Overview
Start earning your Bachelor of Arts in History or Sociology at McMaster Continuing Education
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.
- A unique partnership between McMaster University Continuing Education and the Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Designed for working professionals who wish to earn a degree on a part-time, flexible schedule
- Makes your transition from diploma to degree studies as easy as possible
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Pathway highlights Learn More
- Only one application needed to begin
- Customized course selection for diploma to degree
- Complete required diploma and elective courses and progress to your undergraduate program in History or Sociology
What you'll learn Learn More
- In-demand skills that employers are seeking
- Educational requirements to earn a McMaster University undergraduate degree
- Graduate with both practical and analytical skills
Learn more about the My OWN McMaster Pathway
- Professionals seeking a degree to advance their career
- Professionals pursuing additional credentials for future employment opportunities
- Professionals looking to combine the practical (diploma studies) and analytical (degree studies) skills sought by employers
- Professionals searching for accessible, part-time academic studies to fit within their busy schedules
- McMaster Continuing Education diploma students wanting to earn an undergraduate degree on a part-time basis
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.
| Are you? | Is My OWN McMaster pathway right for you? |
| Currently enrolled in a McMaster University Certificate or Diploma program offered with McMaster University Continuing Education | Yes! My OWN McMaster is an ideal pathway for you to continue your studies with McMaster University Continuing Education in order to:
Important Notes:
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| A graduate from a McMaster University Continuing Education Diploma program? | Yes! My OWN McMaster allows you to apply your completed diploma as one of the pathway requirements. You will select and complete additional McMaster Continuing Education courses to achieve the required number of general electives. Then, you will proceed to degree studies. |
| A graduate from a McMaster University Continuing Education Certificate or Certificate of Professional Learning program? | Yes! You are eligible to apply to the My OWN McMaster pathway, however, please note the following important points:
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. |
| A graduate from an accredited university, but you are interested in earning a second degree? | No. My OWN McMaster is a pathway for students who have not achieved a university-level degree. You can learn more about applying for a second degree by contacting the Office of the Registrar. |
| A graduate of a diploma program from an accredited post-secondary institution and wish to pursue an undergraduate degree program? | Yes! My OWN McMaster is one option for you to earn a 3-year, Bachelor of Arts degree from McMaster University.
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. |
| A recent graduate from high school (under the age of 21) and want to apply to degree studies? | No. My OWN McMaster is designed for adult learners over the age of 21 who have not completed a university degree program.
If you are a recent high school graduate, please proceed to the Admissions website for details. |
| Completed some courses at a college, or McMaster University Continuing Education units, but did not complete a program? | Yes. My OWN McMaster is a definite pathway for you to continue your studies to complete a diploma program and your elective courses with McMaster University Continuing Education. Once you complete your 60 units of study with McMaster Continuing Education with a minimum 8.0 GPA, you can begin your degree studies. |
| Interested in completing a university degree program, but have never attended college/university, or McMaster University Continuing Education? | Yes, My OWN McMaster pathway is an option for you!
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. |
| Have you? | Is My OWN McMaster pathway right for you? |
| Started an undergraduate degree program, completed a few courses, but did not graduate? | Maybe! My OWN McMaster may be one option for you to complete a Diploma + a 3-year Bachelor of Arts degree from McMaster University. An evaluation of your completed undergraduate courses would be necessary to determine if the pathway is right for you. |
| Started an undergraduate degree program with McMaster, completed a few courses, but did not graduate? Now, you want to resume your studies in that same program. | No. My OWN McMaster is not the pathway to resume undergraduate studies in your original program or to apply for a second degree.
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). |
| Completed some courses at college, or McMaster Continuing Education units, but did not complete a program? | Yes. My OWN McMaster is a definite pathway for you to continue your studies to complete a diploma program and your elective courses with McMaster Continuing Education. Once you complete your 60 units of study with McMaster Continuing Education with a minimum 8.0 GPA, you can begin your degree studies. |
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:
- Successful completion of a Business Communications course (3 units)
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 8.0 on McMaster’s grade point scale for diploma and elective credit (B average)
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).
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.
My OWN McMaster allows you to choose from a variety of diploma programs to pair with your degree studies.
- Simply select a Diploma offered through McMaster Continuing Education:
- Only one credential may be granted in the My OWN McMaster pathway. Upon successful completion, you will be awarded the diploma that you have selected to pursue in the pathway. No additional diplomas, certificates, or certificates of professional learning will be granted.
- Some diplomas have an application. You will be required to meet those program eligibility requirements.
- Complete the remaining units with elective credit through McMaster Continuing Education to reach a total of 60 units:
- Elective courses must be academic credit. Academic courses have a unit value listed, while professional development or non-credit courses do not.
- Any existing course eligibility and prerequisite rules will apply.
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:
- Career advancement in your current position
- A brand-new career path
- Achievement of your academic goals without disrupting your current career
- Opportunity to continue on to a post-graduate degree
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:
- Submit an application to begin the pathway
- Complete the required number of courses with McMaster Continuing Education
- Progress to your undergraduate program in History or Sociology
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.
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.
- McMaster courses may be applied towards two McMaster credentials only
- Official transcripts must be received as part of the application in order to assess transfer credit options
- A maximum of 30 units of transfer credit may be applied to the My OWN McMaster Pathway (McMaster Continuing Education portion)
- Students are responsible to submit the required documentation and to remit any fees associated with a transfer credit approval
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.
Check out our latest Program Preview webinar recording to learn more about the My OWN McMaster Pathway
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Application Requirements – MoM
Application Requirements
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:
- You are considered a mature student (as defined by McMaster University). This means you have not attended secondary school or college on a full-time basis for at least two years.
- You have not graduated from an undergraduate degree program. If you have completed more than one year of study, certain eligibility conditions apply.
- You meet the minimum age requirement of 21 years
- You have submitted the My OWN McMaster application form and completed all required documentation
Note:
- Current undergraduate degree students at McMaster University are not eligible for the My OWN McMaster pathway. These students should consult with their Faculty Academic Advisor about the possibility of applying McMaster Continuing Education courses to their degree program.
- Previous undergraduate degree students with McMaster University who earned 30 units or less may be eligible under certain conditions.
To enrol in McMaster Continuing Education programs, you must:
- Have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
- Be a mature student as defined in the Undergraduate Calendar of McMaster University or
- Be deemed an exceptional case
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 your first language is not English, you must meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements. Completion of TOEFL exam with a minimum acceptable score of 20 on each of the four components (reading, writing, speaking and listening), valid for 2 years.
Expandable List
Fall 2023 application dates:
- Open date: May 1, 2023
Close date: September 30, 2023
Winter 2024 application dates:
- Open date: October 1, 2023
Close date: January 31, 2024
Spring 2024 application dates:
- Open date: February 1, 2024
Close date: April 30, 2024
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:
- Please submit your application using our Online Application Portal.
- Select the box titled ‘McMaster University Continuing Education Application’.
- Create an application account if you have never been a student, employee or researcher with McMaster University (i.e. you do not have a MacID) or sign in with your MacID.
- Identify the specific program for which you are applying
- Select the term in which you wish to begin your studies. If the program is not offered in the term you selected, or if the program is no longer accepting students, a notice will be shown.
- Follow all of the steps to enter your information and upload the required documentation. Be sure to save the information on the application pages before you proceed to the next page.
- Pay the application fee (payable by credit or debit online).
- Submit 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:
- Current resume (Word or PDF)
- A letter of intent (250-500 words) outlining reasons for applying to this program, learning goals, and suitability for the My OWN McMaster pathway
- Official transcripts of all previous academic studies from accredited post-secondary institutions
- Credit/debit card to submit the $59 non-refundable application fee
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.
- Visit continuing.mcmaster.ca/programs to find your program of choice
- Click on each tab on the program page to learn about credential options and requirements, schedule and fees, and a list of all courses in the program
- Select a course and then select an available offering, noting important information such as cost, delivery format, and start/end dates; then click ‘add to cart’
- Once you have added your courses, click the shopping cart icon at the top right-hand corner of the page (bottom of the browser screen on mobile)
- Review your cart and, once you’re ready to proceed with enrolment, click ‘proceed to checkout’
- As the next step, you will be redirected to Mosaic – McMaster’s Administrative Information and Enrolment system
- Once you are in Mosaic, select ‘new to McMaster’ or log in with your existing MacID and password (if applicable)
- Complete all required fields and select a program of study when prompted (i.e., a specific program or open studies for standalone courses)
- Finally, payment is required in full to secure a spot in your course(s)
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.
- Payment must be made in full at the time of enrolment
- Online credit card or debit payments are preferred
- Accepted credit cards: Visa, MasterCard and American Express
- Accepted debit cards: Visa Debit and Debit Mastercard
- Google Pay is available for faster checkout
- Payments can be made from a Canadian Financial Institution and can take 2 to 4 business days to arrive in your McMaster student account. Once payment has arrived, you can register for your course. Please note that if the amount of the course fees owing is more than what was transferred to your student account, you will be dropped from the course.
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