About
Acting Director, Social Psychology Program
Program Director’s Welcome
Welcome to the Social Psychology program at McMaster University!
Our program is truly one of a kind, as it is Canada’s only Honours BA in Social Psychology. By combining training in psychology and sociology, we provide a comprehensive understanding of individuals and the societies and contexts surrounding them. Our program students consistently amaze me with their thoughtfulness, involvement and motivation.
We prepare students for a wide range of future occupations, including counselling, education, law, and many more. I encourage you to explore our People and Research pages to learn more about our professors and their work in areas such as relationships, sexuality, aging, mental health, crime, leisure, social media, and socialization.
Our program recognizes the diverse interests of students drawn to social psychology. With plenty of flexibility and elective options, you can customize your degree by pursuing minors or courses from other disciplines. Our program also offers several specialized streams to help you focus on your interests. The Mental Health and Well-Being stream includes courses on counseling, psychotherapy, child clinical psychology, well-being, and close relationships. In the Law, Justice, Crime, and Deviance stream, you’ll explore topics such as social control, imprisonment, and the social psychology of rule-making and rule-breaking. The Family & Life Course stream focuses on childhood socialization and the development of self and identity over a lifetime.
We also emphasize developing strong research skills, including an optional Research Specialization. Students have opportunities to collaborate with faculty on projects, culminating in a fourth-year capstone course where students design and conduct their own research studies.
Our program fosters a supportive and welcoming community with numerous opportunities to connect with both peers and professors. If you have any questions about the program, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d be happy to help!
Jessica Maxwell, PhD
Acting Director, Social Psychology Program
Assistant Professor, Health, Aging & Society
Our Location
Social Psychology Program
Kenneth Taylor Hall (KTH), 212
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8S 4M4
Contact Information
Email: socpsy@mcmaster.ca
Phone: (905) 525-9140, ext. 22241
Office Hours
Monday to Friday:
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed for lunch from 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Administrative Contacts
Jessica Maxwell Learn More
Acting Director, Honours Social Psychology Program | Assistant Professor
Kenneth Taylor Hall (KTH), 206A
Email: maxwej9@mcmaster.ca
Miranda MacDougall
Program Administrator
Kenneth Taylor Hall (KTH), 212
Phone: (905) 525-9140, ext. 22241
Email: socpsy@mcmaster.ca
Associated Groups
McMaster Social Psychology Society Visit the McMaster Social Psychology Society Website
The Social Psychology Society is a student-run society focused on providing opportunities that are both social and academic for students in the Social Psychology program and other social science programs. We aim to ensure students have ample opportunities to connect with their peers and faculty, and build skills necessary for a successful career in any field.
McMaster Social Sciences Society Visit the MSSS Website
Since 1988, the MSSS has continued to grow and expand its original vision creating the opportunity for Social Sciences students the participate in various social and academic events while striving to foster an environment that promotes our guiding principles of unity, acceptance, and collaboration.
Fast forward almost thirty years later, with a budget of around a hundred thousand dollars, the Society supports and funds eleven groups and affiliates and aims to support over four thousand undergraduate student members.