Top 10 Questions About Being A Part-Time Student

1. As a part-time student, may I take courses during the day?

Yes! Part-time refers to the number of courses you take, not when you take them. As a part-time student, you may choose your courses from either the evening or day-time schedules.

2. What can I study part-time?

The following undergraduate degrees may be obtained part-time:

• B.A. Bachelor of Arts
• B.A./B.S.W. combined B.A./Bachelor of Social Work
• B. Com. Bachelor of Commerce
• B.Sc. Bachelor of Science **
• B.Sc.N. Bachelor of Science in Nursing **
• B. Tech. Bachelor of Technology
  ** to a limited extent, the B.Sc.N. and B.Sc. in Mathematics and Life Sciences are also available through evening and summer study.

While certain programs and courses are available only through day-time study, degrees in the following subjects may be obtained through evening and summer study:

Faculty of Humanities B.A.
Classics, Communication Studies, Cultural Studies and Critical Thinking (Combined B.A. Honours), English, French, History, Philosophy

Faculty of Social Sciences B.A.
Anthropology, Communication Studies (Combined B.A. Honours), Economics, Geography, Gerontology, Health Studies, Labour Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Social Work (B.A./B.S.W.), Sociology

3. How long will it take me to do a degree part-time?

A three-level degree program usually takes three years to complete on a full-time basis. On a part-time basis, without interruption, it can take six-seven years to complete a three-level program. This may be shorter or longer depending on how many units you can complete each year. Typically, students start out slowly as they become accustomed to university life and pick up their pace as they get closer to achieving their goal.

Four-level Honours programs take one additional year on a full-time basis, involve a greater degree of specialization, and require higher academic achievement.

Completing a degree on a part-time basis may be a long-term goal. Even if you decide to take 10 years to finish your degree, it is often helpful to remember that those 10 years will pass, regardless of whether or not you work towards your degree.

4. Where do I start?

Your first step is to apply for admission to McMaster University. You must first be admitted to McMaster before you can register for a degree course.

See the “Admission Requirements” section of Office of the Registrar's website.

5. Do I get any credit for what I have done previously?

You may have completed some post-secondary education at another university, a community college, our own Centre for Continuing Education or a professional school. Advanced credit may shorten your degree program. McMaster has established policies for the recognition of credit from other such institutions, subject to provision of an official transcript of marks for evaluation and the required $60.00 document evaluation fee. You will receive your answer regarding advanced credits with your letter of acceptance.

For more information, consult the current Undergraduate Calendar, under “Admission Requirements”.

You will not obtain advanced credit for interest courses that do not lead to a degree or a diploma or for work/life experience.

6. What if I am already a degree student at McMaster or a McMaster Graduate?

If you are currently a McMaster degree student, i.e., you have taken a McMaster degree course within the last five years and have not attended another university or completed a college diploma program, you do not need to apply for admission, just register!

If you are a McMaster University Graduate wishing to take more undergraduate courses without pursuing a second degree, you do not need to apply for admission—just register as a “Continuing Student”

7. How much does it cost?

See the “Financial Services” website.

8. Is Financial Assistance available?

Financial assistance is available for educational purposes when a student's resources are not sufficient to meet educational goals.

See the “Student Financial Aid and Scholarships” website.

9. Whom do I see for help?

If you have any questions please contact:

The Office of the Registrar
Gilmour Hall, Room 108, McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8
(905) 525-4600
www.macadmit.ca

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Hours are extended various times throughout the year to
accommodate the registration process.

10. Why should I complete a part-time degree at McMaster University?

You can secure your future with a university degree. You will be amazed at the doors university study opens—the minimum requirement for many employers these days is a degree. You will learn to think analytically, to acquire knowledge, and to solve problems—skills that will enable you to cope with the changing economy.

Build your self-esteem, and learn the communication skills to share your opinions with confidence!