McMaster University

  • 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8view map
  • (905) 525-9140
  • January 11, 2012 (Ontario students). All other students, please review the website for details.
  • April 15, 2010
  • www.mcmaster.ca

Fact Sheet

  • 1887
  • University
  • Research Intensive
  • English
  • Martin Short actor; James Orbinski and Richard Heinzl - founding members of Doctors Without Borders; Dr. Samantha Nutt - War Child Canada founder; Roger Neilson - Hockey Hall of Famer; Dalton McGuinty - premier of Ontario

What the Students Say

Five Things:

  1. International reputation for research (science, medicine)
  2. Emphasis on problem-based learning
  3. Multidisciplinary programs; wide array of classes
  4. Diverse, friendly, sense of community
  5. Large class sizes in lower years

Courses With Kudos

Medicine; Health Sciences; Kinesiology; Science; Engineering; Business

Student Sound Offs

"I enjoy that I did not have to choose a major in the first year so I could explore classes; I've now chosen a major that is completely different from what I had originally planned."

"The pedestrian-only campus makes it safe and easy to walk around. The beautiful old ivy-covered buildings are one of my favourite parts, as is the nature reserve that Mac backs onto."

"The classes that I'm in are really small (about 25 students in 2nd and 3rd year, 10 or less in 4th year), so the profs really get to know the students."

"There are some language barriers, as some TAs and profs speak with heavy accents."

"Every course is more or less problem based learning. When I applied to Mac I thought it was only the medical school that was PBL; I would have like this fact to have been highlighted more."

"Best research school in Canada. Soon to have the world's most powerful electron microscope."

"The administration at McMaster seems to be concerned only with its research standing and supporting the business, engineering and medical students. One feels that if the administration could get rid of Humanities and remain an accredited university McMaster would do so."

"The recreation and athletics program at Mac is amazing. Between varsity, intramural and recreational classes, they have every sport you can imagine. The new gym is amazing, and includes wall-climbing facilities."

"The student centre truly is the heart of the school and there is always something interesting happening there. To experience the true diversity of McMaster, that is the place to be."

"Many of the residences are much nicer than McMaster advertises. The older ones have huge bedrooms, piano rooms, tea rooms, gorgeous wood carvings and old decorative windows."


Student survey results and additional indicators

For: McMaster University
Institution size classification: Large   (see the methodology)

    Notes
  1. Latest survey update: October 2011
  2. Other data sources: latest available data shown
  3. All letter grade results are student satisfaction data

Legend

Canadian University Report - Student Survey
Third Party Data - additonal indicators
 
Data Source - Thomson Reuters*
 

Search by FIELD OF STUDY

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All Fields of Study

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Arts & Humanities

Business & Commerce

Education

Engineering & Technology

Health & Medical

Sciences & Math

Fine & Performing Arts

Overall Student Satisfaction

Results for: All fields of study Results Average
Overall Satisfaction B+ B

Quality of Teaching

Results for: All fields of study Results Average
Overall Quality of Teaching and Learning B+ B
Out-of-Class Communication Between Students and Instructors B+ B
Academic Reputation of Faculty Members A- B+

Academic Resources

Results for: All fields of study Results Average
Ease of Course Registration Process D B-
Number of Courses to Choose From B- B

Campus Atmosphere

Results for: All fields of study Results Average
Sense of Community on Campus B+ B-
Sense of Community Within Your Faculty A- B
Sense of Personal Safety and Security A A-

Class Size

Results for: All fields of study Results Average
Class Size B B
Average # of Students in First Year Class 454 226
Percentage of First Year Classes taken with < 30 Students 2% 8%
Percentage of First Year Classes taken with 30-100 students 10% 35%
Percentage of First Year Classes taken with 100+ Students 88% 57%
Percentage of Fourth Year Classes taken with < 30 Students 22% 26%
Percentage of Fourth Year Classes taken with 30-100 students 50% 57%
Percentage of Fourth Year Classes taken with 100+ Students 29% 17%

Technology

Results for: All fields of study Results Average
Speed of On-Campus Internet Connection B B
Availability of Computers On-Campus B B
Access to Course / Teaching Materials On-Line B+ B+
Labs and Research Equipment B+ B

Physical Infrastructure

Results for: All fields of study Results Average
Classrooms and Lecture Halls B B-
Student Residences B B-
General Attractiveness of Buildings B+ B-
Physical Fitness, Sports and Recreational Facilities A B

Libraries

Results for: All fields of study Results Average
Availability of Books / Articles / Periodicals A- B+
Study Spaces in the Library C+ B-
Library Hours of Operation B B+

Campus Activity

Results for: All fields of study Results Average
How Often Attended Campus Social and Cultural Events Sometimes Sometimes

Employment

Results for: All fields of study Results Average
Relevance and Acquisition of Knowledge and Skills Needed for Future Career B+ B
Reputation of the University Among Employers A- B+
Co-op / Internship Opportunities B- B-
Career and Employment Services B B

Off Campus

Results for: All fields of study Results Average
The City or Town in Which the Institution is Located B- B+
Quality of Public Transportation B+ B
Variety and Quality of Cultural and Sports Activities and Events B B
Affordability and Quality of Places to Hang Out Like Restaurants, Bars, clubs or Coffee Shops B B
Availability and Affordability of Off-Campus Housing B C

Athletics

Results for: All fields of study Results Average
Recreational and Athletic Programs and Services A- B+
Percentage of Students Using Campus Recreation and Athletic Programs and Services 79% 67%
Athletic Scholarship Amounts per Athlete N/A $732

Student Services

Results for: All fields of study Results Average
Academic Support Services (e.g. Writing Clinics, Learning and Study Skill Workshops) B+ B
Academic Counselling and Advising Services B B
Campus Bookstore B+ B
Services for International Students N/A B

Costs

Results for: All fields of study Results Average
Tuition and Ancillary Fees $5,971 $4,915
Tuition and Ancillary Fees Min $5,971 $4,915
Tuition and Ancillary Fees Max $6,044 $6,243
On-Campus Room and Board Min $6,780 $7,052
On-Campus Room and Board Max $10,105 $11,408
Off-Campus Housing Min $4,448 $5,107
Off-Campus Housing Max $5,624 $6,222

Student Enrolment

Results for: All fields of study Results Average
% Male - Full-Time, Undergraduate 44% 44%
% Female - Full-Time, Undergraduate 56% 56%

Research Performance

Results for: All fields of study Results Average
Number of Publications 2635 N/A
International Collaborations 1144 N/A
Federal Research Funding ($ Millions) 76 78
* Data source: Thomson Reuters, Web of Science (SCI Expanded, SSCI & AHCI), compiled by the Observatoire des sciences et des technologies. http://researchanalytics.thomsonreuters.com/