults, Conspiracies and Close Encounters • Sport and/as Religion Gain Experience • Experiential learning courses

Career Success • Government Agencies • Education • Law • Human Resources • Social Services • Conflict Resolution • Mediation • Publishing and Editing • Public Service

Faculty of Social Sciences Program Guide 15

Sociology Sociologists play a key role in analyzing and interpreting important concerns that impact individuals, communities and society as a whole. The Sociology program offers a wide range of research and knowledge expertise to students who share an interest in better understanding the social processes and institutions we live in.

Areas of study include family, education, mental health, social inequality, immigration and race and ethnic relations, paid and unpaid work and politics. Become a change-maker, a critical thinker, and a builder of inclusive societies.

Recommended Pathway: Social Sciences I Degree Options:

BA Honours Sociology

BA Honours Sociology Co-op

BA Honours Sociology, Specialist Option

BA Combined Honours Sociology and another subject

BA Combined Honours Sociology, Specialist Option BA Sociology

16 Faculty of Social Sciences Program Guide

Sample Upper-Year Courses • Law and Society • Dynamics and Transitions in Intimate Relationships and Families • The Sociology of ‘Race’ and Ethnicity • Media and Power • Sociology of Globalization Gain Experience • Co-op program option (limited enrolment) • Fourth year research course

Career Success • Education • Data Analysis • Journalism and Media • Law • Criminal Justice • Social Services • Human Resources Management • Counselling • Public Relations

Work and Labour Studies Our innovative interdisciplinary programs are the premier undergraduate and graduate Work and Labour Studies programs in Canada. From examining the intricacies of labour markets to exploring the power dynamics within workplaces, this program offers you a unique lens through which to understand and transform the world of work.

Work closely with labour organizations, gain firsthand experience through co-op and dive into research opportunities alongside professors.

Recommended Pathway: Social Sciences I

Degree Options: BA Honours Work and Labour Studies BA Honours Work and Labour Studies Co-op BA Combined Honours Work and Labour Studies and another subject BA Work and Labour Studies

Sample Upper-Year Courses • Labour and Employment Law • Work and Racism • Gender, Sexuality and Work • Sports, Work and Labour • Work and the Environment Gain Experience • Co-op program option (limited enrolment) • Problem based learning courses • Public poster conferences • A unique Unifor-McMaster Certificate Program

Career Success • Human Resources Management • Human Rights Law • Labour Law • Labour Relations Manager • Union Representative • Policy Analyst • Occupational Health and Safety

Faculty of Social Sciences Program Guide 17

Build Your Best Degree Degree Requirements A single or combined Bachelor of Arts (Honours) requires a total of 120 units (the equivalent of 40 courses) and typically takes four years to complete.

A Bachelor of Arts requires 90 units (the equivalent of 30 courses) and typically takes three years to complete.

Within those degree requirements, each major has its own list of 24–30 required courses for graduation. Even with those requirements, McMaster’s Bachelor of Arts degrees offer plenty of flexibility to study your way. You will have between 30–48 units of electives to explore interesting topics and customize your degree (that’s 10 to 16 courses!).

Shape Your Degree Add a second major or a minor, explore interdisciplinary electives, apply to a paid internship, or top it all off with a professional certificate. Social Sciences degrees are designed to be flexible, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals.

Add a Minor (24 units) Minors allow you to receive credit for your side-interest. Minors will be reflected on your degree, showcasing your range of interests and skills to prospective employers.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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Anthropology Archaeology* Asian Studies Community Engagement* Civic Vitality, Democracy and Electoral Management Diversity and Equity Economics Food and Nutrition* Gender, Sexualities, and Families Globalization Studies* Health & Society and Social Gerontology Health, Well-Being & Religion Immigration, Race Relations, and Indigenous-Settler Relations Indigenous Studies

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Japanese Studies Jewish Studies* Justice, Law and Order Leadership and Civic Studies Mental Health, Addiction and Society Muslim Studies* Political Science Public Leadership Religion and Diversity Social Justice and Inclusive Communities Social Problems, Social Policy and the Law Society, Culture & Religion Sociology Work and Labour Studies

* Interdisciplinary Studies minors administered by departments in the Faculty of Social Sciences

Build Your Best Degree Earn a Certificate Certificates help you differentiate yourself in the job market by bolstering your resume and demonstrating your specialized training in a particular area of interest. Certificates can be completed within the recommended span of your degree.

Certificates issued by Mohawk College: • Business Studies

• Disability Management Concurrent Certificates issued by Social Sciences: • Applied Social Sciences Research

• Child and Youth Education for Social Sciences • Criminology

• Cultural Perceptions of Death

• Indigenous Knowledges, Ecosystems & Society • Social Innovation

• Work and Labour Relations

• Critical Practice in Child Welfare (Social Work)*

• Environment and Sustainability (Environment & Society)* • GIS (Environment & Society)*

• Urban Studies & Planning (Environment & Society)* *Open to specific Level II programs only

Undergraduate Student Research Awards Studying at a world-class research institution has its advantages. Apply with a partner faculty member to complete a paid research project in an area of interest and put yourself on the fast-track to graduate research. Some students will participate in research projects abroad, locally or on campus.

Study Abroad McMaster University has more than 100 partnership agreements with universities around the world for undergraduate study exchanges. Study abroad opportunities are administered through McMaster’s Student Success Office, in collaboration with the Faculty of Social Sciences advising team. Learn more at studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/global/ study-abroad/.

Exchange Destinations: • • • • • • • •

Australia Austria Belgium* Brazil Chile Costa Rica Denmark France

• • • • • • • •

Germany Hong Kong Ireland Italy Jamaica Japan Netherlands New Zealand

• • • • •

Singapore South Korea Sweden Switzerland United Arab Emirates • United Kingdom**

*Limited program eligibility **Political Science students enroled in Public Law and Judicial Studies or Global Citizenship specializations can take part in an exchange program with law schools in the United Kingdom. These include University of Birmingham, University of Glasgow and University of Liverpool.

Aid & Awards We are dedicated to helping you achieve your academic goals through financial support. Explore a variety of scholarships, bursaries, and awards available to students at all levels. Create an account on AwardSpring to access a personalized list of funding opportunities tailored to your program and interests.

For more information on how to finance your education, visit registrar.mcmaster.ca/aid-awards.

Faculty of Social Sciences Program Guide 19

Co-op and Careers Add experience to your resume that is in demand with future employers! Apply to the co-op program of your choice as part of your Level II program selection at the end of your first year.

Enroling in a co-op will add three full-time paid work terms into your academic plan. The standard duration for completing a co-op program option is five years.

Co-op Programs Starting in Second Year

Social Sciences offers eight exciting co-op programs that allow students to gain real-world experience starting in their second year. These programs are designed to enhance your academic learning while providing valuable career skills.

Co-op Program Options Include: • Anthropology • Economics

• Environment & Society • Health & Society • Political Science

• Social Gerontology • Sociology

• Work & Labour Studies Earn While You Learn:

Five year degree options with three paid work terms (average $25/hr).

Students can earn $8K–$10K per semester during co-op.

Internship Opportunities for All Social Sciences Students Internships are available across all Social Sciences programs, with paid work terms that are tailored to your specific program. Choose from a range of term lengths, including: 4-months / 8-months / 12-months / 16-months Career Advising Meet with a dedicated Social Sciences career advisor who can help you explore career paths, develop job-search skills, and connect your academic experience to professional opportunities and postgraduate studies.

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Explore career options by Category, Sector or Program | socialsciences.careers.mcmaster.ca

$8K–$10K Students can earn $8K–$10K per semester during co-op placements.

94%

Of students are employed within 2 years of completing their degree.

Faculty of Social Sciences Program Guide 21

Level II Program Requirements

Please note: BA degrees require 3.5 CGPA (cumulative GPA) and BA Honours degrees require 5.0 CGPA CO-OP / LIMITED ENROLMENT

LEVEL II PROGRAM:

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Anthropology (Honours & BA)

ANTHROP 1AA3 or 1AB3

Co-op available for Honours

Economics (Honours, Specialist & BA)

ECON 1B03 and 1BB3; one of ECON 1ME3, MATH 1MM3, 1LS3 or 1A03

Co-op available for Honours

Economics (Dual BA Specialist & MA Option)

Completion of Economics I or Honours Economics I with an average of at least 5.0 including an average of at least 7.0 in ECON 1B03, 1BB3, and 1ME3

Limited enrolment

Economics & Mathematics (Honours)

ECON 1B03 and 1BB3; MATH 1A03; a grade of at least C+ MATH 1AA3; and MATH 1B03

Environment & Society (Honours & BA)

ENVSOCTY 1HA3 or 1HB3

Co-op available for Honours

Health & Society (Honours)

HLTHAGE 1AA3 or 1ZZ3; and HLTHAGE 1BB3 (completed by the end of Level II)

Limited Enrolment; Co-op available for Honours

Health & Society (Honours): Specialization in Mental Health & Addiction

HLTHAGE 1AA3 or 1ZZ3; and HLTHAGE 1CC3; and HLTHAGE 1BB3 (completed by the end of Level II)

Limited enrolment

Health & Social Gerontology (BA)

HLTHAGE 1AA3 or 1ZZ3; and HLTHAGE 1BB3

Limited Enrolment; Co-op available for Honours

Indigenous Studies (Honours & BA)

INDIGST 1A03, 1AA3 or INDIGST 1B03

Political Science (Honours & BA)

POLSCI 1AA3 or POLSCI 1AB3

Co-op available for Honours

Political Science: Specialization in Global Citizenship

POLSCI 1AB3; strongly encouraged to complete POLSCI 1AA3 and GLOBALZN 1A03 in Level 1

Limited enrolment

Political Science: Specialization in Public Law and Judicial Studies

POLSCI 1AA3 or POLSCI 1AB3

Limited enrolment

Political Science: University of Birmingham LLB Option

POLSCI 1AA3 and POLSCI 1AB3

Limited enrolment

Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (Honours)

Grade of at least B- in PSYCH 1FF3 or 1XX3; credit in one of BIO 1A03, 1M03, 1P03 or Gr. 12 Biology; credit in MATH 1LS3 or 1A03

Limited enrolment

Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (PNB): Specialization in Music Cognition

Grade of at least B- in PSYCH 1FF3 or 1XX3; credit in one of BIO 1A03, 1M03, 1P03 or Gr. 12 Biology; credit in MATH 1LS3 or 1A03; MUSIC 1A03 or 1AA3 *Exam with The School of the Arts or Grade 2 Royal Conservatory

Limited enrolment

Psychology (BA)

PSYCH 1X03 or 1F03

Limited enrolment

Social Gerontology (Honours)

HLTHAGE 1BB3; and HLTHAGE 1AA3 or 1ZZ3 (completed by the end of Level II)

Limited enrolment; Co-op available for Honours

Social Gerontology: Specialization in Mental Health & Addiction

HLTHAGE 1BB3, HLTHAGE 1CC3; and HLTHAGE 1AA3 or 1ZZ3 (completed by the end of Level II)

Limited enrolment

Social Psychology (Honours, Research Specialist Option & Psychology Specialization)

SOCPSY 1Z03 and one of PSYCH 1F03, PSYCH 1X03 or SOCIOL 1Z03

Limited enrolment

Social Work (Honours BSW)

SOCWORK 1AA3, 1BB3, SOCIOL 1C03, and 1Z03

Limited enrolment

Society, Culture and Religion

SCAR 1B03, 1GL3, 1SC3

Sociology (Honours, Specialist & BA)

SOCIOL 1Z03

Limited Enrolment; Co-op available for Honours

Work and Labour Studies (Honours & BA)

WORKLABR 1A03, 1D03 or 1E03

Co-op available for Honours

Explore the Faculty of Social Sciences 5,000+

Students enrolled across 12 departments, schools and interdisciplinary programs

Top 10

Ranked top 10 best Universities for Social Sciences degrees in Canada

3,000+

100+

Undergraduate students

Over 100+ study abroad destinations

Navigating the university application process and choosing the right program can be overwhelming.

We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

futuresocsci.mcmaster.ca

Explore all our program options, connect with the recruitment team and find the right path for you!

40+

Specializations beginning in second year

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Flexible

World-renowned researchers and professors

Flexible degree options

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Take a virtual tour through a 360-degree, immersive digital environment to explore our state-of-the-art facilities for all Social Sciences at McMaster.

immersive digital environment

Start Your Journey at virtualtour.mcmaster.ca.

Faculty of Social Sciences Program Guide 23

Learn more or contact us at: socialsciences.mcmaster.ca gosocsci@mcmaster.ca @mcmastersocsci @mcmastersocsci

03/2026