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Social Psychology

What Is Social Psychology?

Social Psychology explores how individuals are shaped by their relationships, social groups, and cultural contexts. At McMaster, the program blends psychology and sociology to examine identity, emotion, mental health, and social behaviour.

It’s Canada’s only Honours BA in Social Psychology, offering an interdisciplinary lens on how people think, feel, and interact in society.

What Might You Study?

Courses in Social Psychology span personal, interpersonal, and societal dynamics:

Self & Identity

Personality, self-concept, and social roles

Relationships & Sexuality

Attachment, intimacy, and communication

Mental Health & Well-Being

Emotion, coping, and psychological resilience

Crime & Deviance

Social norms, control, and justice systems

Attitudes & Emotions

Prejudice, persuasion, and emotional regulation

Social Movements & Culture

Collective action, intercultural contact, and social change

Interested in Psychology? Compare PNB and Social Psychology

Program Options

Program Type

Description
Honours Social Psychology BA Core program combing psychology and sociology
Honours Social Psychology BA (Research Specialist Option) Includes advanced research training for graduate study
Honours Social Psychology BA (Psychology Specialization) Integrates social psychology with advanced psychological theory and methods
Honours Social Psychology BA (Research Specialist Option with Psychology Specialization) Advanced social psychology training with intensive research specialization

* Courses range from topics like Psychology of Close Relationships, Mental Health, Making and Breaking Rules, Child Clinical Psychology, and Social Psychology of Crime and the Media

View Social Psychology's 2026-2027 Courses

Unique Opportunities

Social Psychology students explore human behaviour through interdisciplinary coursework, hands-on research, and community engagement – preparing them for careers in mental health, education, law, and advocacy.

Facilities & Resources

While not lab-based, the program offers collaborative spaces and research opportunities:

Students gain experience in qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews, surveys, and statistical analysis.

Experiential Learning & Internships

Students build practical skills through research, placements, and career-focused courses:

Key highlights:

  • Final-year research project with faculty supervision
  • Training in qualitative coding and statistical software
  • Independent research courses and academic placements
  • Paid internships and job shadowing through Experiential Education
  • Career planning course (SOC SCI 2EL3)
  • Opportunities to present research at conferences and publish findings

These experiences help students prepare for graduate school, clinical practice, or careers in social services, education, and advocacy.

Study Abroad & Global Opportunities

Social Psychology students can broaden their perspectives through international exchanges and global research:

Key highlights:

  • McMaster Exchange Program with 100+ global partner universities
  • Study abroad while earning McMaster credits
  • Courses on intercultural contact, global mental health, and social movements
  • Funding support through fellowships and travel bursaries
  • Opportunities to attend international conferences and collaborate with global scholars

These experiences foster cross-cultural understanding and prepare students for global careers in psychology, sociology, and public policy.

Student Life & Community

Social Psychology offers a vibrant and inclusive student experience:

Key highlights:

  • McMaster Social Psychology Society: Connects Social Psychology students through events, mentorship, and academic engagement
  • McMaster Social Sciences Society: Enhances student life across Social Sciences through events, mentorship, and program society support
  • Supportive environment that values empathy, equity, and critical inquiry

Students build lasting relationships while exploring the social forces that shape human behaviour.