Undergraduate Programs & Courses
Undergraduate Programs
Creating future leaders requires a diverse education experience, which is why we offer a wide variety of required and elective courses to students in our programs and across the University.
This is your opportunity to explore and discover the academic program that is right for you. Most of our Level I students build a unique program in year one that provides them with a broad range of experiences on different subjects.
Students enrolled in Social Sciences I study across a wide range of subjects in their first year and declare a major in year two. Students in Economics I and Health and Society I focus on their areas of study right from their first year. No matter which path you choose, you can do an Honours BA or a combined Honours BA, as well as complement your degree with a minor and/or affiliated certificate, giving you over 260 possible combinations to choose from.
Find out more about our available undergraduate courses sorted by program, course and subject area below.
Programs
Choosing your program is one of the most exciting parts of starting university. In the Faculty of Social Sciences, you’ll find a diverse range of undergraduate programs that let you explore the world through different lenses – whether you’re passionate about understanding human behaviour, tackling global challenges, or shaping public policy. Take a look at the options below and start building your academic path.
Anthropology Anthropology
Study the human journey through time, culture, and biology.
McMaster Anthropology offers immersive exploration of archaeology, cultural practices, and evolutionary science – helping students understand what connects and distinguishes us as humans.
Economics Economics
Discover how decisions shape our world, from individual choices to global markets.
Economics at McMaster offers analytical tools and real-world applications to explore policy, finance, and economic theory with practical impact.
Earth, Environment & Society Earth, Environment & Society
Examine the deep connections between people and the planet.
This interdisciplinary program blends geography, policy, and environmental science to tackle climate change, sustainability, and spatial justice.
Globalization Learn more
Analyze global systems, cultural exchange, and social transformation in a rapidly changing world.
Globalization Studies prepares students to navigate international dynamics through lenses of power, migration, and resistance.
Health, Aging & Society Health, Aging & Society
Explore health and aging as social, political, and cultural phenomena.
This unique program investigates how aging populations experience care, equity, and well-being, connecting research to advocacy and policy.
Indigenous Studies Indigenous Studies
Learn from Indigenous ways of knowing, storytelling, and scholarship.
Rooted in community and relational ethics, McMaster’s Indigenous Studies program centers Indigenous perspectives, sovereignty, and histories across Turtle Island and beyond.
Labour Studies Labour Studies
Uncover the struggles and victories of workers and social movements.
This program looks at work through the lenses of justice, equity, and activism, fostering critical skills for shaping fairer workplaces and policies.
Political Science Political Science
Engage with the ideas and institutions that shape power and governance.
McMaster Political Science spans global affairs, law, public policy, and theory – preparing students to critically evaluate leadership, democracy, and conflict.
Social Work Social Work
Become a catalyst for change and compassion.
McMaster Social Work focuses on anti-oppressive practice, trauma-informed care, and ethical advocacy, empowering graduates to lead with empathy across communities and systems.
Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour
Explore the biological and cognitive mechanisms behind how we think, feel, and behave.
PNB at McMaster combines cutting-edge neuroscience and psychology to investigate brain function, emotion, and mental health.
Religious Studies Society, Culture & Religion
Question meaning, morality, and human experience through diverse religious and ethical traditions.
McMaster’s program fosters critical reflection across history, culture, and contemporary debates.
Social Psychology Social Psychology
Delve into how social dynamics shape thoughts, emotions, and identity.
This interdisciplinary program merges sociology and psychology to explore relationships, influence, and the construction of self in society.
Sociology Sociology
Examine the structures, patterns, and inequalities that define social life.
Sociology encourages students to critically engage with topics from gender and race to technology and globalization – all while fostering meaningful social change.
Courses
Curious about what you’ll actually study? Our undergraduate courses span a wide range of topics – from global issues and political systems to human behaviour and social justice. Whether you’re exploring your interests or diving deep into your major, these course offerings give you the flexibility to shape your academic journey. Click below to explore courses by subject area and discover what inspires you.
