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Graduate Programs

Graduate Programs In Social Sciences

At McMaster’s Faculty of Social Sciences, graduate education is more than academic training – it’s a transformative journey. Our programs are designed to challenge conventional thinking, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and prepare students to lead change in a complex world.

Whether you’re pursuing a Master’s, Doctorate, or Graduate Diploma, you’ll join a vibrant community of scholars committed to social inquiry, equity, and impact. With access to world-class faculty, cutting-edge research opportunities, and strong community partnerships, McMaster empowers you to shape your future – and the future of society.

Master's Programs

McMaster’s Master’s programs in Social Sciences offer rigorous, research-informed education tailored to today’s most pressing social issues. From global politics and economic policy to health, aging, and Indigenous studies, our MA and MSW programs equip students with critical thinking skills, methodological expertise, and the ability to apply theory to practice.

Many programs offer thesis and course-based options, allowing flexibility for academic or professional goals. Graduates emerge prepared for careers in research, policy, advocacy, and leadership – or to pursue further doctoral studies.

MA Anthropology Learn more

MA Economics MA Economics

MA Economic Policy MA Economic Policy

MA Global Politics MA Global Politics

MA Globalization MA Globalization

MA Health & Aging MA Health & Aging

MA Indigenous Studies MA Indigenous Studies

MA Labour Studies MA Labour Studies

MA Political Science MA Political Science

MA Religious Studies MA Religious Studies

MA Sociology MA Sociology

MPP In Digital Society MPP in Digital Society

MPP In Housing Policy MPP in Housing Policy

MA Critical Analysis MA Critical Analysis

MSW Critical Leadership In Social Services And Communities MSW Critical Leadership in Social Services and Communities

Doctoral Programs

Our PhD programs are designed for scholars who want to push boundaries, generate new knowledge, and make meaningful contributions to their fields and communities. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research, mentorship, and public scholarship, McMaster’s doctoral students engage deeply with topics ranging from social gerontology and health equity to political theory and economic systems.

Students benefit from collaborative research environments, funding opportunities, and access to national and international networks. Graduates go on to become academic leaders, policy innovators, and changemakers across sectors.

PhD Anthropology learn more

PhD Economics e

PhD Health & Society PhD Health & Society

PhD Labour Studies PhD Labour Studies

PhD Religious Studies PhD Religious Studies

PhD Social Gerontology PhD Social Gerontology

PhD Social Work PhD Social Work

PhD Sociology PhD Sociology

PhD Political Science PhD Political Science

Graduate Diploma

McMaster’s Graduate Diplomas offer focused, flexible programs designed to deepen your expertise in high-impact areas of social research, leadership, and community engagement. Whether you’re advancing your career, complementing a graduate degree, or pursuing specialized training, these diplomas provide rigorous academic grounding and real-world relevance.

GDip Gender & Social Justice Learn About The Program

This interdisciplinary diploma explores the intersections of gender, race, sexuality, class, ability, and other axes of social difference through feminist, anti-racist, anti-colonial, and queer lenses.

Open to PhD students across multiple departments, the program enhances disciplinary research with community-engaged scholarship and critical theory. Students complete coursework, participate in symposia, and integrate gender and social justice into their doctoral research.

GDip Community-Engaged Research And Evaluation Program Overview

This online, part-time diploma equips students with the skills to conduct participatory, justice-focused research and evaluation in social service and community settings.

Through critical coursework and a hands-on research project, students learn to design locally relevant inquiries, apply ethical frameworks, and contribute to meaningful organizational and social change.