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Faculty of Social Sciences

Business Studies Certificate

McMaster student studying in library

Business Studies Certificate

The Business Studies certificate courses exposes students to core business processes. Courses are taught by professionals with experience in the field. Some areas of focus are: Human Resources, Marketing, Accounting, and Financial Management.

You will gain practical skills that are attractive to future employers. All courses are taught on campus by individuals experienced in the field of study. The courses are used towards your McMaster degree elective requirement.

This is a course based certificate with both full time and part time options. Students must be registered in a Level II or above in a Social Sciences degree program. Not open to continuing students. Contact socscfac@mcmaster.ca for more information.

About The Certificate

Requirements & Timelines

Students can begin working toward the Business Studies Certificate after completing Level I – no formal application or admission process is required. Simply enroll in the six designated courses throughout your degree and declare the certificate when you apply to graduate.

The certificate consists of 18 units (six 3-unit courses), each designed to build foundational business knowledge tailored for Social Sciences students. Courses include:

  • SOCSCI 2AC3 – Financial & Managerial Accounting
  • SOCSCI 2BU3 – Introduction to Business
  • SOCSCI 2EN3 – Entrepreneurial Training
  • SOCSCI 2HR3 – Human Resources Management
  • SOCSCI 2MR3 – Introduction to Marketing
  • SOCSCI 2BA3 – Introduction to Business Analysis

These courses are taught by Mohawk College faculty at McMaster and count as electives toward your undergraduate degree.

Financial Information, Scholarships & Awards

McMaster University offers a range of financial assistance options to support students throughout their undergraduate journey:

  • Automatic Entrance Awards: All incoming undergraduate students are automatically considered for McMaster’s entrance scholarships – no separate application required.
  • Additional Financial Aid: Beyond entrance awards, students can access:
    • In-course scholarships (based on academic performance during studies)
    • Bursaries (based on financial need)
    • Government Aid programs (e.g., OSAP)
    • Work Study opportunities (on-campus employment for eligible students)
  • Application & Eligibility: Each type of aid has its own application process and eligibility criteria. Students are encouraged to explore options early and stay informed about deadlines.

Academic Support Book An Academic Advising Appointment

The Academic Advising Office – operated through the Office of the Associate Dean – is dedicated to supporting Social Sciences undergraduate students throughout their academic journey. Its mission is to empower students with the information, options, and guidance they need to make informed decisions and thrive at McMaster.

Advisors provide personalized support in areas such as:

  • Course Planning: Understanding course requirements, adding/dropping courses, and staying on track for graduation.
  • Program Guidance: Selecting, applying to, or changing academic programs.
  • Global Opportunities: Exploring study abroad options and navigating the application process.
  • Transfer Credits: Evaluating and applying external credits toward your McMaster degree.
  • Academic Petitions: Seeking special consideration for missed work, deferred exams, or other academic accommodations
  • Appeals Support: Navigating academic appeals procedures.
  • Campus Resources: Connecting with other student services and supports across campus.

Courses

To earn the Business Studies Certificate, Social Sciences students must complete six designated courses (18 units total), which count as university electives. The certificate is open to BA or Honours BA students in Level II or above – no application required. Simply complete the courses and declare the certificate at graduation.

Required Courses & Highlights:

  • SOCSCI 2AC3 – Financial & Managerial Accounting Covers financial statement analysis, costing, budgeting, and decision-making tools. Grade 11 Math is recommended. Not open to students with Commerce accounting credits.
  • SOCSCI 2BU3 – Introduction to Business Offers a broad overview of business functions, management principles, and organizational structure in the Canadian context. Not open to students with Commerce 1B03 or 1E03.
  • SOCSCI 2EN3 – Entrepreneurial Training Examines entrepreneurship through both theory and practice. Prior completion of SOCSCI 2AC3, 2BU3, or 2MR3 is recommended. Not open to students with Engineering Management 5E03.
  • SOCSCI 2HR3 – Human Resources Management Develops practical HR skills using case studies and simulations. Not open to students with Commerce 2BC3.
  • SOCSCI 2MR3 – Introduction to Marketing Focuses on marketing strategy, consumer behavior, and product development within dynamic environments. Not open to students with Commerce 2MA3.
  • SOCSCI 2BA3 – Introduction to Business Analysis Teaches planning, stakeholder engagement, and business plan development using industry-standard tools. Open only to Social Sciences students in Level II or above.

Note: These courses are not available to Continuing Students (graduates not pursuing an advanced degree).