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First Year Program
Click on the headings below to explore features of the first year program.
Social Sciences I: A General First Year Program
If you are admitted to the Faculty of Social Sciences, you will start by taking a general program called Social Sciences I. This gives you the chance to explore fully the direction you wish to take in higher education, before deciding on a specific degree program at the end of your first year. It allows you both to continue with subjects you have enjoyed at high school and to broaden your horizons by trying out others (such as Political Science or Health Studies) which you may not have encountered before.
What is Social Sciences I?
Social Sciences I is made up of 30 units of courses. At McMaster, a course is generally worth either 3 or 6 units. A 3-unit course usually lasts for one term and a 6-unit course for two. You can tell how many units a course is worth by looking at the last digit in the course code (e.g. 1A03 or 1B06). A student taking a full-load will usually complete Social Sciences 1 in one academic year, taking 15 units of courses in each of the fall and winter terms.
Flexibility and Choice
As a Social Sciences student, you will have a great deal of flexibility when creating your Level I program and will be able to choose from a wide range of courses, including those offered by other faculties. However certain requirements must be met. Students must take at least 12 units of required Social Sciences courses. The remaining 18 units of courses can be chosen from Social Sciences or other Faculties, providing you meet the prerequisites of individual courses.
Level One Courses
Click the link below to view the Undergrade Calendar:
http://registrar.mcmaster.ca/CALENDAR/2012-13/pg1670.html
Preparing for your Level II Program
Social Sciences I acts as the gateway to your degree program. The most common requirement for entry to a Level II Social Sciences program is completion of any Level I program with at least 6 units of Level I courses in that subject. By selecting 6 units of courses in a number of different disciplines, you can increase your options for Level II. Entrance requirements for individual programs can vary, so check any that interest you carefully! See below for more information about Social Sciences programs and the Faculty, Programs and Schools section of the Undergraduate Calendar for entrance requirements for all programs.
Applying for Level II Programs
Step 1:
Attend a Level II Undergraduate Program Selection Information Session
Speak to a Departmental Academic Advisor March 18 - 29, 2013
Step 2:
Select a Level II Program on MUGSI between March 5 - April 30, 2013
Using MUGSI, all Level I students must electronically advise the University of their program choice(s) for Level II by early April. Attending Advising Week will have provided you with information on the options that are available. This selection process is necessary in order to guarantee that you be considered for admission to the programs you have chosen. This is especially important with respect to limited enrollment programs such as Honours Psychology and Social Work.
Step 3:
Check Confirmation of Program Eligibility on beginning May 28, 2013
When you apply for program entry through MUGSI, you can select up to four program options. Your choice of programs will appear on your final grade report which will be available on MUGSI at the end of May. Your eligibility to enter these programs will be stated on the grade report along with your final grades so that you can proceed with your registration for September.
Step 4:
Register for Level II beginning June 13, 2013
You must complete registration to one of the programs for which you have been approved. Registration will be completed via SOLAR along with course selection. For instructions, you should monitor the ‘Getting Registered’ website.
