Social Psychology
Our students study the relationship between individuals and society from an interdisciplinary perspective. Courses allow students to understand how people develop over time and behave in different situations.
Social Psychology provides an understanding of:
- how individuals behave
- how small groups and communities interact
- how societies form practices and priorities
Students learn how to situate themselves in their cultures, geographies and in relation to others.
Focus of Study
Students will learn how to locate themselves in the complex fabrics of their cultures, their geographies and their power in relationships. If you are interested in using different disciplinary lenses to explore how people develop over the lifespan and behave in different environments and circumstances, this program may be right for you.
Social Psychology Degree Options
All Social Sciences students start off in Level I. At the end of first-year, students who meet the requirements outlined below may qualify for the following degree option in Social Psychology:
- Honours B.A.
Grade Point Average of 5.0 (C) including a grade of at least 5.0 (C) in SOCPSY 1Z03 and successful completion of one of PSYCH 1F03, PSYCH 1X03, SOCIOL 1Z03. Both SOCIOL and PSYCH must be completed by end of LeveL II.
Please note that enrolment in this academic plan is limited, therefore possession of the published minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Compare Psychology Programs
The programs offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences (B.A. programs) are for students more interested in fields that focus on the psychological aspects of human behaviour. The study of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour can be completed at McMaster University through either the Faculty of Social Sciences or the Faculty of Science.
The programs offered by the Faculty of Science (B.Sc.) are for students more interested in the natural sciences and in studying the link between the brain and behaviour.
An Honours B.A. in Social Psychology is for students more interested in individual traits and attitudes and social life. Students pursuing any one of these Honours B.A. or 3-year B.A. degrees may combine their studies with an Affiliated Certificate in Business Studies, Leadership and Management for the Not-for-Profit Sector, or Applied Behaviour Analysis (with an autism focus).
Did you know
Social Psychology students have the opportunity to combine theoretical and practical learning? Take advantage of the courses below to get more from your degree!
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Social Psychology 3ZZ3 (Complex Problems from a Multidisciplinary Social Psychology Perspective). Examine issues like deviance, mental illness, work, race or gender.
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Social Psychology 4ZZ6 (Social Psychology Research Project). Work with your classmates in groups to conduct original research.
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Social Psychology 2L03 (Big Ideas/Great Thinkers in Social Psychology). Focus on transformative concepts or scholars and their impact on how we think about ourselves and society.
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Social Psychology 3Y03 (Social Psychology in Action). Explore the relevance of social psychology in the real world.
Some of our faculty research includes experiences of the aging body and well-being, inter-racial relations, work/life balance and mental health.
Skill development
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Graduates leave the program with strong writing, analytical, people and research skills. Other skills you will acquire during your time at McMaster include:
- Strong communication skills demonstrated through written work, presentations and informed debate
- Teamwork skills and an ability to work collaboratively and constructively in groups
- Interview techniques, statistical analysis using software packages
- Identifying and locating sources of information
- Managing time in order to meet multiple demands
- Understanding questions associated with social issues
- Solving problems using critical, reasoned thought
- Knowledge of social research, quantitative methods, qualitative interviewing and fieldwork
- Experience writing descriptive reports and analytical papers
- Analyze the root causes of social problems and work towards solutions with diverse groups of people
Examples of career paths include:
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