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Sociology

What is Sociology?

Sociology explores how social structures, institutions, and relationships shape human experience. At McMaster, students examine inequality, identity, culture, and power through critical and empirical lenses.

The program emphasizes social justice, research skills, and interdisciplinary inquiry – preparing students to understand and transform the world around them.

What Might You Study?

Courses in Sociology span personal, institutional, and global dimensions of society:

Social Inequality

Race, class, gender, sexuality, and disability

Family & Relationships

Intimacy, parenting, and household dynamics

Education & Youth

School systems, achievement, and at-risk populations

Crime & Law

Deviance, policing, and justice systems

Work & Occupations

Labour markets, precarity, and organizational culture

Media & Technology

Social media, surveillance, and digital life

Social Movements & Politics

Activism, resistance, and policy change

Immigration & Race Relations

Belonging, migration, and settler colonialism

Program Options

Program Type

Description
Honours Sociology BA Core program with options for research specialization
Honours Sociology with Co-op
 A 5-year program combining academic study with paid work experience in social research, policy, or advocacy
Honours Sociology BA Specialist Option
 A 4-year program with advanced training in theory, methods, and small seminar-style courses
Combined Honours BA in Sociology and Another Subject Pair Sociology with another discipline
Combined Honours BA in Sociology Specialist Option and Another Subject
 Pair Sociology with another discipline while gaining specialized research and analytical skills
Minor in Sociology Add sociological insight to any major
Minor in Diversity and Equity Study how power, identity, and inequality shape social experiences
Minor in Gender, Sexualities and Families Examine gender, sexualities, and family dynamics across social contexts
Minor in Immigration, Race Relations and Indigenous-Settler Relations Analyze migration, racism, and Indigenous‑settler relations across social contexts
Minor in Social Problems, Social Policy and the Law Explore social issues through policy frameworks and legal perspectives
Graduate Programs (MA, PhD) Advanced research in inequality, work, race, politics, and more
Concurrent Certificate in Criminology Examine legal systems, forensics, and the social construction of crime

* Courses range from topics like Law and Society, Media and Power, Sociology of Sexualities, Social Movements & Advocacy, and Critical Perspectives on Race & Colonialism

View Sociology's 2026-2027 Courses

Unique Opportunities

Sociology students explore social life through critical theory, hands-on research, and community engagement – preparing them for careers in advocacy, policy, education, and beyond.

Facilities & Resources

While not lab-based, the department offers collaborative spaces and research resources:

Students explore social issues through interviews, surveys, policy analysis, and community-based research.

Experiential Learning & Internships

Students gain hands-on experience through research, placements, and applied coursework:

Key highlights:

  • Independent study and faculty-supervised research projects
  • Training in qualitative and quantitative methods
  • Courses on advocacy, social movements, and policy change
  • Career planning course (SOC SCI 2EL3)
  • Graduate students complete thesis, research papers, or community-based projects

These experiences help students prepare for graduate school, public service, or careers in social research, education, and advocacy.

Study Abroad & Global Opportunities

Sociology 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 global inequality, migration, and human rights
  • 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 sociology and public policy.

Student Life & Community

Sociology offers a vibrant and inclusive student experience rooted in equity and collaboration:

Key highlights:

  • McMaster Sociology Student Society (Mac Soc): Highlights student life, events, and advocacy in Sociology through posts, updates, and community engagement
  • The McMaster Social Sciences Society (MSSS): Supports 4,000+ Social Sciences students through events, mentorship, and 11 program societies focused on academic and community engagement
  • Collaboration with Social Psychology, Health Studies, Indigenous Studies, and more
  • Inclusive environment that values compassion, justice, and critical inquiry

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