Latest News & Events
Social Sciences Career Crawl: February 25 – March 22
A series of career events featuring alumni, profs, workshops, panels & more! Open to all Social Sciences students.
Feb 11, 2019
Experience learning a whole new way
The Faculty of Social Sciences' Office of Experiential Education does a lot more than help students get work experience, find jobs and discover funding opportunities: It broadens their horizons and helps them learn to navigate the world as well-rounded professionals.
Jan 10, 2019
Is trying something new worth risking your GPA?
What if we told you that you can step outside of your comfort zone to try an elective course outside of your program with no risk to your GPA?* Now you can with McMaster Personal Interest Courses (PIC).
Jan 10, 2019
Academic advising extended hours
During Winter registration dates (Jan. 7 to 15) the Social Sciences Academic Advising Office in KTH 129 has extended drop-in hours.
Jan 07, 2019
It’s not too early to start thinking about Level II program selection
As the winter term begins, it’s not too soon for students to be thinking about Level II program selection. The range of programs options in the Social Sciences can be overwhelming, and the Faculty wants to help Level I students choose a program which best suits their educational and career goals.
Jan 07, 2019
Career Prep Day
Get ready for summer jobs, internships and jobs after graduation! Social Sciences students sign up to meet one-on-one with Experiential Education (EE) staff for a resume critique, cover letter critique or career advising.
Jan 03, 2019
B.A. Bachelor of Arts in Labour Studies
Our BA program is innovative and interdisciplinary in nature. The McMaster School of Labour Studies is widely recognized as among the best in the world. In their classes our students engage with the many and varied issues that animate our contemporary worlds of work.
Learn moreHons.B.A. Honours BA Labour Studies
Our Honours BA graduates have high rates of success in securing careers in labour law, community development, Industrial relations, health & safety, lawyer, mediator, disability case worker, civil servant, community development, policy analysis, teaching, occupational health and safety, labour research and labour organizing. Honours students are required to complete either an honours thesis or a field experience. Field experience allows them to sharpen their research skills while gaining practical experience working for a union, government agency or private employer.
Learn moreHons.B.A. Combined Honours BA in Labour Studies
Students graduate with a double major in Labour Studies and another subject.
Learn moreMinor Minor in Labour Studies
Work is central to our health (physical and mental), our economic well-being, our society and our economy. In short work affects everyone. The minor in Labour Studies is a strong complement to almost any undergraduate degree program. It provides an interdisciplinary and well rounded view of our contemporary worlds of work.
Learn moreM.A. Master of Arts in Labour Studies
The prime objective of this unique graduate program is to introduce students to a variety of theoretical approaches and practical policy debates that relate to working in contemporary societies around the world, as well as Canada. Courses focus on a broad range of work activities, from working for wages in primary, industrial and service settings, to the paid and unpaid work that goes on in the home and elsewhere. Regardless of the particular focus, work is to be studied as one component of life experience that includes family life, community relations, the effects of racism, sexism, homophobia, and ableism, politics and state regulation.
Learn morePh.D. Doctor of Philosophy in Labour Studies
The only such degree in North America, the PhD program engages closely and critically with the issues of work and labour in contemporary and historical perspective. The program aims to develop a new generation of scholars prepared to contribute to research leadership in the academy, the community, policy arenas and organizations representing working people. As a small interdisciplinary program, students will enjoy strong mentorship from leading scholars in the field and benefit from the strong union and community connections of faculty.
Learn moreU.Cert. The Labour Studies Joint Certificate with the Hamilton & Brantford District Labour Councils
The McMaster School of Labour Studies offered its first certificate courses in 1976. We currently offer a Certificate in Labour Studies as well as two joint certificates in partnership with the Brantford and Hamilton and District Labour Councils.
Learn moreU.Cert. Unifor-McMaster Labour Studies Certificate
Unifor-McMaster Labour Studies courses are designed specifically for Unifor members. Education has an important role in building a knowledgeable membership and workplace leadership. The Unifor-McMaster program is designed on a learning approach that is built upon a commitment to participants that translates into respect for prior experience, skill and activism
Learn more