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McMaster/Mohawk Affiliated Certificate Program

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Earn a Mohawk College certificate as you complete your Social Sciences degree.

The McMaster/Mohawk affiliated certificate program allows you to earn a degree and a specialized certificate concurrently. This program is exclusive to McMaster Social Sciences students and offers an innovative way to balance the theoretical knowledge acquired from a university education with the practical application traditionally offered in college.

Types Of Certificates

Business Studies Explore Business Studies

Gain practical business skills while earning your Social Sciences degree through the Business Studies Certificate.

Taught by industry professionals, this six-course program covers marketing, accounting, HR, and entrepreneurship – all counting toward your McMaster electives.

Disability Management Engage In Disability Management

Explore the complexities of disability through hands-on learning and applied research.

This six-course certificate equips Social Sciences students with intervention strategies, pharmacological insights, and collaborative skills to support individuals and families. Includes simulation labs and a capstone project – all counting toward your McMaster electives

How it Works

Affiliated Mohawk certificate programs are available to all Social Sciences students in a three-level Bachelor of Arts or four-level Honours Bachelor of Arts program. Students are eligible to enrol in certificate courses once they enter into a level II program. They can be paired with any Social Sciences degree.

Students will gain desired practical skills, taught by working professionals in the field. All courses are taught on campus by Mohawk College instructors.

These specialized certificates will be issued by Mohawk College at the time of graduation and are based upon successful completion of the six prescribed courses for the particular certificate. You can take all six courses (18 units) for the certificate or take individual courses as electives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing A Certification Choosing A Certificate

Explore your options: The Business Studies Certificate (via Mohawk College) is open to Social Sciences students in 3- or 4-level programs and requires 18 units.

In contrast, the Minor in Business is for Honours students in 4- or 5-level programs across any Faculty and requires 24 units including Economics. Certificates affiliated with Social Sciences differ from those offered through Continuing Education in structure and eligibility.

Courses Courses

Certificate courses are taught at McMaster by Mohawk College faculty and count toward your Social Sciences degree. Seats are limited – register early. Business Studies courses may qualify as teachables for Education programs.

Students in 3-year degrees can take up to 6 certificate courses; those in 4-year degrees can take up to 8. Required courses vary by certificate – Business Studies, Not-for-Profit Leadership, and Disability Management each include six specialized offerings.

Fees Fees

Certificate courses are included in your regular tuition – no extra fees.

Each 3-unit course counts toward your degree and qualifies for OSAP, since they’re part of your full-time course load. Financial aid eligibility remains unchanged.

Graduation & Accreditation Graduation & Accreditation

Social Sciences affiliated certificates are awarded upon graduation, once you’ve completed six approved courses (18 units). If you finish your degree before completing all requirements, you can apply to Mohawk College to finish the certificate separately.

Graduates may also qualify for advanced standing toward Mohawk diplomas. These certificates offer practical, career-ready skills that blend academic theory with hands-on learning.

Requirements Requirements

To begin a Social Sciences affiliated certificate, you must be in Level II or higher and can start selecting courses in June.

Math is recommended for some courses, and up to 6 units may be substituted with advisor approval. If you don’t complete the full certificate, your courses still count toward your degree electives.

Transferring Transferring

Certificate Eligibility: You must complete a Social Sciences degree to receive the affiliated certificate – even if you’ve finished all 18 required units.

Course Credit After Transfer: If you transfer to another Faculty, your Social Sciences certificate courses may still count as electives. Check with your new Faculty Advisor to confirm how many units can be applied.