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Department of Health, Aging & Society

Faculty of Social Sciences

Honours Health and Society Specialization in Mental Health and Addiction

The specialization in Mental Health and Addiction provides students with opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of the relationship between mental health, addiction, and society. It involves examining the links between mental health and wider social processes, including marginalization, the construction of deviance, and the social determinants of health. Through an exploration of healthcare narratives and firsthand accounts grounded in lived experience, students should begin to appreciate the diversity of perspectives within the world of mental health. Students will also gain a solid understanding of mental illness and some of the ways in which social change and other non-biomedical interventions can be harnessed to address issues related to mental health and addiction and to promote well-being. By completing the specialization, students will be equipped to discuss mental health and illness from a diversity of theoretical and practical perspectives.

Hons.B.A.Honours Health and Society Specialization in Mental Health and Addiction

The specialization in Mental Health and Addiction provides students with opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of the relationship between mental health, addiction, and society. It involves examining the links between mental health and wider social processes, including marginalization, the construction of deviance, and the social determinants of health. Through an exploration of healthcare narratives and firsthand accounts grounded in lived experience, students should begin to appreciate the diversity of perspectives within the world of mental health. Students will also gain a solid understanding of mental illness and some of the ways in which social change and other non-biomedical interventions can be harnessed to address issues related to mental health and addiction and to promote well-being. By completing the specialization, students will be equipped to discuss mental health and illness from a diversity of theoretical and practical perspectives.

 Notes

  1. See Admission to Level II Programs in the Faculty of Social Sciences Academic Regulations in this section of the Calendar.
  2. Students may take a maximum of 9-12 units from HLTHAGE 4B03, 4C03, 4D03, 4F03, 4G03, 4I03, 4J03, 4N03, 4O03, 4Q03, 4R03, 4S03, 4T03, 4U03, 4Z06 A/B.
  3. HLTHAGE 1BB3 - Introduction to Aging and Society must be completed by the end of 60 units, however students are strongly encouraged to complete this requirement in Level I. One of HLTHAGE 1AA3 or 1ZZ3 and 1BB3 are prerequisites for HLTHAGE 2BB3 which is a required course in Level II of the program.
  4. Courses other than those listed below in the Course List may be substituted with the prior permission of the Chair. Students wishing to apply for substitutions must contact the Administrator of the Department of 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.

120 units total ( Levels I to IV), of which 48 units may be Level I

30 units

from

  • Level I program completed prior to admission to the program

9 units

from

6 units

from

3 units

3 units

from

3 units

3 units

3 units

3 units

from

6 units

from

12 units

from

(See Note 4 above.)

3 or 6 units as outlined below

3 units

from

or 6 units

0-3 units

30-36 units

  • Electives, of which no more than 15 units may be from Health, Aging and Society (the maximum Health, Aging and Society courses to be taken is 66).

Students start in the Social Sciences Level 1 program or Health and Society I program and apply to the Program at the end of their first year. Students must complete the requirements of a Level 1 program.

Enrolment in this program is limited and possession of the published minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Selection is based on academic achievement but requires, as a minimum, completion of any Level I program with a minimum Grade Point Average of 5.0 including a grade of at least C in HLTHAGE 1AA3 or 1ZZ3 and a grade of at least C in HLTHAGE 1CC3. HLTHAGE 1BB3 must be completed by the end of 60 units, however students are strongly encouraged to complete this requirement in Level I. For continuation in the program, see General Academic Regulations.

Any student seeking admission to a Level II program in the Faculty of Social Sciences for the following Fall/Winter session must submit an Application for Admission to Level II through the Mosaic Student Centre (“My Academics”; Program/Plan Selection application) no later than April 30.

All undergraduate students accepted for admission to McMaster University are automatically considered for a McMaster University entrance award. Additional entrance awards, in-course scholarships, bursaries and other forms of financial assistance is available to you at various stages of their undergraduate careers.

Each scholarship, bursary, Government Aid or Work Study Program a has its own unique application process and requirements. More information on financial aid visit the Student Financial Aid & Scholarship (SFAS) Office.

Some awards of interest:

  • The Barbara and Ronald Bayne Gerontology Internship Award
  • The Karl Kinanen Alumni Prize In Gerontology
  • The McMaster University Retirees Association Prize
  • The Audrey Evelyn Mepham Award in Gerontology
  • The Pioneer Energy LP Gerontology Prizes
  • The Pioneer Energy LP Prizes
  • The Retired Teachers of Ontario Hamilton/Haldimand District Prize In Gerontology

Some scholarships of interest:

  • The McMaster University Retirees Association Scholarship
  • The Pioneer Energy LP Scholarship
  • The Ellen Bouchard Ryan Scholarship
  • The Alvina Marie Werner Scholarship
  • The Susan Farley Scholarship
  • The Wouters Family Scholarship

Students are given the opportunity to be involved in affiliated research centres (i.e. Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging: www.aging.mcmaster.ca; Institute for Healthier Environments: www.mcmaster.ca/mieh/, etc.) and the Health, Aging & Society Student Association (HASSA): https://www.instagram.com/mcmaster.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

Learn more about Academic Advising in the Social Sciences.

2022/2023 Undergraduate Calendar Internships & Experiential Education McMaster / Mohawk Affiliated Certificates Soc Sci Courses Apply Now
For more information:
Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Health, Aging and Society, Undergraduate Program
Kenneth Taylor Hall (KTH), Room 226
905-525-9140 ext. 27227
hasdept@mcmaster.ca
Length:
4 years
Required Credential:
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.
Program Type:
Course-based
Program Options:
Full-time, Part-time
Typical Entry:
September