Enhance Your Degree

Build a Social Sciences experience that reflects who you are – and who you want to become.

University is more than lectures and textbooks. In Social Sciences, you can customize your degree through minors, certificates, experiential learning, research, career development, and academic support designed to help you grow personally and professionally.

Whether you’re exploring new interests, gaining hands‑on experience, or planning for your future, these opportunities help you shape a degree that’s truly your own.

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Careers & Experiential Education Visit Careers & Experiential Education

Your Future Starts Here

Careers & Experiential Education (CEE) is your central hub for exploring career options, developing skills, and preparing for life after graduation. Whether you’re discovering new interests or taking your next big step, CEE supports you every step of the way.

CEE helps you:

  • Find co‑op, internships, and job opportunities
  • Access career advising, workshops, and résumé support
  • Explore industries and career pathways connected to Social Sciences
  • Build leadership, communication, and workplace skills
  • Prepare for graduate or professional programs

Connect with resources that help you imagine – and prepare for – your future.

Co-op & Work-Integrated Learning Learn About Co-op & Work-Integrated Learning

Turn your learning into experience – and get paid while doing it.

Some Social Sciences programs offer co-op or structured work-integrated learning opportunities where you can apply your studies in real‑world environments.

Through co‑op, you can:

  • Complete full‑time, paid work terms
  • Explore careers in government, non‑profit, research, business, and community organizations
  • Build professional experience before graduating
  • Network with employers and mentors
  • Strengthen your résumé and career confidence

Availability varies by program, so be sure to check your specific degree requirements.

 

Minors View Minors

View Minors

Customize your Social Sciences degree with a minor that reflects your interests and strengthens your academic and career pathway. Choose from dozens of minors – from Anthropology and Economics to Labour Studies, Indigenous Studies, Globalization, and more.

A minor can help you:

  • Deepen your learning
  • Explore cross-disciplinary themes
  • Build skills that stand out to employers and graduate programs

Concurrent Certificates Explore Concurrent Certificates

Explore Concurrent Certificates

Develop specialized, career-oriented skills while earning credit toward your BA. Concurrent Certificates offer focused pathways in areas such as:

  • Social Innovation
  • Applied Research
  • Community engagement
  • Leadership and civic impact

These certificates are flexible and do not extend your degree.

Interdisciplinary Minors & Thematic Areas Discover Unique Options

Discover Unique Options

Interdisciplinary minors let you explore complex global and societal issues through multiple academic lenses.

Options include:

  • Archaeology
  • Globalization
  • Civic Vitality
  • Muslim Studies
  • Social Justice
  • Indigenous themes

These programs blend theory with practical skills to prepare you for meaningful, community-driven work.

McMaster / Mohawk Affiliated Certificates Consider the Mohawk Certificate Program

Consider the Mohawk Certificate Program

Earn a Mohawk College certificate alongside your McMaster degree. These programs offer applied, career-ready skills taught by industry professionals.

Certificates may include:

  • Business
  • Leadership & Management
  • Mental Health & Disability Management

These courses count as electives toward your McMaster degree, allowing you to graduate with both a BA and an additional college credential.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities (USRA) Learn More About USRA Opportunities

Get paid to conduct your own research project.

The McMaster Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRAs) offer Social Sciences students the chance to work one-on-one with a faculty supervisor on a 16-week research project.

Students typically commit 10-20 hours per week and present their work at the USRA Poster Symposium.

Award Highlights

  • Value: $7,500
  • Up to 18 awards granted annually
  • Available in Fall/Winter or Spring/Summer

Who Should Apply?

Students interested in research, policy, graduate school, data analysis, community impact, or academic enrichment.

MODEL - English Language Support Learn Through MODEL

Learn Through MODEL

MODEL (McMaster Office for the Development of English Language Learners) provides free academic English support to help you succeed in your coursework and beyond.

Support includes:

  • One-on-one consultations
  • Workshops
  • Diagnostic assessments
  • Writing and presentation help
  • A certificate of attendance for participation

MODEL services are open to all students – at any level of proficiency.

Awards & Scholarships Discover Scholarships & Awards

Find Scholarships & Financial Aid

Explore scholarships, bursaries, government aid, and work-study opportunities that support your academic journey. The Aid & Awards hub helps you find the funding that fits your needs – including opportunities for Indigenous, Black, and youth-in-care students.