What programs require a major?

 

  • 20 unit (4 year) Bachelor of Arts
  • 20 unit (4 year) Bachelor of Science
  • 15 unit (3 year) Bachelor of Arts (Major) *For students admitted prior to and including the 2008-2009 academic year.
  • 15 unit (3 year) Bachelor of Science (Major) *For students admitted prior to and including the 2008-2009 academic year.

A major is a specialization in one discipline, intended to provide background and depth in the discipline. Students must officially declare their major before registering for their sixth unit of coursework.

For further assistance on choosing your major, please contact the Career Services.

Majors at the Mount:

Biology
Canadian Studies
Chemistry
Cultural Studies
Economics
English
French
History
Mathematics
Political Studies
Psychology
Public Policy Studies
Sociology/Anthropology
Women’s Studies

Choosing Your Major:

  1. Take courses that interest you.
  2. Get involved in activities on campus (societies, clubs, sports, volunteering, part-time work). These extra-curricular activities will give you an idea of where your interests lie.
  3. Strive for high grades to keep your options open– attend study skills workshops for help in this area.
  4. Meet with an Academic Advisor to discuss course options.
  5. Meet with a Career Counsellor to take an interest inventory and other self-assessment activities.
  6. Research majors and careers that appeal to you.
  7. Talk to professors and the Chair of the discipline you are interested in.
  8. Talk to people who perform careers that interest you (attend career fairs, participate in other Career Planning Centre programs).

Researching Your Options:

If you are unsure of what you would like to major in, talk to your Academic Advisor, the Career Counsellor and/or your professors. Ask questions about different disciplines, and your potential major(s). By researching the programs, you will develop a stronger sense of what the right fit for you is. The following is a list of questions to get you started:

  1. What is the study of [insert discipline here]? (Ie, English, Chemistry, Sociology, etc.)
  2. What occupations are linked to this major?
  3. What courses are needed to successfully complete this major?
  4. What minor and electives would best complement this major?
  5. What are the characteristics of successful students in this field?
  6. Does this program offer opportunities to do volunteer work?
  7. Where have students from this program gone after graduation?
  8. What graduate programs can I apply to with this major?
  9. How did you become interested in this field?
  10. Is there another student or alumnae you can refer me to for further information?

Declaring Your Major:

Please Note: You must declare your Major or a General Studies program before registering for your sixth unit of coursework.

If declaring a major:

  1. Complete a Declaration/Change of Program form (available online, from Registrar’s Office or the Student Academic Advisor).
  2. Have the “Declaration/Change of Program” form signed by the Chair of the department in which you are majoring.
  3. Take the completed form to the Registrar’s Office. You must file a signed declaration form with the Registrar’s Office to officially declare your major.

If declaring a General Studies program:

  1. Complete a Declaration/Change of Program form (available online, from Registrar’s Office or the Student Academic Advisor).
  2. Have the Student Academic Advisor in the Dean’s Office sign the form.
  3. Take the completed form to the Registrar’s Office. You must file a signed declaration form with the Registrar’s Office to officially declare your General Studies program.