Exploring Psychology In The Faculty Of Social Sciences
Discover Psychology at McMaster: More Than One Path To Understanding People
Psychology is one of the most sought-after programs in the Faculty of Social Sciences – and for good reason. If you’re curious about how people think, connect, and care for one another, McMaster offers more than one way to dive in.
Whether you’re drawn to the scientific lens of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (PNB) or the socially grounded approach of Social Psychology, you’ll find a program that helps you explore human behaviour, wellbeing, and relationships in depth.
Choose The Route That Resonates
And it doesn’t stop there. You can also explore these themes through Social Work, Health & Society (HAS), or Sociology. There’s no single route to understanding how people shape – and are shaped by – their social worlds. What matters is finding the one that work for you.
Social Work Undergraduate | HAS Undergraduate | Sociology Undergraduate
Choosing Your Path: Social Psychology Vs. PNB
If you’re passionate about understanding human behaviour, you’re in good company – but choosing the right program can feel overwhelming. At McMaster, both Social Psychology and Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (PNB) offer unique ways to explore the mind, relationships, and wellbeing. This side-by-side comparison breaks down the key differences and similarities to help you find the program that aligns with your interests, strengths, and goals.
Whether you’re drawn to the social forces that shape our lives or the science behind how our brains work, there’s a place for you here.
Program Length
Social Psychology: 4 years
PNB: 4 Years
Entry Requirements
Social Psychology: ENG4U
PNB: ENG4U, SBI4U, and one of MHF4U/MCV4U (strongly recommended)
Level 1
Social Psychology: Any program (normally Social Sciences 1) with a minimum GPA of 5.0 (63–66%), although typically higher is required
PNB: Any program (normally Social Sciences 1) with a minimum GPA of 5.0 (63–66%), but recent years have required averages above 8.0 (73–76%)
Required Courses
Social Psychology: SOCPSY 1Z03 (minimum C grade), and one of PSYCH 1F03, PSYCH 1X03, or SOCIOL 1Z03
PNB: PSYCH 1XX3 (minimum B-), one of MATH 1A03/1LS3/1M03, and one of BIOLOGY 1A03/1M03/1P03, or Grade 12 Biology
Focus
Social Psychology: How people come to be who they are, how they influence and relate to others, and how social forces shape behaviour
PNB: Scientific study of the mind, brain, and evolution, combining Psychology and Science
Areas Of Study
Social Psychology: Prejudice, attraction, friendship, helping, aggression, group interaction, law, justice, mental health, family, and wellbeing
PNB: Development, language, animal behaviour, human evolution, music cognition, and mental health
Graduate & Professional Pathways
Honours BA In Social Psychology
This program lays the foundation for graduate studies in Social Psychology and related interdisciplinary fields. Many students go on to pursue M.A. or Ph.D. programs, while others find their path in counselling, education, law, or business.
If you’re interested in how people relate, communicate, and thrive in social environments, this degree opens doors to careers that make a real impact.
Honours BA in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (PNB)
PNB is a strong launchpad for graduate work in Clinical or Experimental Psychology (M.Sc., Ph.D.), and is also a popular choice for students aiming for professional programs in medicine, speech-language pathology, law, and other health-related fields.
If you’re drawn to the science behind behaviour and brain function, this program offers the academic depth and flexibility to support a wide range of future goals.
Program Options At A Glance
At McMaster, you can study Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (PNB) through either the Faculty of Social Sciences or the Faculty of Science.
The Honours BA in PNB emphasizes the scientific study of behaviour, while Social Psychology focuses on how individuals relate to others and navigate social life. Both programs offer distinct perspectives – what matters is choosing the one that aligns with how you want to explore human behaviour.
Career Possibilities
Graduates from both programs pursue meaningful careers – but the paths can look quite different.
Social Psychology opens doors in education, law, public service, and community work, while PNB prepares students for research, clinical roles, and health-related professions. Whichever direction you choose, you’ll be building a foundation for work that helps people and contributes to society.
Pathways To The Helping Professions
If you’re passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, Social Sciences programs offer many routes into the helping professions.
From counselling and healthcare to social work and education, you can explore a wide range of careers that support individual and community wellbeing. These pathways are ideal for students who want their education to lead to real-world impact and meaningful change.
Pathways To The Helping Professions: Explore Helping Professions At McMaster