Use your diploma towards a degree. The perfect pathway for working professionals.
My OWN McMaster is a pathway that combines McMaster Continuing Education and McMaster undergraduate courses to earn a McMaster diploma and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History or Sociology.
Online; Virtual Classroom; Online Self-study
Approx. 6-8 hours per week, per course
Diploma and Degree: 4+ years
Application required
Admission requirements
The first step in pursuing the My OWN McMaster pathway is to speak with one of our Information Specialists. After discussing your educational background with us, we can help you to determine if My OWN McMaster is a suitable pathway to help you achieve your goals. Contact us today!
The first step in pursuing the My OWN McMaster degree pathway is to speak with one of our knowledgeable Information Specialists. After discussing your educational background with us, we can help you to determine if My OWN McMaster is a suitable pathway to achieve your goals.
The below chart provides you with a sense of whether My OWN McMaster would be right for you. After reviewing the chart, if you’d like to learn more about pursuing the My OWN McMaster degree pathway, please contact one of our Information Specialists today. We’d be happy to help you get started.
Important Notes:
As per McMaster University Senate policy (May 2017), a course can be used no more than two times towards a McMaster University credential. At McMaster, the term credential refers to a certificate, certificate of professional learning, a diploma, a My OWN McMaster milestone, and an undergraduate degree.
This means that credits from a previously earned McMaster Certificate cannot be used towards the My OWN McMaster pathway. Using the credits from the previously earned Certificate (1) towards the 60 units of continuing education credit for My OWN McMaster (2) and then towards degree studies (3) exceeds the maximum.
You may be approved to have your diploma program credits applied to the General Elective portion of the pathway, and you may continue your studies with the McMaster Continuing Education and undergraduate studies.
If you are a recent high school graduate, please proceed to the Admissions website for details.
The My OWN McMaster pathway provides you with a route to complete 60 units of academic credit with McMaster Continuing Education that will be applied to your degree program.
Once you complete a McMaster Continuing Education Diploma and remaining credits for 60 units with a minimum 8.0 GPA, you will transfer to the Faculty of Humanities or the Faculty of Social Sciences as a degree student. You will complete the 30 units remaining for a 3-year Bachelor of Arts degree.
Note: My OWN McMaster is designed for part-time, adult learners who are unable to complete a full-time degree program. If you wish to apply as a full-time degree student, please proceed to the Admissions website for details.
If you wish to resume your previous degree studies as a traditional full-time or part-time student, please proceed to the admission guidelines for degree studies (returning student).
Please note: McMaster Continuing Education and undergraduate courses are offered in a variety of formats. Some courses may include daytime live sessions. Please review course outlines and schedules for details prior to registering.
The transition from diploma to degree study is straightforward.
Step 1: Apply to My OWN McMaster, accept your offer of admission and receive a detailed learning plan
Have questions? McMaster Continuing Education’s Information Specialists are available to you to determine if this pathway is right for you. Contact us today!
Step 2: Begin your studies with McMaster Continuing Education (Diploma and McMaster Continuing Education general electives)
My OWN McMaster students are required to complete 60 units of study (approximately 20 courses) with the McMaster Continuing Education. The 60 units are comprised of a McMaster Continuing Education diploma program (minimum of 24 units of study) and general elective courses from existing certificate and diploma programs (maximum of 36 units).
McMaster Continuing Education will contact the Faculty advisors to assist with your transition to degree studies.
Admission to Degree Studies:
My OWN McMaster pathway students are expected to meet the academic standards and requirements set out by McMaster Continuing Education and the Faculty of Humanities, History Department and the Faculty of Social Sciences, Sociology Department.
In order to be admitted to degree studies upon completion of 60 units of study with McMaster Continuing Education, students must meet the following requirements:
Step 3: Begin your undergraduate program in History or Sociology
My OWN McMaster students are required to complete 30 units of study (approximately 10 courses) with the degree program of their choice (History or Sociology).
My OWN McMaster allows you to choose from a variety of diploma programs to pair with your degree studies.
For example, you might select Human Resources Management as your diploma. This diploma earns 27 units. The remaining 33 units of elective credit would be selected from the other academic courses offered through McMaster Continuing Education to reach a total of 60 units. You would then complete 30 units of study through the Faculty of Social Sciences or Humanities.
Please note: McMaster Continuing Education and undergraduate courses are offered in a variety of formats. Some courses may include daytime live sessions. Review course outlines and schedules for details prior to registering.
McMaster Professional Development programs are not eligible for the My OWN McMaster Pathway.
Earning a diploma, degree and professional certification (where applicable) while continuing to work in your profession could lead to:
The My OWN McMaster pathway is streamlined to make your transition from diploma to degree studies as easy as possible.
The Pathway involves 3 steps:
My OWN McMaster Transfer of Credit
Consideration for transfer credits will be made once the My OWN McMaster application is submitted to McMaster Continuing Education. Transfer credits are not assessed or “pre-approved” before an application is submitted. For more information on the application requirements, please visit the Admission and Application Requirements page. For more information on transfer credits, please visit the Transfer Credit page.
Consideration for transfer credits will be made once the My OWN McMaster application is submitted to McMaster Continuing Education. Transfer credits are not assessed or “pre-approved” before an application is submitted.
Transfer credits towards a McMaster Continuing Education Diploma program:
McMaster Continuing Education’s current transfer credit policy for a Diploma program applies to students enrolled in the My OWN McMaster Pathway. The approval for transfer credits is based on the specific Diploma program’s policy. See our Transfer of Credit page for more information.
Transfer credit towards general electives:
Transfer credits may be approved and applied towards the general elective portion of the My OWN McMaster Pathway. Potential transfers are assessed as part of the application review process. For further details, please fill out our Contact Us form.
I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career.
I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career. I found that the Business Administration program was really the best fit for me, because the learning that I was able to take in through this program was really cutting edge and current to the labour market. The learning that I took on is something I use every day.
The MCE program on sustainability studies has introduced me to a different phase of continuous learning of self-development especially in a world dominated by a centric mindset of over-consumption.
What is sustainability?
The importance of sustainability is structured on understanding the dangers of how anthropocentrism and consumerism is taking over the world and combating this.
This program was well drafted and taught, and has enabled me become more aware of my environment and better ways of not only protecting it, but creating a better society using different methodologies based on a circular economy.
Sustainability is not a curve process but a journey which we all must embrace.
This microcredential was very informative, interesting and engaging. The instructors were well knowledgeable of the subject matter.
I encourage everyone to take this program.
It is important to understand the interconnectedness of these and other issues so that the implications of our everyday household and business decisions are understood in the right context.
Sustainability seems to be a buzz word these days. I hear it mentioned on the news, in advertisements, in general conversations, and in other unexpected facets of life. I would argue that the concept of Sustainability is vital in today’s world and to our future happiness. As a Global community we are dealing with big social and environmental issues. It is important to understand the interconnectedness of these and other issues so that the implications of our everyday household and business decisions are understood in the right context. What we do and don’t do matters.
Enrolling in the McMaster Continuing Education Sustainability program has been a wonderful way to develop an understanding of the practices of Sustainability, and what we can do to support real change. I encourage everyone to look into this program and to join the conversations being held all around you. Even if you don’t decide to take this program, look into the UN Sustainable Development Goals to start understanding the interconnectedness of things and how we as individuals and businesses can make a difference.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas in a future class!
This program has specific admission and application requirements outlined below.
Admission Requirements
To be considered eligible for the My OWN McMaster pathway, you must meet the following criteria:
Note:
To enrol in McMaster Continuing Education programs, you must:
To ensure you are successful in your online courses, you are required to have knowledge and skills with general computer applications, such as keyboarding, file management, video conferencing and word processing.
Language Requirements
If English is not your native language, you must meet McMaster University’s English proficiency requirements by passing a McMaster approved English test or qualifying for an exemption. All applicants must indicate their proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English. If you do not qualify for an exemption, you must provide English test scores during the application process. If you do not meet these requirements, your application will be denied. Also, if you demonstrate English proficiency below the required standard, you will be asked to provide proof or to withdraw.
Spring 2026:
Fall 2026:
Winter 2027:
Spring 2027:
You must submit a completed application package. McMaster Continuing Education does not evaluate admission documentation unless an application is submitted. Please do not use Hotmail addresses to apply.
The application process is a multi-step process. You must apply, receive your acceptance and then you can enrol in courses.
Steps to complete your application:
You may return to a partially completed application to edit or add new information. Once an application is submitted, no further edits can be made. You will receive an email confirmation of payment and successful application submission. Another email will notify you of the application admission decision after the application data has been reviewed.
Please note: You may experience longer than usual application response times during the months each term begins (May, September and January). Rest assured we will review your application and provide a response as soon as possible.
If you wish to pay by cheque, please contact us to request a paper application which you may submit by mail, with payment. Your application will not be processed until payment is received.
To apply, you will need the following items:
Please note: Your application will not be reviewed until all required documentation is received. You will be notified directly by program staff if additional information or documentation is required. Admission status is updated within 4-6 weeks of our receipt of your application package.
A payment receipt email will be issued to you immediately after registering, and a course confirmation email will be sent to you overnight. Within approximately 24 hours of registering, you will also receive an important email containing credentials used to activate your MacID, which you must do before you can access courses in Avenue to Learn. Please review our Getting Started page to learn more about the next steps for beginning your studies after registration, and our Help Centre for our Refund Policy and other frequently asked questions. Please note that on average, each course requires 6-8 hours of study per week, per course (sometimes more) and some courses may have listed prerequisites. Please plan your schedule accordingly. Most students take 1-2 courses per term across a few different terms and a full-time equivalent course load is typically 3-4 courses per term.
For more information and a walkthrough on how to register, please check out this video.
Ready to start your application?