Honours in Sociology Specialist Option
The Honours Sociology Specialist program provides a strong foundation in sociological theory and methods. It’s tailored for students who are seeking to develop superior skills to boost their career opportunities or gain a solid foundation for graduate or professional education.
In the Specialist program, students benefit from an emphasis on courses with smaller class sizes and greater interaction with professors. For example, the advanced theory course and other advanced courses in historical, qualitative, and quantitative methods all maintain smaller class sizes compared to other courses. In their fourth year, students primarily engage in seminar courses, which are limited to 25 students and focus on verbal discussions of sociological issues.
Additionally, students have the opportunity to take up to two terms of directed research courses. These courses allow students to enhance their research skills by working closely with a professor. Under the professor’s supervision, students complete their own individual research projects and write papers based on their research findings.
The smaller class sizes within this program provide an excellent environment for developing strong analytical, writing, speaking, and presentation skills – qualities highly valued by employers, graduate schools, and professional institutions.
Did you know that you can combine Honours degrees?
A combined honours degree provides a unique and enriched academic experience, allowing students to pursue two disciplines simultaneously. This interdisciplinary approach enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability skills, creating well-rounded graduates with expertise in multiple fields, providing you with a competitive edge in the job market.
Popular combinations programs include: Political Science and Communications. If you have specific questions or need more information about combining honours degrees, feel free to ask!
Program Details
Typical Entry Term
Fall (September)
Program Options
Full-time or part-time
Program Length
Four years (full-time)
Program Format
Course-based
Expandable List
Completion of any Level I program with a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0, including a grade of at least C in SOCIOL 1Z03.
The Academic Calendar lists course requirements and minimum grade requirements for entry to and continuance in the Honours BA Sociology.
Sample Courses By Year (Not All Required)
Level I Courses
- SOCIOL 1C03: Canadian Society: Social Problems, Social Policy, and the Law
- SOCIOL 1Z03: An Introduction to Sociology
Level II Courses
- SOCIOL 2BB3: Sociology of Deviance
- SOCIOL 2GG3: Sociology of Education
- SOCIOL 2JJ3: Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality
Level III Courses
- SOCIOL 3FF3: Introductory Statistics for Sociology
- SOCIOL 3MM3: Political Sociology
- SOCIOL 3U03: Sociology of Sexualities
Level IV Courses
- SOCIOL 4CM3: Critical Analysis of Media
- SOCIOL 4MM3: Public Social Psychology
- SOCIOL 4R03: Individual and Society
BA Honours Specialist Sociology graduates enjoy success beyond the classroom
Based on aggregated Social Sciences data from the Ontario University Graduate Survey from 2017-2021.
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Questions about the Specialist Honours BA Sociology?
Contact Us
Undergraduate Studies and General Inquiries
Enrolment, course permissions, general inquiries
Email: sociology@mcmaster.ca
Academic Advising Office
Goals, program changes, academic support
Email: socscfac@mcmaster.ca
Phone: (905) 525-9140 ext. 23613
Office Location
Department of Sociology
Kenneth Taylor Hall, 627
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8S 4M4
Office Hours
Monday – Friday:
9:00AM – 12:00PM & 1:00PM – 4:00PM.