Social Sciences I

Step 1 – Begin Your First Year In Social Sciences I (General Pathway)

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Welcome To Your First Year: A Flexible, Explore-First Pathway

Social Sciences I is your starting point if you’re curious about people, communities, and the forces that shape our world – but aren’t ready to choose a major yet.

This general-entry pathway gives you the freedom to explore courses across the faculty, discover what excites you, and decide your direction with confidence. You’ll learn alongside other explorers, supported by professors who challenge your thinking and advisors who help you navigate your options. It’s a flexible, curiosity-driven beginning that lets you shape your academic path on your own terms.

Admission At A Glance

OUAC Code: ML

Anticipated Admission Average: Low-to-mid 80s

Target Enrolment: 855 students

Ontario Admission Requirements:

  • Six 4U/M courses
  • Must include English

No supplementary application required.

Planning ahead? We’re here to help.

Use McMaster’s tuition and fees estimator to get a clear, easy view of your first-year costs – so you can plan with confidence.

If You’re Planning For PNB & Economics

  • MCV4U and SBI4U are strongly recommended for students planning to enter Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour (PNB)
  • MCV4U and MHF4U are strongly recommended for students planning to enter Economics

Step 2 – What You’ll Do In First Year (Level I Curriculum & Exploration)

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Your Core Level I Courses

Start With The Basics

Every Social Sciences I student takes six foundational courses that introduce key ideas and perspectives across the social sciences. These courses help you build essential skills and prepare for Honours programs.

Examples: Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Indigenous Studies

Your Electives – Space to Explore

Follow Your Curiosity

Alongside your core courses, choose 3 – 4 electives to round out your schedule. Dive deeper into Social Sciences – or branch out into Humanities, Science, or beyond.

Unique Options: Indigenous languages, global citizenship, research and inquiry

See How It All Fits Together

Get a glimpse of your first year – our Sample Social Sciences I Schedule shows how core courses and electives combine to create a flexible, exciting start.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Introduction to Anthropology Sex, Food and Death
Lecture: 10:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.
Introduction to Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour
Lecture: 2:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.
An Introduction to Social Psychology
Lecture: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.		 Government, Power and Politics
Lecture: 10:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.
Introduction to Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour
Tutorial: 12:30 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.
An Introduction to Social Psychology
Tutorial: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.		 Introduction to Anthropology Sex, Food and Death
Lecture 9:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.
Introduction to Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour
Lecture: 12:30 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.		 Government, Power and Politics
Lecture: 1:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.
Government, Power and Politics
Tutorial: 2:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.		 Inquiry in the Social Sciences
Seminar: 11:30 a.m. – 2:20 p.m.

 

Explore The Social Science I Course Calendar

Step 3 – End Of First Year: Apply To Your Program of Choice

At the End of First Year: Choosing Your Major

Once you complete Social Sciences I, your next big step is selecting the Honours program you’ll enter in Level II. This happens each spring through Mosaic, McMaster’s student portal, during the official Level II Program Selection period.

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How Program Selection Works

You’ll rank your preferred Level II programs—your top choices for majors or specializations within Social Sciences. When making your selections, keep these in mind:

  • Prerequisites for each program (many require specific Level I courses)
  • Your interests and which subjects resonated with you in first year
  • Admission requirements for limited-enrolment programs
  • Co-op plans, since some programs require extra eligibility steps

The Faculty offers additional advising support during this time, including drop-in hours for questions about program requirements or pathways.

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Co-op Options

Interested in gaining paid work experience during your degree? Several Honours Social Sciences programs offer co-op pathways. You apply for co-op at the same time as your Level II program – through the same process in Mosaic.

Co-op eligibility varies by program, so check prerequisites and required first-year courses before ranking your choices.

What Happens Next

After you submit your ranked choices, departments review applications and confirm placements based on eligibility and space.

Once decisions are released, you’ll officially begin your chosen Honours program in Level II.

Step 4 – Choose Your Major (Level II): Explore Your Program Options

Level II Program Options

After completing Social Sciences I and submitting your Level II program choices, you’ll move into the Honours program that best fits your interests. The Faculty of Social Sciences offers a wide range of majors – each with its own questions, methods, and ways of understanding the world.

Below are all the programs you can apply to after first year. Each one offers different pathways, opportunities for experiential learning, and in some cases, co-op options. As you explore your choices, think about:

  • The courses that energized you in first year
  • The questions you want to keep asking
  • The kind of impact you hope to make

Step 5 – Planning & Support Tips

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Your first year is a time to explore widely, ask questions, and start shaping the path that feels right for you.

Social Sciences I is built around that spirit – and there’s a lot of support available to help you make confident decisions along the way.

Connect With Academic Advising Early

Throughout your first year, you’re encouraged to meet with the Faculty of Social Sciences’ Academic Advising & Support team. Advisors can help you plan your courses, understand prerequisites, explore co-op options, and think through your long-term goals. You can drop in, book an appointment, or meet virtually – whatever works best for you.

Advisors are also your go-to resource when you’re preparing for Level II program selection, navigating MOSAIC, or checking requirements in the Academic Calendar.

Keep An Exploratory Mindset

Social Sciences I is designed for students who want to explore before committing to a major. Your first year is the perfect time to:

  • Try electives that spark your curiosity
  • Sample courses across different disciplines
  • Engage with professors and peers who challenge your thinking
  • Notice which subjects energize you – and which ones don’t

Most Social Sciences I students build a unique first-year program that exposes them to a broad range of subjects before choosing a major in Level II.