Your First Step: Level I Pathways In Social Sciences

Explore. Discover. Decide – On Your Terms.

Choosing a university program can feel like a big decision – and it is. But it doesn’t have to be stressful. At McMaster Social Sciences, we believe your journey should start with curiosity, not pressure. That’s why we offer three flexible first-year pathways – Social Sciences I, Health & Society I, and Economics I – each designed to give you space to explore what matters to you before choosing a major.

Here, you’ll find room to ask questions, try new things, and grow in your own way. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need a place to start – and a community that’s ready to support you every step of the way.

Choose Your Path

Every journey begins with a choice – and yours can start with possibility. Whether you’re driven by curiosity, passion, or a desire to make a difference, these first-year pathways are designed to help you build a foundation for the future you imagine.

At McMaster Social Sciences, your first step isn’t just about picking a program – it’s about discovering what moves you.

Social Sciences I Explore Social Sciences I

Not sure where to begin? Social Sciences I is designed for students who want to explore before deciding.

You’ll take courses across 12 departments – from sociology and anthropology to political science and social psychology – giving you the freedom to discover what sparks your interest.

It’s a flexible, curiosity-driven starting point for students who want to shape their own path.

Health & Society I Explore Health & Society I

If you’re passionate about health, equity, and making a difference, this direct-entry pathway explores how wellness is shaped by social forces – from policy and culture to lived experience and systemic change.

You’ll learn to think critically about aging, care, and community through an interdisciplinary lens that connects ideas to impact.

It’s a starting point for students who want to understand – and improve – the world around them.

Economics I Explore Economics I

If you’re curious about how decisions are made, how markets work, or how data shapes the world, this pathway builds a strong foundation in theory and analysis – while giving you room to explore other areas across Social Sciences.

Whether you’re thinking about policy, finance, global systems, or social impact, you’ll develop the skills to understand complexity and drive meaningful change.

It’s a starting point for students who want to think critically, solve problems, and make a difference.