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 BA in Sociology | Core program with options for research specialization |
| Honours BA Sociology (Co-op) |
A 5-year program combining academic study with paid work experience in social research, policy, or advocacy |
| Sociology (BA) |
A flexible 3-year program focused on social structures, inequality, and everyday life |
| Honours BA Sociology (Specialist Option) |
A 4-year program with advanced training in theory, methods, and small seminar-style courses |
| Combined Honours BA | Pair Sociology with another discipline |
| Combined Honours BA Sociology (Specialist Option) |
Pair Sociology with another discipline while gaining specialized research and analytical skills |
| Minor in Sociology | Add sociological insight to any major |
| Minors in Specialized Areas | Diversity and Equity, Gender and Families, Immigration and Race Relations, Social Policy and Law |
| Graduate Programs (MA, PhD) | Advanced research in inequality, work, race, politics, and more |
* Courses range from topics like Law and Society, Media and Power, Sociology of Sexualities, Social Movements & Advocacy, and Critical Perspectives on Race & Colonialism
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:
- Advanced Research on Mental Health and Society (ARMS): Advances research on assessment, measurement, and evaluation in education through interdisciplinary collaboration
- McMaster Indigenous Research Institute (MIRI): Optimizes aging through interdisciplinary research, education, and community partnerships that support health and longevity
- The Krader Project: Preserves and publishes the philosophical and anthropological manuscripts of Lawrence Krader to support global scholarship
- Brown Bag Series & Workshops: Forums for sharing research and building skills
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.