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Health, Aging & Society

What Is Health, Aging & Society?

Health, Aging & Society is an interdisciplinary program that explores how health and aging are shaped by social, cultural, economic, and political forces. Students examine the lived experiences of individuals across the life course, as well as the systems and policies that influence well-being, care, and equity.

With a strong focus on mental health, social justice, and aging populations, the program prepares students to think critically and compassionately about some of society’s most pressing challenges. After Level I, students move into two distinct Level II pathways – Health & Society or Social Gerontology – each offering a unique lens on health, aging, and social systems.

Two Distinct Programs - One Shared Foundation

Your first year begins in Health & Society I, the dedicated entry point into the Department of Health, Aging & Society. After Level I, students choose one of two majors:

Health & Society (BA)

A broad program focused on health systems, equity, mental health, disability, and the social determinants of health.

Social Gerontology (BA)

A specialized program focused on aging populations, care systems, later‑life wellbeing, and aging policy.

What Might You Study?

Students in this program explore a wide range of topics that go beyond the biomedical model:

Social Determinants of Health

Income, housing, identity, and access to care

Mental Health & Addiction

Social constructions, stigma, and treatment systems

Aging & Later Life

Myths, care systems, policy, and cultural perspectives

Health Systems & Policy

Organization, equity, and reform

Disability, Chronic Illness & Ethics

Representation, lived experience, and advocacy

Kickstart Your Journey With Health & Society I

Begin your university experience with Health & Society I, the dedicated first-year entry point into McMaster’s Health, Aging & Society programs. This pathway offers an interdisciplinary foundation in public health, mental health, aging, and social policy – taught through the lens of the Social Sciences. With small classes, experiential learning, and community-partnered research, students explore how health and society intersect while building connections across disciplines.

Explore Health & Society I

Program Options

Health & Society Programs

Program Type

Description
Honours Health & Society BA Emphasizes health systems, equity, and mental health
Honours BA Health & Society with Co‑op Academic study and paid work experience in health policy, community care, or public health
Honours Health & Society, Specialization in Mental Health & Addiction BA Study social determinants shaping mental health, addiction, and care systems
Combined Honours BA in Health & Society and Another Subject Pair Health & Society with another discipline
Minor in Health, Aging & Society Add social health insight to any major
Minor in Mental Health, Addiction & Society Explore the social dimensions of mental health
Graduate Programs MA in Health and Aging or PhD in Health and Society

Social Gerontology Programs

Program Type

Description
Honours Social Gerontology BA Focused on aging populations, care systems, and social policy
Honours BA Social Gerontology with Co-op Classroom learning and co-op placements in aging services, advocacy, or gerontology research
Honours Social Gerontology, Specialization in Mental Health & Addiction BA Study aging, mental health, addiction, and care systems through social science
Combined Honours BA in Social Gerontology and Another Subject Pair Social Gerontology with another discipline
Graduate Programs PhD in Social Gerontology

* Courses range from topics like Social Identity, Health & Illness, Geographies of Death & Disease, Global Health, Narratives of Illness, and Ethical Issues in Health & Aging

View Health, Aging, & Society's 2026-2027 Courses

Unique Opportunities

Students in Health, Aging & Society gain hands-on experience through placements, research, and community engagement – preparing them for careers in health, policy, and advocacy.

Labs & Facilities

While not lab-based, students benefit from various centres and facilities:

Students explore health and aging through qualitative research, community partnerships, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Experiential Learning & Internships

Students gain real-world experience through third-year placements and experiential courses:

Key highlights:

These experiences help students apply theory to practice and build professional networks in health, social services, and policy

Study Abroad & Global Opportunities

Students can expand their learning through international exchanges and global health courses:

Key highlights:

  • McMaster Exchange Program with 100+ global partner universities
  • Study abroad while earning McMaster credits
  • Courses like Global Health Crises and Environment & Health
  • Funding support through fellowships and travel bursaries
  • Opportunities for international research collaboration

These experiences foster cultural awareness and a global perspective on health and aging.

Student Life & Community

Health, Aging & Society offers a supportive and interdisciplinary student experience:

Key highlights:

  • Mentorship from upper-year students and faculty
  • Guest lectures, speaker series, and student symposiums
  • Collaboration with Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, and Public Health
  • Opportunities to join student organizations and advocacy groups
  • Small class sizes and close-knit community

Students build lasting connections while exploring meaningful topics that impact lives locally and globally

Health, Aging & Society Student Association (HASSA)

The Health, Aging & Society Student Association (HASSA) is a student-run group that fosters connection, engagement, and support across all years and programs. Acting as a bridge between students and faculty, HASSA promotes the study of health and aging through academic, social, and cultural programming.

Key highlights:

  • Academic events like Meet the Profs, guest lectures, and student panels
  • Peer mentorship and guidance for first-year and transfer students
  • Advocacy and awareness campaigns around mental health, aging, and equity
  • Social events including mixers, wellness activities, and themed socials
  • Collaboration with other program societies and the MSSS for cross-departmental events
  • Opportunities to join the executive team or volunteer at events

Whether you’re looking to deepen your academic experience, meet new people, or get involved in advocacy, HASSA offers a welcoming and inclusive space to grow within the Health, Aging & Society community.