Upon completion of a Level I Program, students then choose a Program and Plan of Study in which to complete their degree. This typically occurs towards the end of first year. Your Program is the type of degree you wish to obtain (e.g., Humanities Honours Arts, Humanities Honours Music, Humanities Honours Fine Arts). Your Plan is the subject you intend to study (e.g. History, Music Cognition, Studio Art).
Your first year courses will have given you an experience of what it might be like to study a particular subject. However, you can go further and explore the various departments’ websites to learn more about upper year courses, research interests and experiential opportunities. Each program has specific admission requirements. It is important to familiarize yourself with these to ensure you have taken the appropriate first year courses. Click on ‘Undergraduate Programs‘ and/or ‘Departments‘ to learn more.
Every March, the faculty hosts a Majors Fair to provide information on Level II programs. Faculty members, staff, and current students are on hand to provide details on program structure, extracurricular opportunities and career/postgraduate options. Attend the fair to explore your options and choose a Level II program that best meets your academic and personal goals.
Thursday, March 5, 2026 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM MUSC Atrium (Student Centre)
Whats Happening?
We will also be offering several online webinars throughout the Fall and Winter terms. Each webinar is 50 minutes in length, and will cover:
Webinar Dates (recording below)
Choosing your Program: Navigating Level II Program/Plan Application
Now that you’ve completed Level I, it’s time to decide what degree you want to pursue at McMaster. Learn all about programs, plans, the differences between single and double majors, and how to rank your top four choice on Mosaic by the end of April. This webinar was presented by a Humanities Academic Advisor for Level 2 program entry for September 2026.
In April, students input their Program/Plan Choices on Mosaic. The Program/Plan application screen is available by clicking ‘My Academics’ in your Student Centre. The ranking is VERY important. If you are admitted to your first choice, the system will not evaluate any of your subsequent choices. If you are not admitted to your first choice, you will then be evaluated for your second choice, and so on in descending order.
Media Arts and Justice, Political Philosophy and Law (JPPL) are both limited enrolment programs. If you wish to be seriously considered, these should be ranked as your first choice. Please remember that both programs also require a supplemental application.
Students can also register for an Interdisciplinary Minor via the Service Request function on Mosaic. Students interested in this option are required to complete BOTH Program/Plan Application AND the submission of a Service Request.
At the beginning of June, you can click on the ‘Academics’ tab in your Student Centre to view your program/plan. Course enrolment will follow later in June.
The webinar was recorded on June 16 and hosted by a Humanities Academic Advisor and a Careers and Experience Member. It focuses on how students can get the most out of their degree. Topics discussed include degree tracking, internship, minors, study abroad, concurrent certificates, aid & awards, experiential learning opportunities and more!
Book an appointment with an academic advisor.