Why Study Health, Aging & Society?
Our Health, Aging & Society programs allow students to explore a variety of courses on topics including the social determinants of health, healthy aging, mental health and addiction, and social gerontology, among others. Our undergraduate Health, Aging & Society programs equip students to approach issues such as health care access, positive cultures of aging, and mental health and addictions through the critical and constructive social sciences lens.
Students completing a degree with the Health, Aging & Society Department can expect to gain skills in critical analysis, writing, oral discussion and presentations, and, more specifically, critical analysis and understanding of health and aging from a social sciences perspective. This knowledge includes theories that explain health inequalities, how health systems are organized and how they impact health, social systems and how they affect our aging populations, and the social aspects of aging.
The Department of Health, Aging & Society also offers field experience opportunities where students work closely with professionals in an area of interest during their third year of study. The Aging and Society or Health and Society degrees may be combined with another subject within Social Sciences or Humanities. The Department of Health, Aging & Society also offers a specialization in Mental Health and Addiction with either degree.
These degrees may be complemented with a minor in one of many different subjects or with a certificate from Mohawk College. Enrolment in Health, Aging & Society programs is limited and possession of the published minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Students can apply directly to Health & Society I from high school or apply at the end of their first year to major in Aging and Society and/or Health and Society starting in Level II.
Application for Admission to Level II will occur in mid-March on the Mosaic student information system. NOTE: All courses listed in the calendar are not always offered every year.
About First Year
Students entering into the Faculty of Social Sciences in their first year take one of three entry programs, Social Sciences I, Health and Society I or Economics I. This allows students to explore various options and experience a wide range of courses. At the end of the first year, students apply to major in a Health, Aging & Society program.
Program Overview
Program Type:
Course-based
Program Options:
Full-time, Part-time
Length:
Honours BA programs: 4 years
BA programs: 3 years
Typical Entry:
September
For More Information:
Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Health, Aging and Society, Undergraduate Program
Kenneth Taylor Hall (KTH), 226
Entry Requirements
Combined Honours Aging and Society and Another Subject (BA)
- Completion of any Level 1 program with a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 (C) including a grade of at least 5.0 (C) in HLTH AGE 1BB3
Combined Honours Health and Society and Another Subject (BA)
- Completion of any Level 1 program with a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 (C) including a grade of at least 5.0 (C) in HLTH AGE 1AA3 or 1ZZ3.
Honours Aging and Society (BA)
-
- Completion of any Level 1 program with a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 (C) including a grade of at least 5.0 (C) in HLTH AGE 1BB3
Honours Health and Society (BA)
- Completion of any Level 1 program with a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 (C) including a grade of at least 5.0 (C) in HLTH AGE 1AA3 or 1ZZ3.
Honours Aging and Society Specialization in Mental Health and Addiction (BA)
- Completion of any Level 1 program with a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 (C) including a grade of at least 5.0 (C) in both HLTH AGE 1BB3 and HLTH AGE 1CC3.
Honours Health and Society Specialization in Mental Health and Addiction (BA)
- Completion of any Level 1 program with a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 (C) including a grade of at least 5.0 (C) in both HLTH AGE 1AA3 or 1ZZ3 and HLTH AGE 1CC3.
Health, Aging and Society (BA)
- Completion of any Level 1 program with a Grade Point Average of at least 3.5 (C-) and an average of at least 4.0 (C-) in HLTHAGE 1AA3 or 1ZZ3 and 1BB3
Minor in Health, Aging and Society
Minor in Mental Health, Addiction and Society
For More Information:
Department of Health, Aging & Society
Kenneth Taylor Hall (KTH), 226
Length:
Minor may be declared when completing convocation information
Required Credential:
Enrolment in an Honours program
Program Type:
Course-based
Program Options:
Full-time, Part-time
Typical Entry:
January, September
Current Deadline:
April
Notes
- Students are responsible for ensuring that course prerequisites are fulfilled.
- KINESIOL 2G03 and 3A03 may be used to satisfy Health, Aging and Society requirements for Kinesiology students pursuing a Minor in Health, Aging and Society.
- Given the extensive curriculum revisions that have been made, students are strongly encouraged to review course antirequisites in the Course Listings section of the Calendar.
Students are given the opportunity to be involved in affiliated research centres (i.e. Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging: Institute for Healthier Environments, etc.) and the Health, Aging & Society Student Association (HASSA).
Academic Advising
The Academic Advising office is run through the Office of the Associate Dean. The primary goal of the Advising Office is to provide all Social Sciences undergraduate students with the information and guidance they need to succeed in their academic careers.
Advisors can help you make the right academic decisions by explaining policies and regulations as well as presenting different options and supports available in your studies.
An academic advisor can assist you with:
- Course requirements, dropping and adding courses
- Program selection, application and changes
- Studying abroad
- Transfer credits
- Petitions for missed term work, deferred examinations and special consideration
- Appeals procedures
- Referral to other campus services
The Faculty of Social Sciences offers additional advising and support for students. Book an appointment to speak with an Academic Advisor.
Programs (by Degree) and Minors
Additional details of each program are available through the Academic Calendar.
Program Information
Undergraduate Courses & Course Outlines
View your undergraduate courses and course outlines to find assignment due dates, assessments and more.
Health, Aging & Society Program Course Calendar
The Health, Aging & Society course calendar is an essential resource for choosing your courses.
Awards & Scholarships
Hundreds of awards and scholarships are available to McMaster students. Discover awards and find out how to apply.
Study Abroad
Through the McMaster Exchange Program, you can gain a global perspective while earning credits and staying on track to meet your goals.


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