Future Graduate Students

Melanie Heath headshot
Melanie Heath
Associate Dean Graduate Studies

Join One Of Canada’s Leading Research Universities.

Graduate studies in McMaster’s Faculty of Social Sciences offer a transformative experience rooted in research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement.

Whether you’re pursuing a Master’s, PhD, or diploma, you’ll join a vibrant academic community committed to tackling real-world challenges and shaping a more just, inclusive future.

Graduate Studies In The Social Sciences

The Faculty of Social Sciences offers a wide variety of graduate programs to help spark your curiosity and achieve your goals. Work alongside leading researchers and instructions, gaining valuable skills and knowledge that will set you up for personal and career success.

Find a complete list of Masters and Doctoral programs as well as Graduate Diplomas below. View program information, deadlines, fees and more. Each program has individual admission requirements.

Apply Now Start Your Application

Ready to take the next step? McMaster’s graduate application process is clear and supportive, with resources to help you navigate program requirements, deadlines, and documentation.

Whether you’re applying from Canada or abroad, you’ll find guidance on how to submit your application, meet English language requirements, and prepare for enrolment.

Our Research Explore Our Research

McMaster’s Faculty of Social Sciences is home to globally recognized research that tackles pressing social issues – from health equity and migration to mental health and public policy.

Graduate students work alongside leading scholars in interdisciplinary labs, research centres, and community partnerships that drive real-world impact.

Accepted Your Offer? Next Steps After Acceptance

Congratulations! Now that you’ve accepted your offer, it’s time to prepare for your graduate journey.

We’ll walk you through course enrolment, academic planning, orientation, and accessing student services. You’ll also find tips for connecting with advisors and getting involved in campus life.

Why Choose McMaster For Graduate Studies In Social Sciences?

McMaster University offers a transformative graduate experience rooted in academic excellence, global impact, and a vibrant, inclusive community. Here’s why McMaster stands out as the ideal destination for your next academic chapter:

A World-Class Institution

  • Ranked among the top 100 public universities globally, McMaster is internationally recognized for its research, teaching, and innovation.
  • Consistently high performance in global rankings:
    • #14 in the world for impact on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (THE Impact Rankings 2025)
    • #4 in Canada for medical-doctoral excellence (Maclean’s 2025)
    • Top 50 globally in subjects like Public Health, Clinical Medicine, and Life Sciences
Discover McMaster

Diverse & Dynamic Graduate Programs

  • Choose from a wide array of Master’s, PhD, and Graduate Diploma programs tailored to today’s most pressing social issues:
    • MA in Global Politics, Health & Aging, Indigenous Studies, Labour Studies, and more
    • PhDs in Social Gerontology, Health & Society, Political Science, and others
    • Unique diplomas like Water Without Borders (in partnership with the UN) and Gender & Social Justice
Graduate Programs

A Campus That Inspires

  • Explore McMaster’s nature-inspired campus through virtual tours or in-person visits
  • Enjoy a vibrant student life with on-campus housing, 19+ dining options, and state-of-the-art athletic facilities
  • Located in Hamilton, Ontario, a city rich in culture, diversity, and opportunity
Explore The Campus

Support For English Language Learners

  • Specialized programs like MERGE and MODEL help graduate students thrive in English-speaking academic environments:
    • MERGE integrates language skills into real-world graduate contexts
    • MODEL offers intensive preparation for academic success
English Language Certificates

Tools To Guide Your Application - Quicklinks

School Of Graduate Studies Resources

The School of Graduate Studies is your central hub for academic policies, program details, funding opportunities, and student support.

From thesis guidelines to professional development workshops, this office ensures you have the tools to succeed throughout your graduate experience.

Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships More Information

Graduate education is an investment – and McMaster offers a range of funding options to support your journey.

Learn about tuition rates, scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid programs available to domestic and international students.

School of Graduate Studies Calendar Learn More

Stay on top of key academic dates, deadlines, and regulations with the official Graduate Calendar.

It includes program requirements, course listings, thesis submission timelines, and important policies that guide your graduate experience.

Work As A Teaching Assistant Explore Now

Graduate students in Social Sciences have the opportunity to gain teaching experience and financial support through TA positions.

Learn how to apply, what’s expected, and how this role can enhance your academic and professional development.