While an honours bachelor’s degree remains a popular choice, there are several alternative paths that offer unique opportunities for students. Specialized programs can immerse individuals in creative fields, like visual arts or performing arts, while double degrees can allow you to complete the requirements of two degrees in one path. Other paths can also provide a condensed, yet comprehensive, education through microprograms or general bachelor’s degrees.
Undergraduate programs
We offer more than 350 flexible undergraduate programs in English and French that let you create your own academic path to complete a made-to-measure degree.
How do I decide the right path for me?
Creating your own educational path can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help! For your first year of university, the first step is to choose your main discipline. Next, try to plan ahead even though you won’t be making other choices until your second year.
You can design a degree that suits you best, provided you follow your program's requirements. Each program has its own structure and specific requirements to earn your degree. Some paths have more compulsory courses and others allow more room for electives. It’s crucial that you follow the correct course sequence and complete the required number of courses (compulsory, optional and elective) once you’ve chosen a program.
120 units40 courses4 years
Honours bachelor’s degrees
- Fixed path providing highly specialized training (54 or more units) in one discipline (shown in green)
- A higher proportion of electives compared to other paths (shown in purple)
- Discipline chosen at time of admission
- Minor or option cannot be added
- No changes required for duration of studies
120 units40 courses4 years
Honours bachelor’s degree with a minor
- Path providing highly specialized training in one discipline (54 or more units, shown in green) complemented by a minor (30 units, shown in yellow) in a second discipline of your choice and a small proportion of electives (shown in purple).
- Main discipline chosen at time of admission.
- Second discipline (minor) chosen and added after completing a minimum of eight courses (24 units).
120 units40 courses4 years
Honours bachelor’s degree including an option
- Path providing highly specialized training in one discipline complemented by an option in a field related to your main discipline (shown in green) as well as a small proportion of electives.
- Main discipline is chosen at time of admission.
- The point at which the option is chosen depends on the program.
120 units40 courses4 years
Joint honours bachelor’s degree
- Fixed path involving two pre-established complementary disciplines (shown in grey) with a good proportion of electives (shown in purple).
- Limited number of (pre-established) discipline combinations.
- Combination chosen at time of admission.
- No changes required for duration of studies
120 units40 courses4 years
Honours bachelor’s degree with double major
- Path allowing for specialized training in two different disciplines, with a good proportion of electives (shown in purple).
- The first major (42-60 units) must be one offered by your home faculty (shown in blue).
- The second major (42-60 units) can be one offered by another faculty (shown in blue).
- Main discipline (first major) chosen at time of admission.
- Second major chosen and added after completing a minimum of eight courses (24 units).
120 units40 courses4 years
Honours bachelor degree with major and minor
- Path allowing for specialized training in one discipline complemented by a minor (30 units) in a second discipline of your choice and a good proportion of electives courses (shown in purple).
- The major (42-60 units) must be one offered by your home faculty (shown in blue).
- The minor (30 units) can be one offered by another faculty (shown in yellow).
- Major chosen at the time of admission.
- Minor chosen and added after completing a minimum of eight courses (24 units).
Specialized programs
- Specialized programs are those in which individual students and their respective faculty professors agree on specific course requirements.
- A very small proportion of electives (shown in purple).
- Examples include:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Applied Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Commerce
Other academic paths
43 to 63 courses4 years, 5 years or more
Double degree
• This path allows you to complete the requirements of two degrees simultaneously (shown as two equal parts).
• Can be a combination of an honours bachelor’s degree and a professional or graduate-level program.
• Degree combinations are pre-established and chosen when you apply for admission.
• Only one application for admission is required to apply for admission to both programs.
4 to 5 years
Dual fast-track degree
• Paths that allow for specialization in two disciplines.
• Students graduate with two degrees up to one year sooner.
90 units30 courses3 years
Bachelor's degree
• Path providing a basic university education without specialization.
• More than half of this degree can be electives (shown in purple).
• A minor (30 units) offered by your home faculty can be added but is not mandatory.
• Does not allow for entry into graduate-level studies.
9 to 21 units3 to 7 coursesLess than 1 year
Microprograms
- Elective courses presented as a set in one field that can be added to a main program (shown in pink)
Contact information
Liaison Office
Tabaret Hall (map)
550 Cumberland Street, Room 088
Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5
Canada
Tel.: 613-562-5800 ext. 1000
Toll free: 1-877-868-8292
Canadian applicants: [email protected]
International applicants: [email protected]
Office hours
September 1 to May 31:
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
June 1 to August 31:
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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