McGill Alert / Alerte de McGill

Updated: Fri, 07/12/2024 - 12:16

McGill Alert. The downtown campus will remain partially closed through the evening of Monday, July 15. See the Campus Safety site for details.

Alerte de McGill. Le campus du centre-ville restera partiellement fermé jusqu’au lundi 15 juillet, en soirée. Complément d’information : Direction de la protection et de la prévention. 

McGill.CA / Bachelor of Arts & Science / Accepted Students / Checklist

Incoming U1

What makes you a U1 student?

For your 120 credit (i.e. 4yr) B.A. & Sc. you're starting in U1 if you are commencing in the B.A. & Sc. with 24 or more credits of advanced standing*:

  1. Check the status of your Freshman/Foundation program requirements.
  2. You are eligible to choose your program stream and declare your Interfaculty/Major/Minor/Honours programs when registering for your first semester
  3. Consult with your advisors to confirm whether you are taking the right introductory courses for your academic programs.

Have you completed the Foundation/Freshman program requirements?

As a U1 student, you will have received transfer credits and exemptions from some or all of the required Freshman/Foundation courses. If you have not already calculated your transfer credits and exemptions, it is recommended that you do so before reading further.

If you did not receive a Québec CEGEP DEC in Science or Integrated Arts and Science, you should complete the Freshman/Foundation Program Planner as you may still have outstanding Freshman (U0) requirements. The information you provide by submitting this form will allow SOUSA advisors to let you know if you have any outstanding Freshman (U0) program requirements to complete.

What are my options for my program stream (Interfaculty, Honours, Multi-track, Joint-Honours)?

Interfaculty programs are interdisciplinary in nature. There are currently three such programs offered in the B.A. & Sc.: Cognitive Science, Environment, and Sustainability, Science and Society (SSS). Students in these programs complete 54 credits in the interfaculty program, a Minor Concentration or Minor Program of 18-24 credits. In order to maintain a balance of Arts and Science in the program, at least 21 credits must be from each of Arts and Science.

Honours programs are similar to the Interfaculty program but they have additional GPA requirements and research courses. There are currently three Honours programs offered: Cognitive Science, Environment, and Sustainability, Science and Society (SSS). Students must also select a minor program or minor concentration from either Arts or Science, such that they complete at least 21 credits in Arts and 21 credits in Science across their Honours program and their minor or minor concentration.

 

The multi-track system is intended for students who want a program that includes significant components from both Arts and Science. Students must complete a major concentration from one faculty, and a second major concentration from the other faculty. Programs offered by Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics, and Psychology are considered Science programs for the purpose of the B.A. & Sc. Exceptionally, you may take a Geography program in both Arts and Science.

Joint Honours programs are similar to the multi-track option, except that students select two Joint Honours components, one from Arts and one from Science. At present, the choice of Science component is restricted to either Math or Psychology. However, there is a great range of choices for the Arts component. To choose the Joint Honours option, students must meet the GPA and CGPA requirements set out in the departmental sections.

 

NOTE: Students in a Multi-track or Joint Honours program are required to complete the Integrative Course BASC 201 (3 credits). BASC 201 is recommended for students in an Interfaculty/Honours program. 

What programs are available to me?

Students selecting a program should choose areas that fit their general academic interests and background. The Bachelor of Arts and Science is intended to serve as a general preliminary step in the pursuit of major career goals. As a graduate, you will be prepared to pursue careers in a variety of fields that will make use of your specialist knowledge - you may find yourself applying to graduate schools, preparing for medical or dental school applications or considering careers in a wide range of occupations. The flexibility of the degree will serve you well after graduation, but having so many choices can feel daunting. This is why we recommend you put some time and research into identifying your strengths and interests and discovering what options you are most interested in pursuing.

For the list of available programs and their associated requirements, consult the eCalendar:

*If you are interested in declaring an Honours program, you must consult the eCalendar information for your program of choice as some Honours programs require the completion of specific prerequisites during your U1 year.  Some programs require prior departmental approval before declaring an Honours program - consult appropriate Program advisors to request approval.

How do I declare my programs?

You declare your programs in Minerva, on admission as a U1 student your major will automatically be set to Undeclared prior to registration. For technical support read the steps for declaring your programs in Minerva.

We are aware of technical issues in Minerva impacting the Major Concentrations in Biology, German Studies, Hispanic Studies and Religious Studies. If you are unable to save your program select when registering, please contact marina.saunders [at] mcgill.ca (Marina Saunders) and indicate both programs you are trying to declare. 

Can I change my program later?

Yes, it is possible to change programs if necessary, provided that there has been consultation with the appropriate advisors!

Where can I get some advice?

In addition to your degree and program advisors, McGill offers many resources through the Career Planning Service (CaPS), from tools that allow you to explore careers by major or by Industry, obtain information on job market trends, or complete a self-assessment (which is the first and the most important step in choosing an occupation or major and planning your career.

Students who are still unsure about their program choice may wish to discuss degree planning ideas with:

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