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Honours in Social Psychology

Faculty of Social Sciences

Program

Pathways

Honours Bachelor of Arts in Social Psychology (Hons.B.A.)

Length:
4 years
Required Credential:
Completion of any Level I program with a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 including a grade of at least C in SOCPSY 1Z03 and successful completion of one of PSYCH 1F03, PSYCH 1X03, or SOCIOL 1Z03 (or SOCIOL 1A06 A/B). Completion of SOCIOL 1Z03 and one of PSYCH 1F03, PSYCH 1X03 is required by the end of the first term in Level II.
Program Type:
Course Based
Program Options:
Full-time, Part-time

Hons.B.A.Honours Bachelor of Arts in Social Psychology

How do people come to be who they are? How do people think about, influence and relate to one another? How do individuals experience their social realities? These are the broad questions that social psychology strives to answer. Among the themes that social psychology students explore are self-presentation and impression management, identity, emotions, social interaction, conformity and obedience, deviance and labeling, and collective action and social movements.

Since Social Psychology concerns the study of human behaviour, there are job opportunities for social psychology majors in virtually every type of employment setting, including educational institutions, non-profit organizations, corporations, government, and hospitals. Careers can include teaching, research, counselling (not just career counselling, but also mental health, crisis counselling etc.), occupational therapy, community organizing, management, human resources, labour relations, conflict resolution, marketing, policy analysis, strategic planning, correctional services, voluntary services, etc.

The Social Psychology Program provides preparation for professional programs. Graduates may be eligible for some interdisciplinary MA programs. Students must research the graduate school requirements and ensure that they include requisite courses in their program.

Requirements

120 units total (Levels I to IV), of which 48 units may be Level I

30 units

from

  • the Level I program completed prior to admission to the program.
    (See Admission)

3 units

from

3 units

from

6 units

3 units

3 units

from

 

3 units

 

3 units

9 units

from

6 units

3 units

from

3 units

  • from the Level 4 Course List

9 units

  • Psychology from the Psychology - Sociology Course List

9 units

  • Sociology from the Psychology - Sociology Course List

6 units

from

  • the Multidisciplinary Course List of which at least three units must be from Level III

30 units

  • Electives

Enrolment in this program is limited and possession of the published minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Selection is based on academic achievement but requires, as a minimum, completion of any Level I program with a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 including a grade of at least C in SOCPSY 1Z03 and successful completion of one of PSYCH 1F03, PSYCH 1X03, or SOCIOL 1Z03 (or SOCIOL 1A06 A/B). Completion of SOCIOL 1Z03 and one of PSYCH 1F03, PSYCH 1X03 is required by the end of the first term in Level II.  Completion of both requirements in Level I is strongly recommended. For continuation in the program, see the section on Minimum Requirements for Entering and Continuing in a Program Beyond Level I in the Faculty of Social Sciences Academic Regulations.

  1. Students must have completed both an introductory Psychology course (either PSYCH 1F03 and PSYCH 1X03) and an introductory Sociology course (SOCIOL 1Z03 (or SOCIOL 1A06 A/B)) by the end of the first term in Level II.
  2. Students are responsible for ensuring that they meet the prerequisites for any course they wish to take from the course lists.
  3. Students who wish to have a course not on the Multidisciplinary Course List count towards their multidisciplinary course requirement must first discuss it with an Academic Advisor and then obtain permission from the Social Psychology Program Director.
  4. Students considering a graduate program should consult a departmental advisor to plan a program of study that meets admission requirements for such programs. Additional courses may be required.
  5. This program does not normally provide the appropriate preparation for students to enter graduate studies in clinical psychology. Please refer to the Honours Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (B.A.) program in this section of the calendar.
  6. Students may take a maximum of 12 units of Level IV courses.
  7. Social Psychology at McMaster encompasses a broad area. The program is flexible in that students are able to select from a wide range of courses those that interest them most. However, for those students who wish to give their studies a tighter focus, there are several thematic areas to consider in making course selections.
  8. Students interested in a concentration in Psychology may complete the Minor in Psychology provided they do not have more than 6 units of Psychology courses above Level 1 overlapping with the Honours Social Psychology degree requirements.
  9. Students interested in a concentration in Sociology may complete the Minor in Sociology provided they do not have more than 6 units of Sociology courses above Level 1 overlapping with the Honours Social Psychology degree requirements.
  10. Students who take SOCPSY 3L03 are encouraged to take it before entry in SOCPSY 4ZZ6 A/B.
 

Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

All undergraduate students accepted for admission to McMaster University are automatically considered for a McMaster University entrance award. Additional entrance awards, in-course scholarships, bursaries and other forms of financial assistance is available to you at various stages of their undergraduate careers.

Each scholarship, bursary, Government Aid or Work Study Program a has its own unique application process and requirements. More information on financial aid visit the Student Financial Aid & Scholarship (SFAS) Office.

Academic Advising

The Academic Advising office is run through the Office of the Associate Dean. The primary goal of the Advising Office is to provide all Social Sciences undergraduate students with the information and guidance they need to succeed in their academic careers.

Advisors can help you make the right academic decisions by explaining policies and regulations as well as presenting different options and supports available in your studies.

An academic advisor can assist you with:

  • Course requirements, dropping and adding courses
  • Program selection, application and changes
  • Studying abroad
  • Transfer credits
  • Petitions for missed term work, deferred examinations and special consideration
  • Appeals procedures
  • Referral to other campus services

Learn more about Academic Advising in the Social Sciences.

Psychology - Sociology Course List

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have successfully completed any prerequisite courses and are strongly encouraged to consult with an academic advisor in planning their course of studies.

Multidisciplinary Course List

Level 4 Course List

2018/2019 Undergraduate Calendar Understanding Level 1 Compare Psychology Degree Options McMaster/Mohawk Affiliated Certificates Experiential Education Apply Now
For more information:
Honours Social Psychology Program
Kenneth Taylor Hall, Room 212
(905) 525-9140 ext. 22241
socpsy@mcmaster.ca
Length:
4 years
Required Credential:
Completion of any Level I program with a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 including a grade of at least C in SOCPSY 1Z03 and successful completion of one of PSYCH 1F03, PSYCH 1X03, or SOCIOL 1Z03 (or SOCIOL 1A06 A/B). Completion of SOCIOL 1Z03 and one of PSYCH 1F03, PSYCH 1X03 is required by the end of the first term in Level II.
Program Type:
Course Based
Program Options:
Full-time, Part-time
Typical Entry:
September